Joshua Tree National Park is located 2 hours East of downtown Los Angeles and is a world apart from the City of Angels. The park was created by the 1994 Desert Wilderness Protection Act, bumping its status from National Monument to Park. JTNP is a hub of activity to rock climbers, hikers, and those driving through. Its proximity to the sprawl of the Los Angeles basin and Palm Springs ensure a steady stream of visitors year round. The park is most crowded between October and April, when temperatures are most moderate.