Gateway Town

Indio

Gateway Town

Indio is Joshua Tree's southwest supply hub, 25 miles away with full services and 15+ hotels.

Quick facts

Town Type
Supply Depot
Population
89137
Best Known For
Last major supply and lodging hub southwest of Joshua Tree
About This Town
Indio is a working desert city in the Coachella Valley, 41 km southwest of Joshua Tree. It's the primary resupply and lodging base for visitors approaching the park from the southwest, with 15 hotels, 52 restaurants and cafes, and complete services including fuel and groceries. Most travelers use Indio as a practical staging point.

Town overview

Town Type
Supply Depot
Population
89137
Best Known For
Last major supply and lodging hub southwest of Joshua Tree
About This Town
Indio is a working desert city in the Coachella Valley, 41 km southwest of Joshua Tree. It's the primary resupply and lodging base for visitors approaching the park from the southwest, with 15 hotels, 52 restaurants and cafes, and complete services including fuel and groceries. Most travelers use Indio as a practical staging point.

Park access

Distance From Park
41.2 km (25.6 miles) southwest
Nearest Airport
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), 23 miles west

Where to stay & eat

Hotel Count
15
Bnb Count
1
Lodging Variety
Chain hotels and independent motels
Restaurant Count
52

Planning advice

Peak Season
December through March (winter escape season)
Shoulder Season
May through October
Booking Advance
Book hotels 2-3 months ahead during winter peak season

Location

Coachella

40 km southwest: fuel and food hub, zero lodging. Don't sleep here.

Mecca

44 km from Joshua Tree. Gas and food only—no lodging.

Twentynine Palms

Your base for Joshua Tree—hotels, gas, 26 murals, 33 restaurants. 32km to the park gate.

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Sources

  • YourNPGuide Editorial

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.