Joshua Tree Half Marathon 2026: Dates, Registration & How to Run the Night Race

The Joshua Tree Half Marathon is one of the most unusual 13.1s on the US calendar: a night race through the Mojave Desert, run entirely under the stars on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Organized by Vacation Races, it starts at 6:00 PM PST from Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, sending runners onto a sandy desert loop where a headlamp is as mandatory as your shoes.

Quick answer: The 2026 Joshua Tree Half Marathon is Saturday, November 7, 2026, 6:00 PM PST — 13.1 miles on sandy desert trails near Joshua Tree, California, run entirely at night. Current entry is $209 with earlier releases sold out. You must bring a headlamp and reflective gear, and the 4-hour cutoff welcomes hikers and run-walkers too.

The essentials: dates, distance, and start

The course runs near — not inside — Joshua Tree National Park, through the high desert near Copper Mountain. Expect iconic twisted Joshua trees silhouetted against a star-filled sky, plus sections of soft, deep sand where trail shoes earn their keep.

A headlamp is mandatory for this one — our guide to the best headlamp for night hiking under $50 covers bright, budget-friendly options, and our how to night hike safely walkthrough covers pacing and navigation after dark. For the desert half, read up on how much water you need for desert hiking before race morning.

Registration: pricing and how to enter

Registration is handled directly by Vacation Races on their official race page. Pricing moves through releases, and as of this writing every release below $209 is sold out — the current release is $209, with payment plans available for runners who’d rather split it.

Two things worth knowing before you click register:

• Entries are limited, and the season-closer reputation of this race means it fills. The sold-out early releases are the signal.
• Packet pickup happens in advance — plan to arrive before race day, usually at a designated spot near the venue.

Register on the official Vacation Races page →

How to attend: travel, lodging, and race-weekend logistics

Most runners base themselves in Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms, a short drive from the start/finish at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. Race weekend pairs naturally with a national park visit — Joshua Tree National Park is right there — but budget daylight for the park separately, because your evening belongs to the race.

Night-race logistics to plan around:

• Arrive early. The 6 PM start means you’re navigating the venue, packet pickup, and the start corral in fading light. Give yourself a relaxed afternoon, not a sprint from the airport.
• Book lodging early. Race weekends fill the small desert towns fast; the campground at the venue is the closest option, with hotels in Twentynine Palms as backup.
• Desert nights are cold. November highs run around 75°F, but lows drop near 50°F — and it feels colder standing around pre-race. Dress in layers you can shed at the start.

Night-race prep: the gear that actually matters

This race punishes poor preparation and rewards the prepared. The non-negotiables:

• Headlamp (mandatory) + backup. Bring a reliable headlamp with fresh batteries and a backup light. Organizers require a light and reflective gear for every runner.
• Trail shoes. The course is mostly dirt roads with sections of loose, deep sand. Road flats will betray you.
• Your own bottle or cup. It’s a waste-free race — aid stations refill your reusable bottle; there are no disposable cups.
• Layers. A light jacket for the start/finish area; you’ll warm up fast once running but cool down fast when you stop.
• Training on sand and in the dark. Even a few evening runs on uneven ground will calibrate your ankles and your confidence.

Why runners love this one

The Joshua Tree Half Marathon has built a loyal following as a season-closing bucket-list race: a glowing finish-line celebration, a course that’s challenging without being brutal, and the rare experience of running desert singletrack under a genuinely dark sky. The 4-hour cutoff keeps it welcoming — this is a race you can hike-run with friends and still finish with time to spare.

Event details compiled from the official Vacation Races race page and published race listings. Prices, start times, and policies can change — confirm on the official registration page before you travel.