Joshua Tree National Park Review

Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

With its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua trees and almost lunar landscape of giant granite boulders and rolling mountains, Joshua Tree National Park is like something out of a children’s storybook. It’s not uncommon for people to describe how they feel about the park using terms like magical or spiritual.

The most popular things to do here are walking or hiking among the trees, climbing high rock walls, camping under the stars, capturing the beauty in pictures, or soaking up the tranquility of the desert.

Set at the confluence of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, the park has a complex landscape, with quite different landforms and vegetation depending on elevation. Some areas are covered with mature Joshua trees as far as the eye can see, and others are completely bare of them but still offer their own unique beauty.

Nature trails, hiking trails, and vehicle pull-outs are spread throughout the park, providing easy access to this spectacular landscape.

Although the park covers approximately 800,000 acres, most of it is not accessible by road. Two main roads pass through the park: Park Boulevard, which runs west to east from Twentynine Palms and the north entrance to the west entrance and the town of Joshua Tree; and Pinto Basin Road, which merges with Park Boulevard and runs south to north from Interstate 10 and the Cottonwood Visitor Center to the north entrance and the town of Twentynine Palms.

Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Park Boulevard is the main part of the park that is of interest to most visitors, but other points of interest can be found on the north side of Pinto Basin Road.

Note that pets are not allowed on the trails in the park. The only exception is Mara’s paved trail oasis. Pets are allowed on a leash on dirt roads and on roads within campgrounds and picnic areas.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail & Day Use Area

Joshua’s Hidden Canyon area is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible areas of the park. It’s perfect if you want to take a short hike or wander between trees and rocks.

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is an enjoyable one-mile loop trail that enters through a hole in a large bowl surrounded by stone walls. It is believed that due to the geography, Hidden Valley was once used by cattle drives, which led cattle into the area to hide.

This is a relatively easy and scenic trail, making it one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. It doesn’t have many Joshua trees. Notable on this trail is the giant monolith known as the Great Burrito, a popular climbing area in the park.

The Hidden Valley picnic area, opposite the parking lot from the trailhead, is much more scenic, with an abundance of giant Joshua trees scattered around boulders and rock piles. It is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic and stroll around.

From the last picnic area at the west end, a very short beginner trail leads to the back of the boulder stand, which opens into a museum of boulders and trees, perfect for photography.

Keys View

It’s worth the drive to Keys View, a lookout at over 5,000 feet, with sweeping views of the Coachella Valley. In the distance, you can see the San Andreas Fault Line, Palm Springs, the Salton Sea, and, on a clear day, Mexico beyond. If the air is clear, the scenery is spectacular and it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the surrounding geography.

As you drive here, the elevation changes, the temperature cools significantly, and the landscape takes on a completely different character.

Barker Dam Nature Trail

Another short walking trail, Barker Dam is a 1.3-mile loop trail. If you just want to do a short trail in Joshua Tree, this is your best bet, with large Joshua trees, rocks, and an area of water that often attracts birds.

At the very end of the loop are the remains of a water tank left by cattle ranchers who once lived in the area. Many people walk to this point and turn around leaving this way, but this is a mistake. Although it may be a bit short, it is worth continuing with lots of great scenery and the biggest trees outside the dam.

Camping

Joshua Tree is a real treat for campers. Camping among Joshua trees, surrounded by exotic rocks, the experience here is different from your standard camping trip.

Several excellent Joshua Tree campgrounds are conveniently located for exploring the park. Each of them has its own look and feel, but all are worth spending a night or two under the starry sky.

The best time to camp here is spring and autumn: March, April, October and November. The nights are cool, but the days are sunny and warm.

This isn’t jumbo RV camping: The campgrounds are relatively small and are primarily for tent camping, RVs under 25 feet, or small pop-up style camp trailers.

One of the best campgrounds is Hidden Valley Campground, but it’s a first-come, first-served area. If you want the security of making a reservation before you arrive, the best option is Jumbo Rocks. Both are close to all the main things to see and do.

Cholla Cactus Garden

For nature lovers, the Chola Cactus Garden is surely one of the most spectacular places in the park, with more than a thousand densely packed cholis spread across the desert floor. While chollas are often sprinkled among other plants in the desert, here in this natural garden there are only cacti.

In the morning light or late afternoon sun, the backlit needles almost glow, and the mountains in the distance provide the perfect backdrop. An easy, level walking trail takes you to this magical place.

Chula Cactus Garden is on the road to Cottonwood Springs, past the Belle and White Tank campgrounds.

Along this road, leading to Cottonwood, there is an ocotillo patch, but these plants are sparse at this pull-out location. If you plan to leave the park on this road, there is no need to stop here as there are many more Ocotillos beyond Cottonwood on Interstate 10.

Skull Rock

Perhaps nowhere else in the park is the almost comic-book landscape better described than at Skull Rock. You can see faces and images in the rock formations that dominate the park, but at Skull Rock it takes little imagination to see the shape of a skull peeking out from the rocky rubble. This huge, naturally sculpted rock is located right next to the road, and it always draws crowds.

The entire area around this roadside stop is interesting, with an expanse of rock piles, perfect for walking or a gentle stroll. Remnants of trails run through the area, but many people wander around, find high spots to explore, sun themselves on rock slabs, or simply take a break.

Across the road is a 1.7 mile hiking trail between rocks and scrubby vegetation with a few Joshua trees scattered around.

Rock Climbing and Bouldering

Climbing and bouldering are the most popular recreational activities in the park, and one look at the landscape will tell you why. There are over 8,000 climbing routes and hundreds of climbing formations in the Joshua Tree neighborhood. Information pamphlets and maps are available at visitor centres.

Climbers frequent Joshua Tree National Park, especially during the winter months when the great climbing destinations further north, such as Yosemite, are out of season. Climbers congregate in several areas, but the Hidden Valley area and other nearby areas at the west end of the park are the main hotspots.

As a result, the campgrounds at this end of the park are consistently full throughout the winter, especially in February and March, when climbers and recreational campers are looking for spots.

Ryan Mountain Hike

From Park Boulevard, the hike up Ryan Mountain looks a bit arduous and relatively unspectacular, but the hike is all about the reward at the top, where the views span 360 degrees over the park. It’s a relatively strenuous, three-mile up-and-down hike, with 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

The exposed trail offers little or no shade and is less than exciting as it climbs to the top of a barren hill, but from the summit, at 5,457 feet, the view is fantastic, making the effort worthwhile.

Keys Ranch

In an area that few would describe as hospitable are the remains of the Keys Ranch, the former residence and ranch of William F. Keys, who settled in the area in the 1910s.

The property, which includes a house, schoolhouse, store, and workshop, is a National Historic Register site and can only be seen on ranger-led guided tours. These tours take place seasonally throughout the winter and spring.

The tours are very informative and give an insight into the Keys, who were quite a character, and the challenges the family faced and the ingenuity required to live here. Check the park website for information on tour dates and times.

Reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance. 90-minute tours are offered for a fee and include a half-mile walk.

Cottonwood Spring Oasis

Cottonwood Spring Oasis is a permanent spring, a rarity in the desert. Flow varies but currently, it is about 500 gallons per day.

The spring was brought to life by an earthquake many years ago and has since been used by local Cahuilla Indians, miners and prospectors for years. You can still see old gold processing equipment and some concrete ruins.

Cottonwood Spring is one of the park’s best birding areas. A reliable source of water, shade and trees attract birds and other wildlife to the area. Keep a close eye out for: Gamble’s quail, hummingbirds, bush tit, and the titmouse with its pointed crown.

Arch Rock Trail

Arch Rock Trail rewards hikers with great scenery without much effort. Only 1.4 miles long, the Lollipop Trail ensures you see new scenery for most of your trek. About halfway along the trail, you’ll come to an arch. Hikers who have been to other national parks such as Utah’s Arches may find the arch a bit underwhelming. However, the arch’s setting amidst an area of oddly shaped rocks makes up for its diminutive size.

With only about 100 feet of elevation gain from start to finish, the trail is easy, and one of the more popular hikes in the park.

Wildflowers in Spring

Spring is a wonderful time in the desert, and Joshua Tree National Park is no exception. Joshua trees themselves bloom, but so do many other plants, shrubs, and cacti in the park.

The best place to see wildflowers can depend on the week you’re visiting, but as a general rule, the park area near Cottonwood Spring and the spring on the road leading to Interstate 10 has a wonderful variety of wildflowers that bloom in large numbers. .

Not far from the Cottonwood Visitor Center, thousands of miniature Joshua trees dot the landscape, scattered as far as the eye can see in some areas. The spring blooms here are even more spectacular than the large Joshua trees because the flowers are lower to the ground and closer to eye level, making them easier to see.

From Cottonwood Spring to Interstate 10 there can be a kaleidoscope of colors, from yellows, oranges, and reds to pinks, purples, and blues.

Flowering times vary throughout the winter depending on elevation and weather conditions. Lower elevations typically begin blooming in February, and higher elevations may bloom as late as June. March and April are always a safe bet to see wildflowers.

Bird-Watching

Joshua Tree National Park’s location, at the junction of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, combined with a few permanent waterholes, draws birders from far and wide.

The park is a wintering ground for white-crowned sparrows, pine waxwings, juncos and many others. Some resident birds include greater roadrunners, colorful hummingbirds, red-tailed hawks, kestrels and cactus wrens. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ever-entertaining Gamble’s Quails and the ears and eyes of passers-by.

Best birding spots are Barker Dam, Lost Palm Oasis, Cottonwood Spring, and The Oasis of Mara.

Horseback Riding

The majority of the park is pure wilderness and ideal for horseback riding. About 250 miles of equestrian trails run through the park, many of which are well marked and easy to follow. Most horseback riding is in the Black Rock Canyon area along the trails near the park’s west entrance.

The trails are in open desert, along canyon floors, and over and over small passes. Note that water is not available anywhere along the route.

The park has two campgrounds, Ryan and Black Rock, with areas for horses and stock animals. Black Rock has a special horse camp, which can be reserved in advance. Ryan is first come, first served.

Gaze up at the Stars

Because of its desert location, with clear nights and relative solitude, Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to stargaze in the night sky. Joshua Tree has a designation as an International Dark Sky Park.

If you live in a city where lights obscure the sky, you’ll be amazed at the easy-to-see constellations like the Milky Way and the Big Dipper and Orion’s Belt. Winter is the best time for stargazing due to the short days and long nights, but be sure to bring warm clothes, as the temperature drops quickly as the sun goes down.

To see the stars in their full glory, give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

What you need to know before visiting JTREE

There is no cell service in the park. Although an RVer friend of ours told us that they found some small patches to stream the show, we never had any luck with it. Download your Google Maps and have a map of the park handy.

Get America’s Beautiful Pass to save money. If you plan to visit Jtree more than once or plan to visit two national parks in a year period, the annual cost is lower.
October to May is the peak season as it is very hot in summer.
March to May is the best season, but tourism is at its peak. It’s great for wildflowers and peak climbing season. If you come on a weekend, expect crowds. In summer, temperatures reach into the hundreds, but you can still explore mornings and evenings and take an AC break in the middle of the day.
Late April to late July is best for stargazing and astrophotography as the galactic center is visible longer.
If you don’t want to drive, take the free Road Runner shuttle bus. It takes you to all the main attractions and gives you free park entry. They run every 30 minutes and depart every hour from the Twentynine Palms Transit Center and the Oasis Visitor Center. During peak season, if you don’t go early, parking spaces at popular spots fill up.
If you’re trying to get a campground during peak season, plan ahead. We’ve been on a whim a couple of times and we’ve been driving around the campground for hours. Most weekends will be full. Try to arrive between 9 am and noon when people are leaving. If you want to go on the weekend, arrive by Friday morning (if not earlier). Make a backup plan if you can’t snag a campsite.
Pets are only allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and on paved and unpaved roads. They are not allowed on the trails and must be on a leash at all times.

What should I bring?

Bring plenty of drinking water. There aren’t many places in the park where you can get water. If you are there for several days, you can always run into town for supplies or drive daily for what you need.
Pack the layers. Desert temperatures can vary greatly from day to night.
Don’t forget your sunscreen. There is not much shade in the park.
Pets are only allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and on paved and unpaved roads. They are not allowed on the trails. They should also always be on a leash.
Your National Park Passport to collect your stamp! We recently started buying the stickers they sell in the store ($3 for $1) that we can stamp on our book instead of bringing it everywhere we go.

Things to know before visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Plan to carry extra drinking water. Access to the park is limited. If hiking, keep an extra gallon or two of water in your car while exploring the park.
The best time to visit is between October to May. Temperatures in the park can reach 125 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Even from October to May, temperatures can be high – so do all your hiking early.
Visit one of the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Centers for the latest park information.
Be prepared for traffic during the fall and spring. The park can be very busy and parking at trailheads may be limited.
Once you leave the visitor centers, there is no water or food available in the park. Only food and gas are available in the nearby towns of Joshua Tree, Indio, or Twentynine Palms.
The park has very limited cell service. Don’t trust your cell phone.
Watch the roads. If you see a desert tortoise on the road, please stop and help it to the other side.
There is no gas in Joshua Tree National Park. Please fill out before entering the park.

Visit Joshua Tree National Park

The closest airport to Joshua Tree is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which is located just over an hour from either park entrance. The next closest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is 140 miles west of Joshua Tree. Additional airport options include San Diego (SAN), Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix (PHX), although if you’re coming from that distance you’ll need at least three to get the most out of your visit. Must stay in the park for the day.

Estimated drive time to Joshua Tree National Park

San Diego, California – 3 hours
Los Angeles, California – 3 hours
Phoenix, Arizona – 3 hours
Las Vegas, Nevada – 3.25 hours

Joshua Tree can be reached by public transport but options are limited.

Currently, there is no public transportation within Joshua Tree National Park. As of May 2019, Joshua Tree completed a two-year trial period for a shuttle bus system in the park. As of June 2019, no update has been provided on whether the service will become a permanent fixture in Joshua Tree National Park.

Best time of year to visit Joshua Tree National Park

While Joshua Tree National Park can be visited at any time of the year, temperatures are most comfortable from October to April. The park is busiest between February and April and October to December.

Spring brings milder days and cooler nights. Depending on the rain storm, Joshua Tree offers spectacular wildflowers. Spring is also the most popular climbing season in the park.

Autumn offers the best light for photography. The temperature is comfortable and the crowds are slightly less than in the springs.

Joshua Tree is a desert park which means there is little shade on the hiking trails and 100 F is not unusual during the summer.

What to pack for a day at Joshua Tree National Park?

America the Beautiful National Parks Pass: Joshua Tree National Park costs $35 for a 7-day pass. If you plan to visit more than 3 National Park Services sites in a year, the American the Beautiful Pass will more than pay for itself.
Water bottle or bladder: It doesn’t matter how much or how little you’re hiking in Joshua Tree. You need to carry water with you. For short trips, a liter water bottle should be just fine. I prefer Nalgene bottles because they are lighter. If you want to keep your water cool, the Joshua Tree Hydroflask is perfect. For longer rides, I recommend a 3 liter hydration reservoir.
Water Storage: There is no water in Joshua Tree National Park once you leave the Visitor Center. You should plan on carrying one gallon of water per person per day. Personally, I keep a 5.3 gallon folding water cube in my car for extra water. I keep it so I have extra water and can help someone if I’m in dire straits. Cover the water cube with a towel or shirt when leaving it in the car. Sunlight reflecting through the container is capable of starting a fire.
Snacks: There are no services in the park. So grab all your snacks before you go. Pack a few different options so you’re ready for anything you want.
Fruits: Choose hard fruits like apples or pears. These are held up in heat and in packets, without being mushy. Another option is freeze-dried fruit. Freeze-dried strawberries are the BOMB. They are crunchy, sweet and best of all, they are light and delicious. These are my new favorite trail snack.
Vegetables: Cucumbers and carrots hold up well on hikes and in a hot car.
Granola Bars: Get your favorite non-coated chocolate granola bars. Anything coated in chocolate will melt and become a gooey mess. My favorite is the Cliff Bars selection. They are great even when squashed.
Cooler: If you want to keep anything remotely cool in your car, bring a heavy-duty cooler with you. Put some ice and a snack and a drink in the cooler and at least it won’t be hot when you get back from your trip.
Sunscreen: Joshua Tree is a desert. The famous Joshua trees are tall and slender, but they don’t provide much shade. You need to take extra care to protect your skin from the brutal desert sun. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen.
Sunglasses: Like sunscreen, you need a good pair of polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare.
Hat: A good sun hat can double the sun protection on your face and neck. I would recommend a wide brimmed safari style hat. For added protection, I’d go with a sun hat with a cap.
First Aid Kit: As with any outdoor adventure, accidents happen. It is better to be ready to help in any accident and have a compact first aid kit ready.
Tweezers: Joshua Tree is a desert with a range of cacti. I’m sure you wouldn’t intend to touch a cacti, occasionally a cacti will jump out and embed its cactus spine into your skin. Having a pair of sharp tweezers will help pull out those pesky spines. Chula cactus may look cute but they are not.
Flashlight: It’s always good to have a flashlight handy for a sudden sunrise or sunset hike. I only carry in my day pack in case I get distracted and am out longer than planned. Here’s a great all-weather flashlight.
Day Pack: A good day pack can carry all your snacks, water and other supplies while exploring Joshua Tree National Park. I have had great use from REI brand daypacks.
Sturdy hiking shoes: Hiking in Joshua Tree requires sturdy closed-toe shoes. Cactuses have spines and those spines like to embed themselves in the legs. A sturdy pair of hiking boots does wonders in preventing bunions in the feet.
Joshua Tree T-Shirt: Get a Joshua Tree T-shirt to celebrate your trip to Joshua Tree.

Outdoor Activities in Joshua Tree

Camping

Joshua Tree is one of the best places to camp in California. Camping in a tent or RV inside or outside Joshua Tree National Park gives visitors easy access to the park and its trails. You can pitch a tent at Jumbo Rocks, or park your RV at Belle Campground and enjoy the stars.

Inside the park, you can set up at places like Hidden Valley Campground and White Tank Campgrounds. These sites have primitive toilets and fire grates, but no water, so pack plenty of your own. Outside the park, you can reserve private campgrounds and camp on BLM land as well.

Offroading

While exploring Joshua Tree on foot is an option, some people prefer to explore on wheels. There are many dirt roads throughout the National Park that are open to 4-wheelers and mountain bikes.

Hike the tough, rugged 20-mile road into Pinkham Canyon, or drive through Covington Flat, where you’ll see some of the largest Joshua trees in the park. You’ll be able to cover more of the park and appreciate more desert scenery on wheels than on foot!

Keys View

If it’s views you’re after, Keys View will deliver. Daytime viewing will give you beautiful views of the Salton Sea and the mountains, and on particularly clear days you can even see Mexico.

Keys View is a popular stop for sunset chasers. Look at the horizon filled with reds, yellows and cloud-streaked oranges. Be sure to get there early – the parking lot fills up quickly with other people wanting to take in the views!

Cholla Cactus Garden

While the Joshua Trees steal the show in this national park, the desert is also home to the Chola cacti. The Chula Cactus Garden is a place where the teddy bear Chula cactus naturally dominates the landscape.

The trail through the Chula Cactus Garden is a short trail at just a quarter mile long, so it’s perfect for families with young children. The garden is also home to fragrant creosote bushes and wildflowers that color the desert during spring.

Attractions Near Joshua Tree

Pioneertown

If there was ever a place to wear your cowboy hat, it’s Pioneertown. This classic Old West-style town was built in 1946 as a realistic movie set for Westerns. Pioneertown is home to fully functioning businesses such as restaurants and small shops and makes for a fun family day out.

Stop by Pappy & Harriet’s for a bison burger, or sip on a cool cocktail at the Red Dog Saloon. Visit Soaps and Goats to browse locally made goods like soaps and scarves, and meet some cute and friendly goats!

Desert Hot Springs

If there was ever a place to put on your cowboy hat, it’s Pioneer Town. This classic old western-style town was created in 1946 as a realistic film for Westerners. Pioneertown is home to fully functioning businesses such as restaurants and small shops and offers a fun family day out.

Slab City

Slab City, also known as Slabs, is an off-the-grid desert community near the Salton Sea. Just outside of Slab City, you’ll find Salvation Mountain, a huge, colorful work of art that’s a popular photo spot.

In the East Jesus neighborhood, you can see many quirky art installations at the Outdoor Art Garden. Piles of old televisions, whimsically decorated cars, a giant mammoth made from blown-up car tires, and more creations await.

Mecca Hills Wilderness

The colorful canyons at Mecca Hills Wilderness look like the surface of another planet. This wilderness area south of Joshua Tree is home to trails where you can climb ladders through slot canyons.

Along these trails, rock walls surround you as you navigate the surface red canyons. The trails here are sandy and can be difficult, so be prepared with hiking boots and plenty of water.

Joshua Tree Hiking Trails

Contact Mine Trail

Just beyond the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, this four-mile trail takes you to an abandoned gold and silver mine on the side of a mountain. You can still see the rusty remains of the mine, such as tracks, winches, mine shafts, and abandoned equipment. This trail is perfect for a morning adventure before heading deeper into the national park.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Visiting the strange rock formations is one of the most popular things to do in Joshua Tree, and the Hidden Valley Nature Trail offers just that opportunity. One of the shorter hiking trails in the park, this one-mile path is surrounded by boulders and wildflowers in the spring.

Lost Horse Mine Trail

In the northwestern part of Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll find the Lost Horse Mine Trail. This challenging seven-mile hike leads to a historic abandoned gold mine and mill. The mill is very well preserved, and is a top destination within the national park for history buffs.

Ryan Mountain Trail

If you’re looking for scenic mountaintop views of Joshua Tree National Park and aren’t afraid of a little elevation, check out the three-mile Ryan Mountain Trail. The Ryan Mountain Trail is popular with hikers and trail runners. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the summit – there is a rock pile you can rest on while you eat.

California Riding and Hiking Trail

Whether you want to traverse Joshua Tree National Park on foot or on horseback, California’s riding and hiking trails provide the opportunity. This 38-mile trail can take up to 4 days to complete while backpacking, and spans the entire park. Carry plenty of water and food if you plan to go on this hike – the desert backcountry is quite dry and temperatures can rise quickly.

Food & Drink

Joshua Tree Saloon

The Joshua Tree Saloon is just a few minutes’ walk from the west entrance to the park and is the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring. There is indoor as well as outdoor seating, where you can enjoy beers on tap, savory appetizers, and a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

Joshua Tree Salon’s charming fare will keep you on your adventure. And, you can wrap up the night with your choice from the fun cocktail list. You can’t go wrong with a Mineshaft Burger and a pint of Ceylon’s Prickly Pear Blonde Ale!

Natural Sisters Cafe

If healthy, plant-based food is your jam, stop by Natural Sisters Cafe for your fix. Whether you’re in the mood for biscuits and gravy, a veggie wrap, or a fresh juice or smoothie, this cafe can deliver. Must try the curried rice wrap!

Joshua Tree Country Kitchen

What’s better than a hot, home-style meal on a cold desert morning? Stop by Joshua Tree Country Kitchen for classic comfort food. There’s also some Cambodian fare on the menu – recipes created by the kitchen’s previous owner.

Joshua Tree Coffee Company

Joshua Tree harvests plenty of organic beans and roasts them in-house, where you can grab a cup to go or buy whole beans to go. With six different roasts to choose from, you can experience all kinds of flavors. This local coffee company prides itself on its small-batch roasts, capturing the essence of the Joshua Tree wilderness in its products.

Crossroads Cafe

Crossroads Cafe serves classic diner food in an Old West-style restaurant. They also have an in-house pastry chef who prepares a variety of delicious treats that make the perfect post-hike breakfast! If you stop by for lunch, try their unique “Garfunkel” artichoke sandwich if you’re looking for something different.

DAY TRIP: HIKE MOUNT SAN JACINTO STATE PARK

We took a day trip to Palm Springs (about 45 minutes away) and had a great time. There are wonderful restaurants and lots of beautiful people, but the highlight of our day trip was Mount San Jacinto State Park.

We climbed the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with a very cool tram car that makes two complete loops before you reach 8,500 feet. Once there, you’ll find restaurants, an observation deck, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, and a gift shop. The observation desk overlooks the Coachella Valley on one side and…in my opinion…the star of the show on the other. Mountain!

The park offers more than 50 miles of hiking trails, including many backcountry sites that we plan to return to tackle. While you’re here, however, consider some easy hiking. The Discovery Trail is an easy 1.3 mile loop through spectacular trees.

Want something tougher? Try the Round Valley to Wellman Divide Trail – a challenging 6.6 mile loop that is fantastic!

DAY TRIP ALTERNATIVE: SALTON SEA

We ran out of time before visiting the Salton Sea, but it makes a great day trip alternative, taking you out of the park via the Cottonwood Visitor Center on Pinto Basin Rd. It is the lowest point in America, 236 feet below sea level! What to do here? Visit the International Banana Museum (funny, right?), the colorful Salvation Mountain, the East Jesus Outdoor Art Project… and the best part? Picnic at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area.

Best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park

The Joshua Tree is open (and beautiful!) year-round. Come in spring or fall for the best weather (but keep in mind, the park is busiest from January to April, so book your Airbnb early). If you visit during the summer months, plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later when the air is cooler.

On average, most people spend about four hours in the park, but given Joshua Tree’s jaw-dropping geological sites and abundance of trails, one could spend days exploring the otherworldly landscape.

Hit Joshua Tree’s best hiking trails.

Once you’re geared up with the right shoes and plenty of water to carry (seriously, it’s hot), it’s time to hit the trails. Skull Rock Nature Trail is one of the most popular in the park. From Jumbo Rocks Campground, it will take you about 1.7 miles through the desert until you reach Skull Rock, a huge boulder with two eye sockets carved out by years of water erosion. This is a very gentle route and great for beginners.

Another trail you should hit is Wonderland of Rocks, which—can you believe it—is a wonderland of rocks! Pebbles, boulders, and giant rocks are yours for 5.5 spectacular miles. Given the terrain, this is supposed to be a tough route, so make sure you’re up to the task.

Sarah Coombs of Joshua Tree House has written an entire book about the Joshua Tree with her husband, Rich. She recommends three underrated hiking trails: Willow Hole Trail, which covers 6.8 miles of relatively flat terrain; Pine City Trail, a moderate, four-mile trek where you’ll see a vast rock canyon and very few other people, and the Northview Trail, a six-mile hike that can be difficult to navigate at times (download a map!), but will take you through valleys filled with Joshua trees and dry desert washes.

There are also plenty of trails for horseback riding and mountain biking, if you prefer something faster than Hofen itself. The roads through the park are great for motorcyclists, as well as keep an eye out for desert tortoises crossing the road.

Try to Spot Some Wildlife

Although the desert looks uninhabited, it is actually home to a lot of wildlife. You just need to slow down, be still and know where to look. On my visit I saw a gray fox, coyotes, lizards, cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, chipmunks, a golden eagle, hawks, quail, hummingbirds and bats. Joshua Tree National Park is also home to bighorn sheep and the endangered tortoise, but we weren’t lucky enough to see them. There are also snakes, scorpions, tarantulas and mountain lions in the park, but I was not keen on running into them. (And thankfully I didn’t!)

Best places to see wildlife in Joshua Tree:

If you camp in the park, you’ll see some of the more common animals hanging around the campground. These include rabbits, ground squirrels and chipmunks. You may even hear the chirping of bats or the howling of coyotes at night. Your best chance to see bighorn sheep and other more solitary wildlife (such as foxes) is to visit the Wonderland of Rocks on the Boy Scout Trail or the Willow Hole Trail.

Camp in the Desert

You may imagine the desert bathed in sunlight, but you haven’t experienced it until you’ve also seen it at night when the stars come out and the heat of the day fades. The best way to do this is by camping. Joshua Tree National Park has 9 campgrounds, some of which require reservations and some of which are first-come, first-served. Most of them don’t have running water or flush toilets, so camping is a rustic experience. But it’s worth it. Camping is quite popular so make a reservation or plan to arrive early to try to get a spot on a first-come, first-served basis. For the more adventurous, you can also backcountry camp in the park. You must start at one of the 13 backpacking trailheads and your campsite must be more than 1 mile from the trailhead and at least 100 feet from any water source.

Best camping spots in Joshua Tree National Park:

If you want to stay close to town and like the assurance of a specific site, stay at the Black Rock or Indian Cove campgrounds. You’ll be a little further from the main sites at these spots, but you don’t have to be too tough. Plus Black Rock has water and flush toilets! If you want to stay in the heart of the park camp in Hidden Valley. This campground has sites set among boulders and outcroppings and is very popular with mountaineers. My tip: Campsites 32-45 along the road on the right are quieter and more private than sites in the main loop. Camping costs $15-20 a night. Unless you reserve online, bring cash.

More to do in Joshua Tree

Watch the Rock Climbers

Rock climbing is one of the most popular activities in Joshua Tree National Park and climbers travel here from all over the world. Many climbers will spend a few weeks here each winter, enjoying the mild weather and living in their vans. The park has over 8000 rock climbing routes! Watching climbers can be really entertaining as they scale seemingly impossible cliffs.

Best places to see rock climbers in Joshua Tree National Park:

There are many climbing areas in the park so you can see people climbing or bouldering almost anywhere. (FYI: Bouldering is climbing small rocks that are not too high off the ground without using a rope.) Some popular places to see climbers are at Quail Springs Picnic Area, at Intersection Rock, near Hidden Canyon Campground. are on the rocks. And exit the area climbing the Hall of Horrors. All these places are signposted from the main park road and easy to find.

Visit the Cactus Garden

Rock climbing is one of the most popular activities in Joshua Tree National Park and climbers from all over the world travel here. Many climbers will spend a few weeks here each winter, enjoying the mild weather and living in their vans. The park has over 8000 rock climbing routes! Watching climbers can be really entertaining as they scale seemingly impossible cliffs.

Best places to see rock climbers in Joshua Tree National Park: The park has many climbing areas so you can see people climbing or bouldering almost anywhere. (FYI: Bouldering is climbing small rocks that are not too high off the ground without using a rope.) Some popular places to see climbers are at Quail Springs Picnic Area, at Intersection Rock, near Hidden Canyon Campground. Are on the rocks. And exit the area by climbing the Hall of Horrors. All these places are marked from the main park road and easy to find.

Go Star Gazing

Joshua Tree National Park has very low levels of light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing. They even host the Night Sky Festival in January.

My tips for stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park:

Even if the desert is hot during the day, the temperature drops at night so bundle up with warm clothes. Choose a cloudless night and avoid a full moon. If you want to take pictures of the night sky, you’ll need a tripod and a camera that has a manual mode for shooting long exposures.

Best places to stargaze in Joshua Tree National Park:

The easiest place to stargaze may be at your campsite, especially if you’re staying at one of the park’s central campgrounds. Turn off your flashlights and put out your campfire for the best visibility. For even better stargazing, consider backcountry camping. If you’re not camping, you can visit the park anytime (it’s open 24 hours) and stop anywhere to look up at the stars. Choose roadside pullouts with light sources whenever possible. For the blackest skies, consider driving up Pinto Basin Road to Chula Cactus Garden.

Drink a Date Shake

Date shakes have been popular in the Palm Springs area since the 1920s. Date growers in the Coachella Valley south of Joshua Tree National Park needed to figure out how to market dates to Americans… so they added them to milkshakes. If you’ve never had a date shake before, you have to give it a try.

Where to get date shakes near Joshua Tree National Park:

There are plenty of places to find historic shacks in the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs, south of the park. Shields Date Garden in India is where it all started. It is a 40-minute drive to Shields from the Cottonwood Visitor Center on the southern edge of the park. If it’s too far, don’t worry. There’s one place that shakes the palm just north of the park: Country Kitchen on 29 Palms Highway near the intersection with Park Boulevard. They are delicious! (Note: Country Kitchen is only open for breakfast and lunch so you can’t get a date shake after 3 p.m. Believe me, I tried and there is no such thing in the towns of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley or 29 Palms. And there’s no place that sells them.)

Check out the Ocotillo Patch

Joshua trees and cacti aren’t the only interesting plants in Joshua Tree National Park: enter Ocotillo. It looks like a very tall, spindly cactus, but it’s actually a deciduous shrub. Unlike most deciduous plants that shed their leaves once a year in the fall, the ocotillo grows and sheds its leaves several times a year – each time in the rain. It sometimes also blooms bright red flowers. These plants are really beautiful to look at and make great photos, especially against the blue desert sky.

How to find Ocotillo Patch in Joshua Tree National Park:

Ocotillo Patch is located on Pinto Basin Road in the southern part of the park. It is a 25-minute drive south from the Cottonwood Visitor Center or a 5-minute drive north from the Chula Cactus Garden. There is a small sign before the parking lot exit. There are ocotillos on both sides of the road.

Go Rock Climbing or Scrambling

Joshua Tree is a paradise if you are an experienced rock climber. If you are a beginner, there are many guide services near the park that can take you out. But rock climbing doesn’t have to be a grueling activity involving ropes, harnesses and hanging over an abyss – there are plenty of smaller rocks in the park that you can walk up on your own. Many of the rocks are arranged in easy steps that make climbing easy, even for those who don’t like heights. Just remember that it’s easier to climb up than down, so choose your route carefully and don’t take any unnecessary risks.

Best places for rock scrambling in Joshua Tree National Park:

There are good roadside rock formations to explore throughout the park. My favorite areas to explore are the Quail Springs picnic area, near Skull Rock, on the Arch Rock trail and near the Hidden Valley campground.

Walk Among the Palm Trees at an Oasis

The word oasis conjures up stereotypical images of a group of palm trees emerging from the desert. It turns out that this is absolutely a real thing and there are a few different oases in Joshua Tree National Park. (“Oases” is the plural of oases – the more you know, right?) Some of them you can drive right up to and some of them you can hike. They all have palm trees and other water-loving plants like willow trees. Unlike the manicured palm trees you see in cities, these are all bushy because no gardener removes dead fronds to keep the trunk exposed.

How to find the oases in Joshua Tree National Park:

The easiest oases to visit are the oases of the Mara at the 29 Palm Visitor Center. A short half-mile paved trail winds around the oasis. Visiting the Cottonwood Spring Oasis near the Cottonwood Visitor Center is also easy since you can see it from the parking lot. For a more challenging hike, check out the 49 Palms Oasis Trail 3 miles north of the park or the 7-mile round-trip hike to Lost Palms Oasis near Cottonwood Spring.

Spend Some Time People Watching

Joshua Tree attracts an eclectic crowd: van-dwelling dirtbag rock climbers, aging hippies seeking enlightenment in the desert, LA hipsters on a weekend Instagram photo shoot mission, and Americans from the nearby base. Marines, European families on camping vacations in rented RVs, hi-res taking a break from golfing in Palm Springs… and regular older tourists. They all seem to love the wide open desert and blue skies of Joshua Tree, and since it’s a pretty cool place, they all get along. The people watching here are amazing… almost as good as on the New York subway. Of course, be respectful and avoid staring because everyone deserves to enjoy the park.

Best places for people watching near Joshua Tree:

Start at one of the three visitor centers. You’re sure to find some interesting people browsing the bookstores or asking questions at the information desk. Check out the restaurants, cafes and outfitters near the intersection of 29 Palms Highway and Park Boulevard in the town of Joshua Tree outside the park. On a weekend morning inside the park, grab a free cup of coffee for a stroll through the Hidden Valley campground and chat with climbers and climbing rangers at the park’s Climber Coffee program. Head to Keys View at sunset to see a wide array of visitors enjoying the beautiful colors at the end of the day.

Explore an Abandoned Mine

Much of Joshua Tree National Park is covered with old mines. The area was part of a large land grab that began in the 1800s when western settlers scrambled to find gold and other minerals. Several mines in the park operated only for short periods of time. Mining ruins leave rusted ore and machinery strewn about so watch your step when exploring. Never go inside or climb on anything as it is definitely not safe. Many of the mine shafts fall straight down!

How to Visit an Abandoned Mine in Joshua Tree National Park:

There are many mines here but most are off the beaten path and involve cross-country travel in less-than-trail terrain. One of the easiest to mine is a 1.6-mile hike to the Desert Queen Mine. Another easy option is to head to the Wall Street Mill that used to process gold ore. This 3-mile out-and-back trail passes some ruined buildings before ending at the mill ruins. In the southern part of the park, check out the Mastodon Peak Trail, a 3-mile loop that goes right past the Mastodon Mine ruins. For more adventure, hike to the Lost Horse Mine. It’s a 7-mile loop that passes many ruins and visits a mine.

VISIT THE RUINS OF RYAN RANCH

For a glimpse into the past, take an easy hike to see the remains of the Ryan Ranch. Built in the late 1800s by miner J. D. Ryan of Lost Horse Mine fame, the ranch stood in the shadow of Ryan Mountain.

Today you can see the adobe walls of a multi-room homestead, a covered well, a cemetery, and other artifacts. The golden adobe walls glow in the late afternoon, the best time to visit if you enjoy photographing old ruins.

The out-and-back trail is a little over a mile long, with negligible elevation gain. The trailhead starts at Park Boulevard, near the Ryan Ranch Campground.

Take a scenic drive through Joshua Tree National Park

If you don’t want to do a long (or even longer) hike, or it gets hot when you go, or you have very little time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park, you can still enjoy nature. You can have fun by traveling. Park, disembarking only briefly at points of interest.

If you start at the park’s south entrance, you can go to the Cottonwood Spring Oasis, then drive the long Pinto Basin Road, where you’ll see ocotillos, bushes that look like someone cut leafy shoots. A bunch stuck in the ground.

Further up Pinto Basin Road, you can take a short stroll around the Chula Cactus Garden, and then head to Park Boulevard, which runs east-west through the northern part of the park.

Along Park Boulevard, you can see many beautiful rock formations from the road, including the famous Skull Rock. Joshua trees are also abundant in this part of the park. There are plenty of places to stop for photos.

Observe flora and fauna.

Joshua Tree National Park is partly in the Colorado Desert and partly in the Mojave Desert. Here you will find a variety of flora and fauna.

Although the trees named after Joshua get all the press, plant lovers can see several varieties of cacti, several varieties of ferns and mosses, and about four dozen rare plant species.

Spring brings a wide variety of yellow, white, purple and red wildflowers. Ocotillos produce sprays of bright red flowers on their heads in spring. Cactus species and yuccas also bloom in spring.

Joshua Tree is also home to many species of animals, birds and insects. While you’re most likely to see squirrels, rabbits, and bighorn sheep, larger animals like black bears, bobcats, and mountain lions also live here.

And keep a close eye out for desert tortoises: we had to brake to cross a road on our last visit to Joshua Tree.

Bike on backcountry roads.

If you prefer to explore the desert on two wheels, Joshua Tree National Park allows bicycling on all roads open to vehicle traffic. For less crowds, choose from the many backcountry roads in the park.

To see the park’s largest Joshua trees and pinyon pines, head to dirt roads in Covington Flats. If you also want views, bike to the top of Eureka Peak.

The dirt roads of the Queen Valley are another popular biking destination within Joshua Tree National Park. Bike racks are available at trailheads if you want to add hiking space.

Explore more of Palm Springs.

The nine desert cities of Greater Palm Springs are about an hour or less from Joshua Tree National Park and offer plenty of activities, as well as great lodging and dining options.

Check out the mid-century modern architecture in Palm Springs, or ride the Hawaiian Tramway. Visit the Desert Garden at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage. Enjoy public art installations in several desert towns. Soak in the mineral hot springs at Desert Hot Springs.

Visit PIONEERTOWN.

Built by Hollywood celebrities in the mid-1900s, Pioneertown was a popular filming location, with dozens of movies and TV series filmed in the town. Today the town retains its wild west charm and is worth a stroll.

While in town, stop by Pappy and Harriet’s for delicious barbecue and drinks. The super popular watering hole hosts music acts from around the world and is especially fun in the evenings. Reserve your table for dinner in advance!

Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Get a map and guidebook.

You’ll be able to get a printed map and brochure from any visitor center for a nominal fee, but you can also download (and print) a map of Joshua Tree National Park before you arrive.

If you want, arrive with an in-depth guidebook that describes the park’s history, geology, flora and fauna, as well as the best hikes, and places to stay and eat.

Carry plenty of drinking water.

Don’t underestimate the punishing dehydration you’re likely to experience in the desert. Carry lots of drinking water… and then some.

A cooler is a great investment if you go on a lot of road trips or trips to the outdoors.

Bring snacks and food

There are no eateries inside the park, so it’s a good idea to bring food and snacks. Picnic tables are available at locations throughout the park, so if you’ve packed food you’ll be able to stop for a picnic lunch during the day.

You’ll find restaurants in the town of Twentynine Palms, just outside the north entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, and in the town of Joshua Tree, just outside the west entrance.

But if you’re only planning to go for the day, know that it takes 2-3 hours to get there and go for a meal, depending on how crowded the restaurant is when you go.

Bring your sun hat and sunscreen.

You’ll be outside a lot, unless you plan on driving through the park. There is not much shade on the hike. So it’s a good idea to bring a wide-brimmed sun hat along with sunscreen and sunglasses.

Now we wear sunscreen when we know we’re going to be out in the sun all day.

Carry bug spray and a first aid kit.

Joshua Tree National Park contains many cacti and other thorny shrubs. In fact, a small first-aid kit was attached to the gate of the Chola Cactus Garden to help visitors remove spines stuck to their clothes, skin or shoes.

But it’s best to bring your own travel-sized first aid kit, including clean tweezers, bug spray and sanitizing wipes and lotion.

Wear layers from fall through spring.

The desert can be cold, especially early and late in the day and at higher elevations in the park. Cold snaps are not uncommon in late fall and early spring.

So if you plan to visit anytime from fall to spring, bring a light warm jacket and layers so you can shed if you get too hot.

In summer, wear light, loose-fitting clothing to stay cool and comfortable.

Bring comfortable shoes.

Comfortable walking shoes are also essential for short nature walks and hikes, and hiking boots with good grip if you plan to rock climb or climb or attempt moderate to strenuous hikes. Recommended for those who get a lot of height.

Don’t plan a cell reception in the park

Except at visitor centers and perhaps at higher elevations, you won’t find cell reception in Joshua Tree National Park.

Don’t forget your camera and binoculars.

If you like to photograph birds or wildlife but don’t want to carry heavy equipment, look for a pocket digital camera with a good zoom lens. We love our little Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70: it has a 30X zoom and a Leica lens.

We always bring our compact binoculars if we expect to see birds or wildlife. I use Celestron Trailseeker compact binoculars: they are waterproof and perfect for low light in the morning or evening.

Joshua Tree National Park Hours and Fees

Joshua Tree National Park is generally open all day, every day. But before you visit, check the park’s website for information on special closures.

At the time of writing, a 7-day vehicle permit costs USD30. National Parks Passes are accepted at Joshua Tree National Park.

Park entrances and visitor centers

Joshua Tree National Park has three entrances.

The west entrance to Joshua Tree is located off Highway 62 in the town of Joshua Tree. The north entrance is located off Highway 62 in the town of Twentynine Palms. The south entrance is located east of Indio off Highway 10.

There are four visitor centers: the Joshua Tree Visitor Center at the west entrance, the Oasis Visitor Center at the north entrance, the Cottonwood Visitor Center at the south entrance, and the Black Rock Nature Center at Black Rock Campground.

Each of the visitor centers has a bookstore, and rangers are available to answer questions and help you plan your visit.

Where to Stay When Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

You can visit Joshua Tree National Park on a day trip from the Palm Springs area or the Los Angeles area. If you plan to spend one or more nights, you have many options for lodging near Joshua Tree.

Stay inside the park

There are no hotels or lodges within Joshua Tree National Park. But there are many campgrounds inside the park, if you want to experience camping in the desert. Many of them allow RV and trailer hookups.

Looking to rent an RV for a trip to Joshua Tree National Park? Check out Outdoorsy or Skip Campervans for the perfect vehicle rental for your desert adventure!

Campsites fill up in season, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to reserve ahead of time if you want to be sure of your spot.

While some campgrounds, such as Black Rock Campground and Cottonwood Campground, have water and flush toilets, many other sites are primitive.

Stay outside the park

Privately operated campgrounds are available both north and south of Joshua Tree National Park, if you want to camp, but you can’t find a place inside the park for your dates.

North of Joshua Tree National Park, you can find lodging at Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree. We’ve provided some suggestions below, but we also have a hand-picked list of Joshua Tree Airbnbs to choose from!

South of the park, you’ll find many lodging options in Indio, Palm Desert, or Palm Springs, but keep in mind that these communities are about an hour or more away from the park.

At Twentynine Palms, consider the Campbell House, an upscale bed and breakfast, or the Fairfield Inn & Suites, which has an outdoor pool.

In Joshua Tree, consider Sacred Sands for a romantic getaway for two or the eclectic Joshua Tree holiday home for a family vacation.

Enjoy the privacy and quiet of a whole home? This beautiful home is located near the west entrance to the park in Joshua Tree. The property has beautiful mountain views and comes with a hot tub and plenty of outdoor seating. The interior is well appointed.

Or, for the perfect couples retreat, check out this secluded home just six minutes from Joshua Tree Town. An outdoor fire pit provides relaxation after a day of hiking, and there is a grill for outdoor cooking. The interior is well appointed.

How much time to spend in Joshua Tree NP?

Short answer: It’s entirely up to you!

You can visit Joshua Tree National Park on a day trip from Palm Springs, Los Angeles, or San Diego, and cover quite a bit in a day, from a scenic drive through the park to a few short hikes and a few Until the photo stop.

But if you enjoy being out in nature, and you have the time, definitely consider spending a few days in Joshua Tree National Park, enjoying all that it has to offer.

Staying at least overnight allows you to experience the park early and late in the day, and maybe even catch some stargazing at night. Birds and wildlife are active early in the day and late, so if you stay a few nights, your chances of seeing something increase.

Staying a few days also means you can try some long hikes, explore some of the park’s history, and grab some iconic photos when the light is just right.

Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Having your own wheels is very important. The closest airport is in Palm Springs, and you can get to Joshua Tree National Park via Interstate 10 (to the south entrance) or California Highway 62 (to the west or north entrances).

Looking to rent a car for your trip to Joshua Tree? Discover Cars gives you the ability to compare availability and prices across many major car rental companies. Choose the car that best suits your needs!

Book your car now with Discover Cars!

The park is within reasonable driving distance of several major cities, including Palm Springs (37.5 miles), Los Angeles (140 miles), San Diego (175 miles), Las Vegas (215 miles), and Phoenix (222 miles), and Makes a great day trip from the Greater Palm Springs or Los Angeles areas.

Joshua Tree is one of the best nature-focused weekend trips in San Diego or LA.

As one of California’s incredible national parks, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see on any California desert road trip itinerary in the southern part of the state!

FAQs:

What should you not miss in Joshua Tree?

Our top picks for Joshua Tree NPS include Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Barker Dam, and Chula Cactus Garden.

Can you do the Joshua Tree in one day?

Of course! You certainly won’t be able to see everything, but there are plenty of trails, restaurants, and adventures you can do in one day.

What else is there to do in Joshua Tree beside a hike?

Tour the Keys Ranch, camp and join the stars, enjoy roadside excursions like Skull Rock, and Go Rock Climbing, enjoy Anthony Bourdain-approved dining, and visit the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Museum and Mount San Jacinto. Take a day trip to a state park.

How far is Joshua Tree from LA?

Joshua Tree is just under 2.5 hours from Los Angeles and is a great day trip.