Gateway Town

Mecca

Gateway Town

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

Quick facts

Town Type
Supply Depot
Population
8219
Best Known For
Salton Sea gateway
About This Town
Unincorporated agricultural community on the north shore of the Salton Sea. Limited tourism infrastructure but useful for fuel and quick meals. Practical stop 44 km from Joshua Tree.

Town overview

Town Type
Supply Depot
Population
8219
Best Known For
Salton Sea gateway
About This Town
Unincorporated agricultural community on the north shore of the Salton Sea. Limited tourism infrastructure but useful for fuel and quick meals. Practical stop 44 km from Joshua Tree.

Park access

Distance From Park
44 km southwest

Where to stay & eat

Hotel Count
0
Bnb Count
0
Restaurant Count
5

Visitor services

Banks Atms
0
Laundry Facilities
0

Planning advice

The Vibe
Working agricultural town, not a tourist destination. Quiet, utilitarian pace—stop for fuel and a meal, then keep moving. Requires a car.

Location

Coachella

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

Indio

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

Twentynine Palms

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

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

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.