Joshua Tree, California (National Park) to Telluride: Road Trip Guide & Distance

532.4 miles 856.8 km · straight line
638.9 miles estimated 1028.2 km · driving distance
12h 51min estimated drive time
$61 - $76 estimated fuel cost
~1h 34min flight time
56° NE bearing direction

How far is Joshua Tree, California (National Park) from Telluride?

The distance from Joshua Tree, California (National Park) to Telluride is 532.4 miles (856.8 km) as the crow flies. Telluride is located NE of Joshua Tree, California (National Park). By car, the driving distance is approximately 638.9 miles, taking about 12h 51min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 34min. Both are located in United States — Joshua Tree, California (National Park) in California and Telluride in Colorado.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Joshua Tree, California (National Park) and Telluride. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Joshua Tree, California (National Park) to Telluride

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 12h 51min $61 - $76 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 34min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~15h 25min $51–$96* Budget
Train ~16h 42min $77–$224* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Joshua Tree, California (National Park) & Telluride

Quick Facts

Joshua Tree, California (National Park)
33.87°N, 115.90°W
America/Los_Angeles
792m elevation
Telluride
37.94°N, 107.81°W
America/Denver
2667m elevation
Explore more routes from Telluride

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 177 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 44 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 46.8 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients