Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a mystical landscape located centrally in the Californian desert. This wonderland gets its name from the Joshua tree plants that grow exclusively in the southwestern United States.

The Joshua trees have been a source of artistic inspiration for thousands of visitors thanks to their beauty and resilience. However, the best things to do at Joshua Tree National Park go beyond these unique residents of the Mojave Desert. With iconic rock formations, 300+ miles of weaving hiking trails, diverse flora and fauna, and a mesmerizing dark sky, Joshua Tree is more than most first-time visitors imagine. 

In this guide, we cover the 13 best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. We also provide accommodation options and information on how to get there and what to bring. 

Key Takeaways

• Joshua Tree National Park is a 2-to-3.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix. 
• There are three entrances to the Joshua Tree, with the West Entrance, near Joshua Tree Town, being the most popular.
• 2-3 days is the recommended time for Joshua Tree attractions.  
• Camping is the only option for staying inside Joshua Tree. There are 11 campgrounds, including three Joshua Tree National Park group sites. 
• The towns of Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Palm Springs have a ton of great places to stay when exploring Joshua Tree National Park.  

Things to Consider Before Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is an otherworldly national park in southeastern California. Covering nearly 800,000 acres, J. Tree, as the locals call it, is perched at the convergence of two distinct desert ecosystems - the Mojave and the Colorado. 

This amazing desert destination is named after the funky Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) that inhabit the Mojave desert. Legend has it that early Mormon immigrants crossing the desert named these plants after the Old Testament figure, Joshua, because of their outstretched "praying" limbs. 

Joshua Tree became a national park in 1994, making it one of the ten newest national parks in the US. The park receives about three million visitors annually and is a wonderland for landscape photography, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and sunset views. As an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree National Park is among the best places in the US to have a surreal view of the Milky Way. 

How to Get to Joshua Tree National Park

Cities and Towns Near Joshua Tree

One reason people love Joshua Tree National Park is its easy access from several major cities and towns. Joshua Tree is about:

• 130 miles east of Los Angeles (2-hour drive)
• 164 miles northeast of San Diego (3-hour drive)
• 222 miles west of Phoenix, AZ (3.5-hour drive)

The closest towns to Joshua Tree National Park are:

• Twentynine Palms - 7 minutes
• Joshua Tree - 11 minutes
• Yucca Valley - 22 minutes 
• Palm Springs - 55 minutes 

Best Airports for Joshua Tree National Park

The best airport to fly into for Joshua Tree National Park is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), about an hour's drive away. The closest major airports to Joshua Tree are Ontario International Airport (ONT), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Note that these three airports are two to three hours from the heart of the park. 

A car is necessary to get around Joshua Tree since the park has no public transport. Bring yours if you're a local. If you're flying in, all the airports near the park have car rental services. 

Best Entrances for Joshua Tree National Park

There are three entrances to Joshua Tree National Park, the most popular of which is the West Entrance. The West Entrance Station is located in Joshua Tree town and is the best for visitors from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Palm Springs. 

The North Entrance Station is located in Twentynine Palms. This is the best entrance if you're arriving from the north (Baker, Las Vegas, Springdale, etc).

Visitors from the south (Phoenix, New Mexico, and Indio) will find the South Entrance Station near Cottonwood to be the most convenient. 

How Many Days Do You Need to Spend in Joshua Tree National Park?

Exploring most of Joshua Tree highlights on a day trip from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix is possible. But we propose a 3-day stay to truly appreciate Joshua Tree National Park’s things to do. 

A three-day visit is enough time to explore Joshua Tree boulders, mix long and short hikes, and see the Milky Way. Add another day to explore the neighboring towns' funky shops and delicious restaurants. 

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park

There are no hotels, lodges, or cabins inside Joshua Tree. So, desert camping is your only option for staying inside the national park.

Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds

Joshua Tree National Park has about 500 campsites across 11 campgrounds, including three group sites. Each regular site has two car camping spots and can accommodate up to six people and three tents. Group sites are spacious enough for 10-60 people. 

These five Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds require reservations of up to six months in advance:

• Blackrock
• Jumbo Rocks
• Cottonwood
• Indian Cove
• Ryan

The camping fee for reservation-only campgrounds is $20 to $25 per night. Blackrock and Cottonwood are the only campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park with flush toilets.

It’s highly recommended to reserve a site, particularly for holiday, weekend, and peak-season camping in Joshua Tree, which runs from November through May. 

The following Joshua Tree Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis:

• Hidden Valley
• Belle
• White Tank

The camping fee in the first-come, first-served campgrounds is $15 per night. Belle and White Tank campgrounds close temporarily during summer. Hidden Valley is open year-round.

Where to Stay Near Joshua National Park

If you prefer the comfort of a hotel, motel, Airbnb, or glamping, there are many options in the towns near the park. The three major towns with places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park are Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms. 

These three towns are along Route 62 and a quick drive from the North and West Entrance Stations.

It’s also common for some Joshua Tree visitors to stay in Palm Springs and access the park via the South Entrance. Palm Springs is the largest of the four towns and offers more options in terms of boutique hotels and luxury resorts. But be ready for a 40-minute to an hour drive to the park. 

What to Wear When Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

Clothing made for desert explorations will be your best friend when visiting Joshua Tree National Park.

Consider lightweight and breathable athletic tops with UPF protection to compensate for the little shade in the park. Ensure the tops have moisture-wicking and odor-proof properties, so you stay relaxed and comfortable. 

Trail shorts, cargo bottoms, and yoga pants are great bottom options. Just ensure that they are flexible for easy hiking and rock climbing.

Daytime in Joshua Tree is typically warm/hot, particularly during the spring and summer. However, evenings can be cool/cold in all seasons. That being said, your backpacking checklist should include at least one waterproof jacket to keep you warm during cool weather when hiking or around the camp. 

For winter camping in Joshua Tree, a fleece jacket like Spekter Crew in Kuhl’s men’s outdoor wear or Prism Hoody in women’s hiking clothing will be a nice addition. 

Here are other essentials to include in your Joshua Tree camping checklist:

• A tent with rainfly
• Lightweight walking shoes/boots
• Hiking socks
• Sun cap/hat
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses 
• Water bottle (and plenty of water)
• Whistle

First aid kit - a basic kit with sterile dressings, bandages, and other protective items will help you handle scrapes and bites when exploring off-road trails. Check out our first-aid checklist for inspiration. 

What to Do and See in Joshua Tree National Park

Be Inspired by the Joshua Tree

Our list of the best things to see in Joshua Tree National Park starts with its namesake - the Joshua Tree.

The Joshua Tree is one of the 700+ plant species that dwell in this park. As previously mentioned, these trees were named by a group of Mormon settlers traveling across the desert. They believed their outstretched limbs directed them to the west. 

Today, the Joshua Tree, which is actually a succulent, not a tree, is viewed by many as a symbol of strength and resilience. Despite its starkness, the tree charms its admirers with its incredible ability to surmount desert difficulties for an average of about 500 years. It’s this starkness that inspired the Irish rock band U2 to name their fifth studio album after the Joshua Tree.

See Skull Rock

Bizarre rock formations are some of the best things to see in Joshua Tree National Park. Skull Rock is among the most popular due to its unusual formation resembling the top half of a giant skull. Another reason for Skull Rock’s popularity is its easy accessibility. 

Skull Rock is right on Park Boulevard in the Jumbo Rocks Campground area. All you do is get out of your car and take a short walk to the rock. This is a cool spot to take a photo crouched in the eye. The Skull Rock area also offers some of the best Joshua Tree boulders for incredible climbing opportunities. 

But be warned that Skull Rock is very popular and often gets crowded. Get there early in the morning or around sunset to avoid the crowds and the high temperatures and secure a parking spot. 

Hike Around the Skull Rock Area

While Skull Rock is the major attraction near Jumbo Rocks Campground, hikers may be more interested in the trails around this area. The Skull Rock Trail is one of the best, especially for families. This 1.7-mile, easy-to-moderate nature trail runs from Jumbo Rocks Campground to Skull Rock. 

The path is dotted with interpretive signs and unusual rock formations. Also, be sure to check out and snap the different desert plants along the trail, including Hedgehog Cactus, Mojave Mound Cactus, Desert Trumpet, and Woody Forget-Me-Not. 

Those looking for a longer hike can connect this trail to nearby trails, including Discovery, Face Rock Spur, and Split Rock. 

Hike Discovery Trail to Face Rock

After Skull Rock, cross the road to hike Discovery Trail. This is a popular trail because it leads to another Joshua Tree must-see attraction. As the name suggests, Face Rock gets its name from its resemblance to a human’s face when viewed from the side. 

The Discovery is a 0.8-mile loop trail that passes through interesting geologic features, including slot canyons and rock piles. Interpretive placards describe the various features along the way every about 100 yards. 

We recommend hiking this trail clockwise, assuming you start at the trailhead directly across Skull Rock. However, you can also shorten the hike to Face Rock by heading right at the trailhead. 

Check Out the Split Rock

Split Rock is a huge boulder that no one could split except Mother Nature. Visiting this rock is another must-do in Joshua Tree, especially if you’re interested in attractions and hikes along Park Boulevard. 

To get to Split Rock from Skull Rock, drive eastbound for about a minute and turn left onto Split Rock Road. Drive until you get to the parking lot at the end of the dirt lot. The 2.5-mile Split Rock Loop Trail starts at the parking lot. 

The Split Rock Loop Trail is generally easy, meaning it’s great for everyone, including beginners. In addition to seeing the split rock, you can explore a cave, scramble, or watch other people climbing. The picnic area near the parking lot is a good place for snacks after the hike. 

Discover Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is a bowl-like valley enclosed from other parts of the park by towering rock formations. It’s rumored that in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this sheltered location served as a hideout for cattle rustlers. 

While it’s still hidden from other Joshua Tree National Park highlights, Hidden Valley is no longer a secret. This is one of the best Joshua Tree places to see for both hikers and history enthusiasts.

Hidden Valley is across the road from Hidden Valley Campground near the intersection of Park Boulevard and Barker Dam Road. The hike to the valley is via a well-marked one-mile loop trail. It’s a relatively flat and easy trail, although there are a series of stone steps to go over at the beginning. Don’t miss the many signs explaining the various features along the way, including the Great Burrito and Cow Rock. Hidden Valley is also among the best places to view sunset in Joshua Tree National Park. 

Visit Arch Rock

Arch Rock is among the best hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park because it’s nice, easy, and has a huge payoff. This 0.6-mile lollipop-shaped loop trail has its trailhead at the Twin Tanks Parking Lot along Pinto Basin Road.

If you’re camping at the White Tank Campground, Arch Rock is 0.2 miles or less than a 10-minute walk away. 

The highlight of this trail is Arch Rock, a large granite rock spanning 30 feet over a boulder field. But while this is one of the best photo ops in Joshua Tree National, it’s not the only attraction around this area.

See Heart Rock

For Instagram fans, Heart Rock is another must-see in Joshua Tree. This heart-shaped 10-foot granite boulder is close to the famous Arch Rock.

Some years ago, Heart Rock was hidden and difficult to find. But now, there is a well-marked trail to this attraction that splits off from the main Arch Rock Trail. The short out-and-back trail adds about 0.3 miles to your hike, and it’s mostly flat and easy. 

Appreciate the Beauty of the Cholla Cactus Garden

The Cholla Cactus Garden Trail is one of the most beautiful (albeit dangerous) hikes in Joshua Tree. This 0.25-mile trail takes you through a 10-acre unusual Teddy Bear Cholla cacti garden.

It’s a fun 10 to 30-minute walk full of adventure for the entire family. But don't let the cactus' cute, fuzzy appearance deceive you. Brushing against the cacti causes their barbs to stick to your clothes, shoes, and skin, which can be unpleasant to remove. 

The Cholla Cactus Garden is in the Pinto Basin near the transition zone between the Colorado and Mojave deserts. The drive to the garden is approximately 20 minutes from the North Entrance and roughly 40 minutes from the South Entrance Station. 

Spring is the best time to visit Cholla Cactus Garden when the cacti are in full bloom. The last hour before sunset is another good time to see these cacti when their spikes are glowing. 

Catch a Sunrise/Sunset at Keys View

Catching sunrises and sunsets is one of the best activities in Joshua Tree. If photographing these magical moments is your main interest, you'll love the views at Keys View. 

This viewpoint is easily accessible and located about 30 minutes away from the North and West Entrance Stations. On clear days, it offers panoramic views of various Joshua Tree points of interest, including the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and San Gorgonio. It’s also possible to mark out Mount Signal in Mexico, about 90 miles away. 

Keys View is accessed via the Keys View Road that detours off the park’s main road - Park Boulevard. The road dead ends at the viewpoint’s parking lot, making it hard to miss. If you’re down for an easy hike, there’s a 0.25-mile loop trail with educational wayside signs nearby. 

Spot Wildlife and Petroglyphs at Barker Dam

The historic Barker Dam (a.k.a Big Horn Dam) is another must-have in your itinerary of what to see in Joshua Tree National Park. An irregularly shaped reservoir 150’ long and 20’ high, Barker Dam was originally built by early cattlemen, including C.O Barker, in 1900 and later raised by rancher William F. Keys in 1949. 

A picturesque lake forms after winter or heavy rainfall, attracting more birds and mammals than most other parts of Joshua Tree National Park. 

Even without water, Barker Dam remains one of the best things to see in Joshua Tree National Park, thanks to its amazing landscape. Also, make sure not to miss the Bighorn Dam sign, the Old Horse Trough, and the petroglyphs around this area. 

The turnoff for Barker Dam is on Park Boulevard near Hidden Valley Campground. From the junction, drive for around 1.5 miles and turn left to the Barker Dam Parking Lot. The Barker Dam Nature Trail is a 1.1-mile loop trail with very little elevation and lots of boulders that create endless climbing opportunities. There are signs to direct you to the petroglyphs, a quick detour from the main trail. 

Hike Ryan Mountain

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike in Joshua Tree National Park, this is it. Ryan Mountain is the second highest point in Joshua Tree, which rewards you with some of the best sweeping panoramic views of the park.  

Ryan Mountain Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back hike. But don’t let its length fool you. Due to its 1050 feet of elevation and many stairs, it is moderate to strenuous. It typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to hike Ryan Mountain. 

Being one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree, this trail is well-worn and easy to follow. But it also means that the parking lot tends to fill up quickly. Consider arriving early to secure a spot at the small paved parking lot.

The best time to hike Ryan Mountain is at sunrise when the sun comes up and turns the desert landscape into a rainbow of colors. 

Marvel at the Milky Way

A star lover’s list of what to do at Joshua Tree National Park must include this one! Thanks to the dark night sky, Joshua Tree is one of the best places to gaze at our Milky Way.

The best time to stargaze in Joshua Tree National Park is March through September, particularly June and July. The park has four designated stargazing spots:

• Cap Rock
• Ryan Mountain
• Quail Springs parking lots
• Hidden Valley

A telescope will certainly give you the best views of the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies. If you don’t plan to bring yours, Joshua Tree, CA and Twentynine Palms have plenty of stargazing tour companies that offer expert-led astronomy sessions in the park. 

Final Thoughts

Joshua Tree National Park is on most people’s bucket lists for obvious reasons. This mystical place has a surreal blend of unique desertscapes, intriguing wildlife, outstanding flora, and captivating astral views. Plus, this is one of the best US national parks in terms of accessibility. If you’re visiting Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, or Phoenix and are looking for the best California backpacking destinations, Joshua Tree won’t disappoint.

Featured image by: Elliott Engelmann.