The Joshua Tree Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile night race in the Mojave Desert, starting and finishing at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. Participants wear headlamps and reflective gear for the entire race, which takes place after dark. The moon, stars, and quiet desert provide the primary illumination and atmosphere.
The course is a challenging loop on sandy dirt roads adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. Soft, deep sand suggests trail shoes are a practical choice. The route offers views of gnarled Joshua trees, remote canyons, shadowed buttes, and expansive high desert landscapes. This event is part of the Vacation Races series, concluding its season with a decorated finish line.