
easy
30 minutes
Suitable for most fitness levels — minimal physical exertion, basic balance and mobility required
Spend thirty minutes on a safe, instructor‑led paintball target range beside Coyote Dry Lake. This easy, family‑friendly experience mixes desert scenery with a hands‑on introduction to paintball markers.
The late‑afternoon wind carries grit across the dry lakebed and a scatter of Joshua trees lean like patient spectators as paintballs begin to arc and splatter. At the Paintball Target Shooting range, a short drive from the park boundary, the desert’s flat, open expanse gives new shooters room to breathe, aim, and watch colors blossom on plywood and can‑shaped targets. It’s not a team arena; it’s a simple, safe introduction to the thump of a paintball marker and the small, satisfying chaos of a perfect shot.

Bring at least 1 liter of water per person and a hat—the dry lakebed offers little natural shade and temperatures can spike quickly.
Sturdy sneakers protect feet from hot sand, broken targets, and uneven ground during movement between shooting stations.
Desert dust and paint splatter can damage gear—use a sealed bag or keep electronics in a vehicle while shooting.
Markers are provided and the instructor controls safety; listen to handling and range commands to avoid accidents.
The area around Joshua Tree has long been used by Indigenous peoples and later by miners and ranchers; the dry lakebeds are vestiges of wetter climates and seasonal water flow.
Operators are asked to contain paint debris and pack out trash; the Mojave’s soil crusts and plant life recover slowly from disturbance, so minimizing footprint matters.
Protects your feet on rough, sandy surfaces and from target debris.
Shades improve sightlines and reduce glare when aiming in bright desert sun.
summer specific
Hydration is critical in the Mojave; refill before arrival and carry water during your visit.
summer specific
Evenings on the desert floor cool quickly—bring a thin layer for post‑shooting sunset views.
fall specific