13.1 MILES THROUGH THE DESERT AT NIGHT
13.1 MILES THROUGH THE DESERT AT NIGHT
Weather/Conditions
Closest Airport
Start / Finish Location
Difficulty
Course Time Limit
Terrain
Joshua Tree
DISTANCE
This race will be at NIGHT. Running through the desert outside Joshua Tree under the stars and the moon with the quiet of the night, the deep canyons in the distance, silhouetted buttes, and the twinkling desert all around will be an unforgettable experience. Explore Joshua Tree by day – run it at night. Running through the desert outside Joshua Tree under the stars and the moon with the quiet of the night, the deep canyons in the distance, silhouetted buttes, and the twinkling desert all around will be an unforgettable experience. Explore Joshua Tree by day – run it at night.
Day 3
Porcupine Rim | 14.6 mi.
September 19th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,105 ft / -2,956 ft
Experience unique views of the famous Castle Valley with its majestic buttes, craggy cliff faces, and impressive stature. Along our route, catch a glimpse of Coffee Pot Rock and marvel at the colorful layers that have built the land. Elsewhere, listen with hopes of hearing the Colorado River below.
13.1 mi.
NOV 7, 2026
November 7th, 2026
Start: 6:00 pm (PST)
Cutoff: 4hrs
Elevation Gain: 589 ft
This has quickly become a favorite of thousands to cap off their racing season.
The Joshua Tree Half Marathon is a one-of-a-kind NIGHT RACE that takes you through the desert and under the stars with colorful lights leading you to the finish!
Day 2
Gemini Bridges (16.75 mi.)
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
Get a taste of this region’s incredible orange sandstone arches without the crowds. This loop trail circumnavigates fins of elevated sandstone and gives you a glimpse of the mighty Colorado River. Through erosion, these fins have transformed into a variety of partial and full arches that span the bright blue sky.
Reasons to run
JOSHUA TREE
There’s nothing quite like watching the Mojave flip from sunset gold to deep desert blue. Joshua Tree silhouettes sharpen, the air cools, and the sky fills with stars that feel close enough to touch. It’s the kind of night that makes the whole world feel bigger and quieter at the same time.
The desert fades into shadow, your headlamp becomes a small halo, and the night sky becomes the main event. Running here is an experience that feels both intimate and vast — a place made for after-dark adventure.
Unforgettable Night
Race Experience
Stargazing
Adventure
Iconic Landscape Medal Art
Victory Snacks
Legendary Desert Scenery
Reasons to run
JOSHUA TREE
Whether you're an experienced trail runner or just starting out, Moab Trailfest is the perfect opportunity to meet other outdoor enthusiasts, discover new trails, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the American Southwest. Don't miss out on this incredible trail festival experience and the opportunity to explore the best places in the United States.
Unforgettable Night Race Experience
Iconic Landscape Medal Art
Stargazing
Adventure
Victory
Snacks
Legendary Desert
Scenery
JOSHUA TREE HALF MARATHON
13.1 Miles
NOVEMBER 7, 2026
13.1 MILES
6:00 PM PST
SANDY TRAIL LOOP
4 HRS (18MIN/MILE)
+ 773 FT
The Joshua Tree Half Marathon offers a uniquely beautiful but challenging nighttime run through the Mojave Desert near Copper Mountain. While not traditionally scenic, the course features stunning desert landscapes, star-filled skies, and Joshua trees. Runners will navigate mostly dirt roads and trails with varying terrain, including loose and deep sand that can make footing difficult. Because the race takes place at night, participants must bring a headlamp or light and wear reflective gear for safety. The course is well-marked, but runners are responsible for staying alert, following directions, keeping left with traffic, and remaining on course to avoid disqualification. Though fully runnable, the demanding conditions make it unsuitable for strollers and require preparation for a tough but rewarding experience.
What to
EXPECT
EVENT SCHEDULE
12:00 PM Race Expo & Bib Pickup open to all runners
4:30 PM All cars should be parked for 6pm start time & start line prize raffle begins!
5:00 PM Race expo closes & last call for bib pickup!
5:30 PM Pacers line up
5:45 PM Runners line up & gear check last call
6:20 PM Access to the parking lot will close to allow the race to begin
5:55PM National anthem
6:00PM RACE STARTS! Waves will start every few minutes
8:45PM Awards ceremony
Due to the nature of this course, a headlamp is required for all runners!
Don’t forget your headlamp, add one when you register and pick it up at the expo.
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Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past events
"This was my first 1/2 marathon & it was a blast. My whole family came and we made it a camping weekend. The campground was perfect, I highly recommend it. Vacation Races did a fabulous job with the event. Well-organized and super fun. Will definitely be looking for another race with them"
– Rachel
"This night race was my first ever and doing it outside of Joshua Tree National Park was amazing! Always love the people who coordinate it, the swag, the medals (ok, really one of my strongest reasons to run these races, the coolest and most artistic medals ever), and just the overall vibe"
— Paul
"This was an incredible experience for my first half. The race was extremely well managed and the organizers made this a very easy and welcoming experience. The course was very challenging, at night with lots of sand, but it was well marked and tons of amenities along the way. Also running under the full sky of stars was breathtaking."
– Max
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past events
Event
INFO
LOCATION:
RESET Hotel (7000 Split Rock Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277)
We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all of our runners. All cars should be parked no later than 4:30 pm.
Runners will park in the designated parking areas. Please get there early to avoid any rush and to give yourself time to get ready for the race. If you have a reserved RV spot or are camping with Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, please park your vehicle in your camping area and walk down to the race.
DROP-OFF:
If you are dropping a runner off, please follow the drop-off signs.Please drop your runner off no later than 4:30pm. If you intend to stay and wait for your runner, you should park with the rest of event traffic.
Spectators and runners are welcome around the finish line to cheer on runners. They can park in the same parking lot and walk to the finish area.
Please DO NOT drive to other areas of the race course to watch runners.
This will add an unnecessary danger especially being a nighttime race. For spectators who are staying in the campground or RV camping, please walk down to the finish line.
As nature lovers, we are committed to keeping our events sustainable and managing negative impacts on the environment. Here's how you can help us:
CUP-FREE RACING
Single-use plastic is a huge source of waste at any public event. We have reduced that impact by making our events "cup-free".
What does that mean for you?
Coolers of water and electrolyte drink are available at all aid stations, but cups will not be provided on course or at the finish line. In order to stay hydrated, we ask you to bring one of the following:
1. Reusable water bottle
2. Nathan reusable cup - These light-weight cups fold into a pocket or waistband. Request one when you sign up to run!
3. Hydration pack - These are refillable backpacks meant for running that allow you to access fluid via a built-in straw.
ZERO WASTE CONTAINERS
You can help us reduce trash by sorting disposable items into the appropriate container.
You’ll notice three containers at our events:
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Compostables: Organic goods like banana peels and most food items (without the wrapper please!)
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Recyclables: Paper, aluminum, cardboard, steel, and glass. Please dump out any liquids into the compost bin BEFORE recycling the container.
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Everything Else: Non-recyclable food wrappers like from used gel packets and styrofoam. Please dump out any food matter BEFORE throwing away the container.
Please avoid putting organic waste and compostable items in the wrong bin. It gets gross to sort through.
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Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group.
Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older.
As of yet, we do not offer non-binary age group awards.
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race.
RESULTS
Live results will hosted online by Laurel.
Visit the results button below for final finisher times after the event is completed. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. Because our age group winners are based on chip time, it is possible to cross the finish line before someone else in your age group while still finishing with a slower time than them.
Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you!
Got questions about your placement? Please email timing@brooksee.com.
SHIP MY MEDAL
Visit this link to have your place medal shipped to you.
HALF MARATHON RACE PHOTOS
Don’t forget your smile! FinisherPix will be onsite, capturing your race day smiles. Photos will be available 24-48 hours after the event completion. Pre-Order your photos here!
When you pre-order, photos will be automatically sent to you, digitally, a few days after the event completion. Remember your race experience forever!
Share your experiences with us! Be sure to use the event hashtag in any photos you post from the race or your adventures exploring the park so we can share in the fun with you!
Be sure to use #JTHalf in anything you post!
Any participants hoping to compete for overall awards will need to start in the BLUE wave at the very beginning of the race. While the Overall Male, Female, Non-Binary and Masters Male and Female will be based on chip time for this event, the competitors for these awards will need to begin in the first wave, within the first 15 minutes of the starting gun time. Any athletes crossing the start line after the first wave begins will be considered for Age Group awards.
The official Race Shirt is picked up at expo upon check-in, and the official race medal is awarded upon crossing the finish line.
Exclusive Race merchandise will be available both at the race expo and near the finish line! When possible, we'll have race merch for sale in our online store after the race is over.
Please allow time for us to add items online.
Make Your Medal Even More Meaningful with iTab 🏅
Now, you can make it last forever with an iTab, a custom engraved plate with your name and finishing time that clips right onto your medal ribbon.
Pre-order before race day, and it’ll be sent to you automatically after you finish. If you missed out on pre-order, no worries. You can order yours today for just $15, including postage & packaging here
REQUIRED GEAR:
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Headlamps or flashlights
RECOMMENDED GEAR:
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Hydration system
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Offline-accessible course map device
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Proper bib placement (front of body, visible)
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Sun protection
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Buff/bandana
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Personal nutrition
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Layers as temps shift
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Trail shoes
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Gaiters
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Explore
JOSHUA TREE
Joshua Tree Half Marathon is where trail runners of all abilities come together to tackle one of the Southwest's most thrilling night races. Experience the raw, rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park after dark — and discover why this iconic desert landscape is unlike anywhere else on earth.
HIDDEN VALLEY
From the parking lot, follow the path between rock walls into Hidden Valley. Pass through a narrow gap to reach a sandy floor and a T-junction—choose any direction to explore. This rock-enclosed valley was once rumored to be used by cattle rustlers, and there’s no wrong way to explore it.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
KEY RANCH TOURS
Keys Ranch, a National Historic Site in a remote rocky canyon, is accessible only by guided walking tours to preserve its character. The half-mile tours last 90 minutes. Tickets must be purchased in person the same day at the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms starting at 8:30 am.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
BOY SCOUT TRAIL
The Boy Scout Trail is a mostly flat route along the edge of the Wonderland of Rocks and is popular for its variety of scenery. You’ll pass Joshua tree forests, boulder fields, and sandy washes. After 1.25 miles, a marked turnoff leads right to Willow Hole. Many hikers enjoy sunset views on the return.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
BARKER DAM
Barker Dam, built in 1900 for cattle and mining, now collects rainwater for wildlife like birds, rabbits, squirrels, bighorn sheep, and rattlesnakes—keep your distance. Water isn’t always present. The trail is easy; wear closed-toe shoes due to cacti. Follow the rope fencing from the parking lot to the trailhead.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
LOST PALMS OASIS
The trail begins at Cottonwood Spring. After the palms, it climbs southeast through scrub desert, with more boulders and rocky gullies along the way to Lost Palms Oasis. At 3.3 miles, a spur trail leads right to an overlook of the palms. The climb out of the canyon is strenuous—allow 5–6 hours for the hike.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
2026
MEDAL & TEE
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Coming Soon
Race weekend isn’t just a start line it’s a full-on adventure, and we want your trip to feel smooth from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re running, crewing, or cheering, HotelPlanner makes it easy to book the right place to stay with exclusive discounted rates for Joshua Tree participants, friends, and family, plus a seamless booking experience and 24/7 customer support. Your Joshua Tree HotelPlanner page is set up with official race weekend dates and lodging options near key event areas like Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line, so you’re close to the action and ready for a stress-free race morning.
Book early to snag the best rates and make the most of your time in Joshua Tree, California.
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