The Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree National Park and Nearby Towns

If you like all-things-desert, then Joshua Tree National Park is for you! I have always been a major ‘rock and desert’ type of person so Joshua Tree is right up my alley. Within the park, you will find gorgeous Joshua Trees, cacti, huge amazing boulders, and adventures for all skill levels.

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You can go hiking, bouldering/rock climbing, nature walking, stargazing, and experience some amazing photo opportunities. Plus, the small towns that neighbor Joshua Tree National Park are full of quirky art, great places to eat and fun shops.

This is a complete guide to visiting Joshua Tree National Park (plus the surrounding towns) compiled from my three visits and tons of research. If you are looking to visit Joshua Tree with kids, be sure to check out my Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree with kids (personally I think it’s the best of its kind out there).

When to visit Joshua Tree National Park

The most popular months to visit the park are March-May and October-November. Joshua Tree is made up of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meaning that during the summer it gets extremely hot and temperatures at night (especially in the winter) can get quite cold.

We’ve visited Joshua Tree both in May and November and had pretty different experiences both times. When we visited in May, daytime temperatures we already in the mid-80s F but it felt much hotter.

Plus there is so little shade in the park that you can’t get much of a break from the sun. I really was so glad we had gone in May and not any closer to summer because it really was so hot.

Also, the only water available within the park is what you pack in (there is nowhere to fill up water). However, during our hot May visit, the nighttime temps were very pleasant which made for a lovely camping experience hanging out by the fire and being plenty warm in our tents.

Our second visit in November left us absolutely freezing while camping (temps dropped into the 20s F at night). However, the temperatures during the day were very pleasant only requiring a light jacket which we sometimes wore and sometimes took off. Based on our experiences, I definitely recommend a March/April visit or an October visit.

How to get to Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is basically located in the middle of nowhere, California. Because of this, you have a quite few airport options which mean you’ll be able to search and find the best price possible:

• Palm Springs Airport (closest airport to Joshua Tree with about a 40-minute drive)
• John Wayne Airport Anaheim
• Los Angeles Airport
• Hollywood Burbank Airport
• San Diego Airport
• Las Vegas Nevada Airport

At the airport, you for sure will need to rent a car to be able to access the area. Almost all of these airports are about 2-3 hours away from the park depending on traffic with the exception of the Palm Springs airport which is about 40 minutes.

The Palm Springs Airport may be a great option as they are continually adding new routes they service. We drove from LA to Joshua Tree once and without traffic it is expected to be a 2-hour drive, however, our drive with traffic took almost 4 hours 😅.

You may want to buy a paper map of the area or download your Google Maps just in case you run out of cell service/data (which can be known to happen). Because there will be times when you have been driving for hours in the desert wondering if you are going the right way and a little reassurance from a map can be very nice to have (plus obviously, for safety reasons, it’s always good to have a backup map).

Once you get to the park, you can also download this inexpensive self-guided audio tour for fascinating history and stories along the way!

Where to stay

The three main towns just outside of Joshua Tree National Park are called Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley. Even though they are technically three towns, they are all very small, kind of blend together, and all are just a few minutes outside of the park. I remember being confused not knowing which town was best, but basically, just think of them as all being the same 😉.

One of the best things about your visit to Joshua Tree National Park is getting to choose where you want to stay. Near the park you can stay in some of the most unique Airbnbs in California, swoon-worthy campsites, or also traditional hotels. No matter your travel style, you will find accommodations that work for you.

We have camped both within the park at Jumbo Rocks Campground and outside of the park (wasn’t in love with the campsite so not recommending it here) and we’ve had family members stay at a hotel in Joshua Tree. Here are some of the best places to stay in/near Joshua Tree National Park:

Jumbo Rocks Campground: Jumbo Rocks Campground is the dreamiest campground within Joshua Tree National Park (in my humble opinion). We camped here during our May visit and it was one of my favorite things about our trip. As the name implies, this campground is surrounded by amazing ‘jumbo rocks’ and beautiful rock formations. There’s something about watching the sun rise and set each day that is really peaceful and rejuvenating.

Another perk about Jumbo Rocks Campground is that reservations are required during peak season (September-May) unlike the Hidden Valley Campground, which also has nice rock views, but is always first-come-first-serve. I like knowing that I for sure have a spot to camp and will not be driving around late at night hoping to find an available site.

Cottonwood Campground: Camping in Joshua Tree at Cottonwood Campground will give you a totally different perspective of the park. Not only is Joshua Tree one of the most unique places in California to go star-gazing, but you’ll also wake up to experience a magical sunrise before anyone else gets to it! Moreover, Cottonwood Campground is close to Cottonwood Spring Oasis, which is one of the best-kept secrets of Joshua Tree and a prime spot to do birdwatching. This campground also requires a reservation during peak season (September-May).

By Dani of No Hurry to Get Home

Unique Airbnb Homes: If you aren’t up for camping, Joshua Tree and the surrounding towns are home to some of the most unique Airbnbs in California that make for a wonderful base while exploring the area. If you are traveling in the winter months, search for a Joshua Tree Airbnb with a hot tub to stargaze in each night. Or if you are traveling in the warmer spring and summer months, search for an Airbnb with a pool for a daily afternoon dip (trust me, you’re going to want it).

Glampsites: If you are looking to still be in nature but you want a little more luxury, you can find some amazing glamping options on Airbnb or Glamping Hub. This glampsite on Airbnb looks like a total dream 😍.

Hotels: The three small towns surrounding Joshua Tree National Park (Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley) host many typical hotel options. On one of our trips, we spent the night at a campsite but the rest of the family spent the night at this hotel in Twentynine Palms and had a great night’s sleep (honestly, we were a little jealous because we were camping in November and it was absolutely freezing).

How long to stay in Joshua Tree National Park

Each time we have visited Joshua Tree National Park we had one full day for activities even though our first trip we stayed two nights and on the second trip, we stayed just one night. If you want to see things both within Joshua Tree National Park plus the unique things to see outside the park, I would plan on at least two full days (2-3 nights) but a longer stay would provide you with a more relaxing visit and you’d really be able to see everything.

MAP OF THE BEST THINGS TO Do iN Joshua Tree National Park

*Use this interactive map to explore the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. Click on the full-screen icon in the top right corner to have this map open in your own Google Maps app or click on the arrow in the top left corner to see a pullout list of all points on the map*

Ultimate List of Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Easy walks/hikes in Joshua Tree

There are so many great walks and hikes in Joshua Tree to choose from within the national park. You can obviously experience them on your own, or if you prefer to learn about the area and want real insider information, make sure to book a guided hike in Joshua Tree! You can choose your level of intensity and let the guide know beforehand your interests so he can curate the best experience for you and your group.

Cholla Cactus Garden: The Cholla Cactus Garden is a must-see place to stop in Joshua Tree National Park.  If you’re expecting to see green cacti as you would in Arizona you will be pleasantly surprised at the unique look of the teddy bear cholla that fills the garden.

This popular park attraction is fun for first-time national park visitors or old pros, and it offers an adjacent parking lot and a 0.25-mile flat loop for an easy walk around. You are most likely to find various cacti blossoming from January-August. Plus it’s a lovely spot for sunrise or sunset photos! 

By Jenny of Global Game Plan

Sunset at Keys View: Perched on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, Keys View is inarguably one of the best spots on Joshua Tree to see the sunset or sunrise. The overlook provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, and, on clear days, views all the way to Mexico’s Signal Mountains.

From the parking lot (which can get incredibly busy- so come early!), the viewpoint is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back uphill stroll, where you can take in the sun sinking beneath the mountains and casting a breathtaking golden glow on Joshua Tree. 

By Jessica at Uprooted Traveler

Related post: 12 Gorgeous Joshua Tree Hikes You Need to Take (From Easy to Difficult)

Hidden Valley: If you only visit one place in Joshua Tree National Park, make sure you make that place Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley is a gorgeous valley surrounded by rocks of all sizes and loads of Joshua Trees. It makes a great picnic spot or an area to wander, snap pics, and climb on boulders.

Oasis of Mara: The Oasis of Mara is a short 0.5-mile walk on a paved trail leading from the Oasis of Mara Visitor Center. The path leads to a grouping of palm trees and has informational signs about the Serrano people who first settled the oasis. It is not necessarily known to be the best walk in the park, but the Oasis of Mara Visitor Center is a good starting point if you enter the park a little further east.

Barker Dam: Barker Dam Trail is an easy 1-mile loop leading through the park’s beautiful boulder formations and large Joshua Trees and rock art (pictographs) and ending at Barker Dam. Barker Dam exists from early ranching efforts located within Joshua Tree National Park many years ago and informational signs along the route tell you of its history.

More strenuous hikes:

Ryan Mountain: Ryan Mountain is one of Joshua Tree’s most popular hiking trails which will take you to one of the tallest points in the park. This is a 3-mile, out-and-back trail with 1,050 feet of elevation gain with no shade available. On your climb up you will pass many beautiful craggy rock forms, see unique cacti and climb stairs made out of rock.

Once at the summit, you are provided with 360-degree views of some of the park’s beautiful boulder formations, unique Joshua Trees, the bare desert floor, and (on a clear day) the huge peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio in the distance. This peak is also one of the great spots in the park to watch the sunset.

If hiking in the fall or winter, be sure to pack some layers because the hike up can be chilly but will most likely warm up as you go.

Panorama Loop Trail: Tucked away in the northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park, the Panorama Loop Trail is one of Joshua Tree’s hidden gems. This moderately difficult 6.4-mile loop trail boasts breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountain ranges as well as unique geological formations.

The hike begins from the Black Rock Canyon Campground and gains 1194 feet of elevation. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection on this trail as it doesn’t offer much shade.

Written by Katy of A Rambling Unicorn

Lost Horse Mine: Lost Horse Mine can be explored via two different trails: Lost Horse Mine (4 miles roundtrip) or Lost Horse Loop (6.5 miles roundtrip). Lost Horse Mine is a preserved gold mine from the late 1800-early 1900s you can visit via either trail plus you can see other historical artifacts along the way.

49 Palms Oasis: The 49 Palms Oasis is a beautiful, secluded, palm-tree-filled oasis in the mountains of Joshua Tree National Park. The palm trees were planted by miners in the early 1900s to mark the location of the natural spring coming out of the rocks.

You can reach this lovely oasis on the 3-mile roundtrip 49 Palms Oasis Trail . Although the trail does not have much shade (bring lots of water, as always within the park) the huge palm trees at the end provide respite from the sun and a lovely picnic area.

Adventurous Activities in Joshua Tree National Park

Stargazing & Astrophotography: No trip to Joshua Tree is complete without a night spent stargazing. For some, this may just be the most stars you’ve ever seen in a single night’s sky. One of the absolute best spots to stargaze or take star photos is at Heart Rock. Just be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight, because you’ll hike a bit in the dark.

Another amazing astrophotography spot can be found by driving along the stretch of road right before Skull Rock if you’re coming from the entrance. Here, you’ll have the silhouettes of many Joshua trees in the foreground making for epic astrophotography shots.

You are also allowed to park at any of the roadside pullouts to enjoy stargazing- if you do this, remember to bring a chair and if possible a red light to help your eyes stay adjusted to the darkness.

Written by Jacqueline of Your Travel Flamingo

Bouldering/rock climbing: Joshua Tree National Park is known as a wonderful mecca for rock climbers and boulderers around the world. The park boasts more than 8,000 climbing routes and 2,000 boulder problems (which is an insane amount of routes and boulders).

We have spent a day bouldering in Joshua Tree and really felt like I was experiencing the park in the most authentic way. If you have never climbed or bouldered before (or even if you have), I definitely recommend booking one of the many amazing rock climbing tours that operate within the park. You can choose to book a full day of rock climbing, a rappelling adventure or even book a climbing experience specifically for families.

Geology Tour Road: The Geology Tour Road is an 18-mile dirt road through Joshua Tree National Park with 16 stops and information points along the way. You can pick up an informational brochure from the Visitor Center before your drive.

Most cars can make it the first few miles of the road, however, after that point, you will need a 4×4 vehicle. You will find a sign marking the point where 4×4 is needed and you can turn around. If you’d like a Jeeping experience in Joshua Tree, but don’t have a jeep, be sure to book this Joshua Tree Jeep Tour on a rugged trail!

Falconry Experience: If you are coming to Joshua Tree to experience birding (or you just love learning about animals) then get up close and personal with amazing birds of prey and learn about the world of falconry with one of Joshua Tree Falconry’s specialized experiences. Experiences include both educational elements and intimate one-on-one encounters.

Annual Night Sky Festival: As I said before, one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park is to experience the gorgeous night sky. The park is certified as an International Dark Sky Park boasting some of the darkest skies in Southern California (and the world).

You can stargaze any time of year at the park, but if you really want to learn more about the night sky, plan your visit around the Annual Night Sky Festival to look through telescopes and experience activities for all ages. If you’ve never looked through a telescope- now is your chance! It is an amazing experience.

Unique rocks within Joshua Tree National Park

Skull Rock: Whether you’re visiting Joshua Tree on a day trip, weekend getaway, or long vacation, don’t miss Skull Rock. Located on the east-to-west stretch of Park Blvd. in the middle of the park, Skull Rock is a unique rock formation where the natural indents make it look like a giant skull. It can be easily explored from a pull-off along the road so no hike is necessary. It makes for a great spot to climb the rocks nearby or enjoy a picnic!

By Alanna of Periodic Adventures

Arch Rock: If you were hoping to make it to Arches National Park in Utah, but didn’t quite have the time, Arch Rock in Joshua Tree may scratch the itch.

Arch Rock is located on an easy 1.4-mile roundtrip nature trail surrounded by many large and beautiful boulders which make it a great area for exploring. Check out my guide to Arch Rock in Joshua Tree for more details!

Heart Rock: Probably one of the most Instagrammable spots in Joshua Tree is Heart Rock. Heart Rock is a large boulder about 10 feet high overlooking a boulder field. Check out my guide to Heart Rock for everything you need to know.

Heart rock would be such a special place to snap a pic if you are celebrating an anniversary or any other momentous moment with loved ones on your trip. It is also one of the great spots to enjoy the sunset in Joshua Tree National Park.

Things to do Near Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree Rock Shop: After spending a day among the rocks in Joshua Tree National Park, head over to the Joshua Tree Rock Shop to wander through amazing crystals, gems and minerals brought in from around the world. Soak in the energy of the stones and find your favorite gem as a trip souvenir.

Pioneer Town: Located about 10 miles outside of Joshua Tree, Pioneer Town is a must-see spot! Pioneer Town was built in 1940 as a movie set, it’s still a fun way to spend a few hours.  The streets are dirt and closed off to motor traffic.  

There is a town full of old west buildings including a jail, a church, and other period-appropriate buildings.  The shops are open and so are the saloons! It’s a great spot to pop in and cool off with a drink to escape the desert heat of Joshua Tree. 

There are shows you can attend with stuntmen cowboys to reenact how some of the movies were made there. Be sure and eat at Pappy and Harriet’s! It’s a cute cowboy restaurant with delicious food and drinks.

By Chantelle of Flannels or Flip Flops 

Joshua Tree Mural: Painted on the side of Natural Sisters Cafe in the town of Joshua Tree is a groovy ‘Welcome to Joshua Tree’ mural. If you are parked in town, be sure to swing by the mural to snap a pic to start your adventures.

World Famous Crochet Museum: One of the quirkiest things to see in Joshua Tree is the World Famous Crochet Museum. What was once a crochet obsession became a creative enterprise. Shari Elf purchased a retro photo booth and converted it into a neon green museum you could easily call an art installation. Elf has been collecting crochet items since the 1990s. You will see a variety of cute pieces including many animals. Plus around the crochet museum, you will also find other artistic spots to discover.

Written by Cecily at Groovy Mashed Potatoes

Integraton Sound Bath: I’ve yet to experience this sound bath just 20 minutes outside of Joshua Tree, however, it’s definitely at the top of my list for our next visit. You will have a comfortable, 60-minute experience of sound with crystal singing bowls played live plus time to relax to ambient music.

This sound bath takes place in a unique, domed building in the middle of the desert and is said to be such a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that would be perfect to relax after days of adventuring within the park.

Conversely, you can also experience a sound bath and meditation outside amongst the boulders in Joshua Tree if that’s something you’re looking for. There is a guided nature walk you can book that takes you to a boulder cave for a soundbath + meditation and you can even catch the sunset. How cool does that sound?

Eclectic Joshua Tree Stores: Swing by some of Joshua Tree’s eclectic stores to window shop or pick up a unique desert souvenir. A couple of great shops to try are Ricochet Vintage Wears (where Old West meets France) and The Station ( a 1940s high-desert service station turned gift/coffee shop).

Where to eat Near Joshua Tree National park

Crossroads Cafe: Crossroads Cafe is an eclectic and laid-back diner located in the small town of Joshua Tree with traditional diner options plus some unique local options. This cafe would be a great spot for a hearty breakfast after a night of camping if you’re tired of eating at your campsite 😉. They also offer some vegan and gluten-free options!

Jelly Donut: Jelly Donut is an absolutely quintessential California donut shop with amazing donuts. On our last trip to the Joshua Tree we stopped here multiple mornings to pick up donuts to snack on in the park later in the day. It may not look like much from the outside, but don’t let that fool you- they are amazing.

Algoberto’s Taco Shop: You can’t be in southern California and NOT get authentic Mexican food. Algoberto’s Taco Shop is not much to look at (which in my experience means it’s probably the tastiest Mexican food around). They are located just a 10-minute drive from the Joshua Tree National Park entrance and they have amazing prices (5 tacos for $5.75 type of prices). If you don’t know what to order, try the tacos or burritos! They also have veggie tacos/burritos if you are looking.

Joshua Tree Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm you will find the official Joshua Tree Farmers’ Market in the small town of Joshua Tree (here) full of delicious local produce, baked goods, and of course everything else you expect to find at a farmers’ market. We stumbled upon this market on our way to rent crash pads for our day bouldering in Joshua Tree and I’m so glad we did! We bought some amazing fresh bread and local fruit and snacked on it for the whole day.

Guided Tours & Adventures in/Near Joshua Tree National Park

• Rock climbing tours (choose from half-day, full-day, rappelling and family tours)
• 4X4 Jeep Tour in Joshua Tree (explore a rugged 4×4-only Jeep trail within Joshua Tree!)
• Customized Guided Joshua Tree Hike (experience the park with a hike catered just to your needs with a knowledgeable guide)
• Nature walk to a boulder cave for guided meditation and a sound bath (really feel one with nature with this unique experience)
• Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour (an inexpensive way to learn more about the history and stories of Joshua Tree National Park)

Day Trips from Joshua Tree

Palm Springs: Palm Springs, California is just a short 50-minute drive from Joshua Tree and is known for its hot springs, mid-century modern homes, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. It makes for an easy-day trip from Joshua Tree or you could stay in Palm Springs and do Joshua Tree as a day-trip instead.

Los Angeles: If you only have a short time in southern California but want to feel that true California vibe, a day trip to Los Angeles may be the trip for you! You could spend a day at one of the best beaches in Los Angeles or see some of the best views of LA on one of these hikes.

The drive from Joshua Tree to Los Angeles can be as short as 2 hours, however, when we made the drive it took almost 4 hours because of LA’s crazy traffic. I would recommend spending at least one night in LA, however, you could also make it a true day trip if you don’t mind the hours driving.

Salvation Mountain: I have yet to visit Salvation Mountain but it is top on my list for my next California desert road trip. Salvation Mountain has got to be one of the quirkiest and unique hidden gems in all of California and it’s located just over an hour from Joshua Tree National Park’s southern border. Here you will find a 50-foot high and 150-foot wide man-maid mountain covered in paint teaching the message that ‘God is Love’. Definitely a unique spot to take photos and appreciate the artist’s work.

While you are there, swing by the Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea to see the remnants of a bustling resort town from the 1950s on the edges of a shrinking saltwater lake plus the many recent art installations staged there.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Anza-Borrego is a state park located about 1.5 hours from Joshua Tree, California. Here you will find more desert landscapes along with beautiful badlands, a slot canyon and huge, unique art sculptures.

What to bring

• Good hiking shoes: I wear Brooks Cascadia and Chaco Classics and he wears Salomon Sense Ride.
• Lots of water: Water is available at only a few locations at the edges of the park (like seriously, you need to bring all your own water in). The rangers suggest drinking one gallon of water per person, per day, and even more if you will be hiking. We brought multiple 1-gallon jugs full of water that we got from the grocery store and used those to fill up our water bottles. You could also bring a water cooler like this to save on plastic. I use a HydroFlask water bottle and he uses a Coleman water bottle.
• For a comprehensive camping gear list check out my camping gear essentials post.

Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:

• The Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree with Kids: Things to do + Top Tips
• 12 Gorgeous Joshua Tree Hikes You Need to Take (From Easy to Difficult)
• 15 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
• 7 Things to Know Before Bouldering In Joshua Tree National Park for the First Time
• Arch Rock in Joshua Tree With Easy Detour to Heart Rock

And that is your complete guide to Joshua Tree National Park! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below- I’ll be sure to get back to you.

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