CALIFORNIA ✦ WEEKEND GETAWAY ✦ NATIONAL PARKS

Last Updated On: February 28, 2024
Posted by: Highly Likely Out of Office

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about joshua tree national park, california

This iconic park located in southeastern California was established as a national park in 1994 – that’s more than 120 years after the very first one (being Yellowstone) was designated! Though it took the federal government a while to rightfully designate this place, it doesn’t mean you’ll leave any less impressed.

With its dramatic rock formations and expansive deserts, the park is truly a must-see for anyone visiting California. This area spans a total area of 5,700 square miles or a whopping 14,350 square kilometers. Apart from its natural beauty, the park is also home to a rich history that dates back to the ancient Native Americans – the Serrano, the Cahuilla, the Mojave, and the Chemehuevi– who once called this area home.

when is the best time to go to Joshua Tree national park?

Visiting Joshua Tree in the springtime can be a great experience as the desert wildflowers and trees are at their most beautiful – some years will even bring a superbloom!

Summer guarantees long and sunny days, but temperatures can reach over 38°Celsius or 100°Fahrenheit so it’s really best to avoid this time of the year to avoid risk of heat stroke and dehydration.

My personal favorite time is during the months of late fall/winter which is towards the end of November and continues December through February. Crowds during this time are also relatively thinner which means you’ll have more nature & tranquility to yourself.

For the best weather for hiking, rock climbing, and camping – plan for late summer or early Fall (usually August/September). During this time you can expect clear skies, minimal precipitation, and mild temperatures.

how many days do I need in Joshua Tree national park?

There is plenty to see and do in the park – but the time you need to see them will of course depend on your travel style and preference. You can do a few and quick trails and viewpoints in one afternoon but can also easily spend a few days exploring the park.

I find that a Joshua Tree weekend trip is about the sweet spot for those looking for a bit of adventure outside the city, especially for weekend warriors like myself 😉

how to travel to and around joshua tree national park

The best way to explore Joshua Tree National Park is by renting a vehicle and driving yourself. Joshua Tree is easily accessible by car and several routes from Los Angeles and San Diego can take you here. To give you an idea of how long you need to drive, the park is located about 112 km (70 mi) east of Los Angeles which will take you about 3 hours to drive.

Another option is flying into Palm Springs, renting a car, and make your way to Joshua Tree (approximately 1 hour of driving).

Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Locations

There are three entrances to the park: the West, North, and South Entrance. Which one you’ll access will depend on where you’re coming from or which town you end up staying. The main road through the park, Park Boulevard, runs east to west and connects all three entrances making it convenient and easy for anyone to travel through the park from any of the nearby towns.

some tips for planning a trip to joshua tree

Before planning your Joshua Tree weekend, first consider the type of travel you want to do. If you want to be more relaxed, there are many scenic drives through the park that will allow you to take in the beautiful scenery. If you are up for camping, there are several campgrounds in the park with a range of amenities and camping options.

• Plan ahead: You’ll have more options for accommodations that both beautiful AND value-for-money if you book ahead of time
• Keep hydrated: The temperatures can get hot and dry in the desert, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Wear layers: Desert temperatures can be extreme, so bring layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed. Hiking along a trail can warm you up quickly especially with very little shade in the area, even on a winter’s morning.
• Stay up-to-date: Always check the National Park Service website for important announcements

where to stay in Joshua Tree?

Looking for a place to stay in Joshua Tree is probably one of the most exciting parts of planning! There are plenty of accommodation options in all shapes and sizes, so first think about the kind of trip you want to have and your budget. Are you someone who wants to experience the quiet and secluded atmosphere or do you want to be close to shopping and dining options? Let’s breakdown the options to hep you plan your accommodations for the perfect Joshua Tree weekend trip.

Campsites in Joshua Tree National Park

Camping is a great way to experience all that Joshua Tree National Park has to offer and is about the only way to actually stay/sleep in park grounds. If you’re looking to camp in, there are several options available. The NPS website has a page dedicated to everything you need to know about Campgrounds in Joshua Tree.

Neighboring Towns

If you’re not camping in the park, you’re likely going to find accommodation in one of the surrounding towns:

• Joshua Tree (Google Maps) – The main town in the park with plenty of amenities and services
• Twentynine Palms (Google Maps) – This is a small desert town located near the north entrance to the park. It’s known for its cluster of iconic joshua trees
• Yucca Valley (Google Maps) – An idyllic desert town with plenty of restaurants, stores, and art galleries
• Pioneertown (Google Maps) – An old western town that has been preserved since the 1940s

Airbnb

NOW – my real favorite place to window-shop for accommodations! If you’re looking for a more unique place to stay on your Joshua Tree weekend, a great place to get lost in is Airbnb!

There are a variety of rentals available, from tiny homes to luxury vacation rentals for any group size and budget. Many stylish homeowners in Joshua Tree have really embraced the desert landscape in the design of their homes so here you’ll find some of the most unique and beautiful Airbnbs in not just California, but in the world.

*Note: Photos above are not mine.

Resorts

If you’re looking for more of a resort experience, then consider staying in Palm Springs which is just about an hour’s drive from Joshua Tree. Since you’ve ventured this far east in Southern California why not put these two popular destinations together? 😉

How to Spend your Joshua Tree Weekend: Highlights

Now that we’ve covered the basics of when, how long, and where – let’s talk about all the best things to actually do on your Joshua Tree weekend. It’s time to start exploring!

There are so many attractions and activities in Joshua Tree National Park and below I’ve included the best things to see and do including some of my top favorite spots. Balance is always key in any vacation and you’re sure to find it in Joshua Tree National Park, from unique hikes, outdoor hot tubs, group meditation, and stargazing.

Scenic Drive

Scenic drives are an excellent way to take in the beautiful natural beauty and architecture of this desert oasis. These drives can be found throughout the park, from Highway 62 in the north to Highway 62 in the south, and from Lytle Creek Road in the west to Highway 62 in the east.

Scenic drives can be as short as a few miles or as long as several hours depending on your desired pace and desired view. Some of the most popular scenic drives include Jeffrey Pine Drive and Cameron Survey Road, which offer stunning views of Joshua tree forests and canyons respectively.

Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Drive [Easy]
✦ Length: 79 miles / 127km
✦ Type: Point to point
✦ Start: 33.661457, -115.802209
✦ End: 34.134659, -116.315191
✦ Road Condition: Paved, 4×4 not required

Old Dale Road 1 [Hard]
✦ Length: 26 miles / m
✦ Type: Point to point
✦ Start: 34.121906, -115.794731
✦ End: 33.816725, -115.766520
✦ Road Condition: High clearance 4WD required

Go Hiking or Rock Climbing

With over 800 miles of hiking trails, Joshua Tree National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Trails wind through stunning desert landscapes, past cacti and yucca plants, and up to rocky mountain peaks with panoramic views.

There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. You’ll find everything you need to know on Alltrails.com.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Hidden Valley Trail is a popular 1.0 mile loop trail located in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. Tiptoe around jumbled rock piles, pass Joshua trees and yucca plants, and take in the sweeping views of the valley below.

✦ Address: Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Joshua Tree National Park (Google Maps)
✦ Route: Loop
✦ Elevation: 118ft
✦ Pet-friendly: No
✦ Difficulty: Easy

Cholla Cactus Garden

✦ Address: Cholla Cactus Garden Trail, Pinto Basin Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA (Google Maps)
✦ Route: Loop
✦ Elevation: 9ft
✦ Pet-friendly: No
✦ Difficulty: Easy

Arch Rock Trail

Arch Rock Trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail with stunning views of jutting rock formations and granite spires that make up Joshua Tree’s striking landscape. On your way back consider making a detour to Heart Rock which shares the first part of the trail. The trails are clearly marked – you won’t miss it!

✦ Address: Arch Rock Nature Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 (Google Maps)
✦ Route: Out and back
✦ Elevation: 88ft
✦ Pet-friendly: No
✦ Difficulty: Easy

For rock climbers, Joshua Tree is world-renowned for its climbing routes with over 8,000 established climbing routes ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert.

Go Stargazing & Try Astrophotography

Joshua Tree is an excellent place for stargazing and astrophotography due to its high elevation, dry air, and lack of light pollution. The milky way can often be seen with the naked eye, and even better through a telescope or camera. You can do this on your own or you can join stargazing tours which are occasionally offered by the National Park Service. Check their page for more information and updates!

Astrophotography tips:
✦ Use a tripod to keep your camera still.
✦ Use a remote shutter release or self-timer to avoid jostling the camera when pressing the shutter button.
✦ Set your white balance to “daylight” or “auto” for best results.
✦ Shoot in RAW format for more flexibility in post-processing

Relax & Meditate

One of my favorite things to do here – relax and enjoy the tranquility and space in the desert 🙂 I love booking accommodations with an expansive desert backyard. You’ll find PLENTY of these on Airbnb and what’s great is they’re secluded enough without being too remote. On my first visit to Joshua Tree, we stayed in this airbnb and 101% maximized this cute outdoor bathtub.

For wellness activities and guided meditations, Airbnb Experiences is a good place to look. Some interesting activities include Meditation & Sound Journey and Reiki Healing.

Immerse Yourself in Desert Art

Noah Purifoy’s Open Air Museum is a must-see for any art lover visiting Joshua Tree. The museum is located on 10 acres of desert land and features over 60 sculptures and installations created by the late artist.

It’s completely free but donations are accepted, and they are open to the public from sunrise to sunset.

Visit Pioneertown

Pioneertown is a small town that was purposefully built as a “living breathing film set” which the public could visit and was also a filming location for many Western movies and TV shows around the 1950s and 1960s. Today it’s maintained as a popular tourist destination for those looking to experience the old west.

Here you’ll find several restaurants, bars, and shops that are open to visitors. There are also several events held throughout the year, such as live music performances and rodeos. You can read all about the town’s history and upcoming events on their website: Visit Pioneertown!

Enjoy the Desert Sunsets

There are many great sunset spots in Joshua Tree, some of them can be at your campsite or airbnb’s very backyard. If you’re looking for a nice spot inside the park, some popular spots are: Keys View, Jumbo Rocks and Cholla Cactus Garden.

Joshua Tree Tours

Tours are always convenient and allow some unique activities without having to bring your own equipment and gear. Check out the tours on Viator for adventurous things to do such as rappelling, rock-climbing, offroading, and more!

For Self Drive Tours, you might consider having an audio tour to accompany your drive around the park. I’m a personal fan of Google Maps and how easy and FREE it is, but oftentimes hearing about a certain place whilst there makes the experience alot more enriching. Viator has a great Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour here which is totally worth checking out!

where to eat, drink & shop in Joshua Tree?

Dining is sure to be memorable in Joshua Tree whether you’re cooking at your Airbnb, having a quick sandwich as you drive through the park’s beautiful scenery, or having a meal at one of area’s noteworthy restaurants. If you plan to stay in and cook, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of convenience stores and grocery chains to get supplies from. (Pro tip: I usually like to shop and pack everything up before even making it to Joshua Tree just to make the rest of our trip as errand-free as possible).

Restaurants
Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, Frontier Cafe, Crossroads Cafe, Roadrunner Grab+Go, Joshua Tree Saloon are all popular choices and highly recommended. EaterLA and The Infatuation are always on top of what’s great and up and coming 😉

Coffee
Joshua Tree Coffee Company, Frontier Cafe, 760 Coffee Co

Shopping
Shopping in Joshua Tree is limited to art galleries and souvenir shops. If you’re looking for souvenirs, there are several shops that sell Native American-themed items, as well as Western-style clothing and accessories. This particular area along Twentynine Palms Hwy has a lot of nice, quirky stores and stalls.

things to know before your Joshua Tree Weekend trip

Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Fees
There is a fee to enter Joshua Tree National Park, and it is valid for 7 days. As of writing, entry costs US$30 per vehicle, US$25 per motorcycle, or US$15 per individual.

If you’re visiting several National Parks in the next 365 days, get yourself a US Annual Park Pass (US$80) which is essentially like a one-time payment and lets you into all US national parks for FREE during its validity.

Joshua Tree National Park Campsite Fees
Campsites in Joshua Tree National Park are $15-$25 a night – you’ll can find the details per campsite on the NPS page here.

How to Pack for Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is in the High Desert so the best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the weather is cooler and you have less chances for rain or gloomy weather. Summer can be brutal but despite the hot weather, it’s still a popular time to go because of the longer days. Whichever time you go, always prepare accordingly. Pack your sunscreen, brimmer hats (this one is my favorite!), sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water that you should keep cool in a large insulated container (love this 64oz one from Corkcicle!). You should also pack snacks and lunch if you plan on hiking or spending a lot of time outdoors.

Grocery Stores & Gas
Unlike some national parks in the US, Joshua Tree is fairly close to the amenities and establishments of a suburban town which means grocery & pharmacy chains, and gas stations are fairly accessible.

Safety & First Aid
As a good rule of thumb when traveling especially to more remote areas, always stock up on water, your emergency medication, and have a travel-size first aid kit. It’s good practice to have a complete first-aid kit to keep in your vehicle or if you’re flying, bring a travel-size kit with you.

Leave no Trace
Always be a responsible visitor and help protect and preserve these natural wonders!

Joshua Tree Weekend Sample Itinerary

As quick summary to all the great things you can do in Joshua Tree, here’s a sample itinerary for a weekend getaway for you to modify this according to what you want to see, the hikes you want to do, and the amount of time you have.

That was ALOT of information – so if I’ve convinced you to visit Joshua Tree, below is an itinerary you can use or customize according to the type of activities you want to see

Day 0: Friday
Arrive in Joshua Tree and check into your hotel or camping spot.
Spend the evening relaxing at your Airbnb with a home-cooked meal, or go out to town

Day 1: Saturday
Wake up early, have a quick breakfast, and get ready for a long day!
Start with the Hidden Valley Trail (easy)
Follow with a hike of Skull Rock Trail (moderate)
Enjoy your packed lunch and enjoy refreshments like coffee, sandwiches, snacks
Arch Rock Trail / Heart Rock Trails (easy)
Enjoy the Drive
Sunset at Cholla Cactus Garden Trail (easy)
Dinner in Town or in your Airbnb

Day 2: Sunday
Breakfast in your airbnb or in town
Explore Downtown JT, grab some souvenirs
Visit Noah Purifoy Open Air Museum, Crochet Museum
Depart Joshua Tree

FAQ