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Joshua Tree National Park is the ideal place to enjoy the experience of wilderness camping, starlit dances around a campfire, hiking, and boulder climbing. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my experience of Joshua Tree. It is one of the parks that reminds you how unique and delicate the environment is in California. Joshua Tree is where the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Desert, and the Little San Bernardino Mountains come together to create a spectacular display of diverse ecosystems. I want you to enjoy your visit just as much as I did so I am sharing a Joshua Tree weekend itinerary to help you plan your own weekend getaway to the desert!
Looking for more desert escapes? Also check out: Weekend in Death Valley Itinerary
Planning your trip to Joshua Tree
Prepare for a no-frills experience. Joshua Tree National Park has no cell service, water, food, or electricity. All necessities need to be brought with you and bring more than you think you will need, especially water to stay hydrated. A cooler to keep in your car would be especially helpful even if you’re not camping so that you can bring a lunch to picnic with to avoid having to leave and return to the park mid-day.
The best months to visit Joshua Tree for camping are from March through May and October through November. I would avoid peak summer, especially if you plan to camp because the desert becomes too hot and uncomfortable to get out and enjoy the park fully.
Outside the park is Joshua Tree Town, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley. This will be your best bet for finding food, gas stations, hotels, and vacation rentals if you don’t plan to camp.
The closest airport is Palm Springs International Airport, approximately 45 minutes from the park. Also within a few hours are Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas.
There are three entrances to the park, west, north, and south but all the roads connect so it doesn’t matter which entrance you use.
If you need gear to prepare for your trip, I trust REI for gear and my favorite hiking shoes are always from Merrell. Use my code: MHC_TRAILBLAZER20_Preethi for 20% off your Merrell order.
Where to stay near Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds
There is a variety of campgrounds located within Joshua Tree National Park. If you can, I recommend making a reservation when available and some campgrounds require them, especially during peak seasons. However, permits and reservations are not always required.
I chose backcountry camping at the Twin Tanks board because it’s right across from the Arch Rock area and on the way to the Cholla Cactus Garden, which both were high on my list for exploring. Before heading into the backcountry for camping, you will need to register at one of the boards. If you want more information and specifics about Joshua Tree camping, check out my Joshua Tree camping post for additional guidance.
The town of Joshua Tree, located near the park’s west entrance, has various lodging options, including hotels and vacation rentals. Staying in the town area provides convenient access to the park but also comfortable amenities.
Twentynine Palms is close to the park’s north entrance. Accommodation choices in Twentynine Palms include hotels and vacation rentals.
Yucca Valley is a larger town located between Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. Accommodations include hotels and vacation rentals in this area.
Pioneertown is well known for its Old West atmosphere and a unique place to stay. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Joshua Tree. Accommodations in Pioneertown include boutique inns, hotels, and vacation rentals.
What to do in Joshua Tree National Park
Hike to Arch Rock
Sunrise is best as the light turns shades of pink and blue. You can climb the boulders and walk the trail that leads to the arch formed from a pile of rounded granite boulders. You can find Arch Rock from Arch Rock Nature Trail, which is an easy and short hike.
Explore Hidden Valley Nature Trail
This is one of the prettier trails that is an easy and short one-mile trail where you enter through an opening into a large bowl surrounded by rock walls. It’s thought that due to the geography, Hidden Valley was once used by cattle rustlers, who would herd the cattle into this area to conceal them.
Visit Skull Rock
Skull Rock is made from granite and resembles a skeleton skull due to erosion. This is an easy-to-access area that makes for a fun spot at sunset for photos thanks to how the sun silhouettes the formation.
Wander Joshua Tree Boy Scout Trail
This moderate trail is a little less than 8 miles. Along the way, you will see unique rock formations, sandy stretches in the canyon section, and picturesque views of the Big Bear mountains. You will also see the iconic Joshua Trees that give the park its name.
Explore Hall of Horrors
If you like climbing boulders and narrow passages, you will enjoy Hall of Horrors. It’s located off the main Park Boulevard near the Ryan Mountain Trailhead. Watch out for the Cholla cacti along the trail as they will stick to your clothes and skin!
Take in the view at Cholla Cactus Garden
The garden is beautiful but don’t underestimate the ability of a cholla cactus to “jump.” The slightest contact with a cholla causes the spikes to attach to your skin and clothes. From personal experience, it is painful and unpleasant. However, the garden at sunset was one of my favorite parts of Joshua Tree.
Hike Ryan Mountain
This short 2.9-mile out-and-back trail is located in the center of the park. While shorter, it is a steep and more challenging hike with an elevation gain of 1,070 feet. The summit has impressive 360-degree panoramas of the entire park making it fully worth the climb.
Overlook the valley at Keys View
Head up to Keys View, which sits at over 5,000 feet, for awesome panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. From there, you can spot the San Andreas fault line, Palm Springs, the Salton Sea, and sometimes Mexico. If the air’s clear, the view is jaw-dropping and lets you get acquainted with the park. This is a great spot for sunset but arrive early to ensure a parking spot.
Don’t forget to download all your trail maps before heading out on the trails since there is no cell service. I love AllTrails and have a promo code eagertraveler30 that will get you a discount off AllTrails+!
Dining Options near Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree Country Kitchen
What is a road trip without a roadside diner? Stop by Joshua Tree Country Kitchen for all-day breakfast or lunch with American diner classics like pancakes, french toast, omelets, country-fried steak, and biscuits and gravy.
The Dez
Offering grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, this is a great spot to pick up sandwiches, wraps, and boxed lunches made with the Joshua Tree explorer in mind.
Frontier Cafe
The cafe offers sandwiches and salads with a selection of coffee, kombucha, and seasonal specialties with a focus on utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Crossroads Cafe
From burgers to tacos, sandwiches, or salads, Crossroads has a little bit of everything. You can even find housemade pastries, and a stocked bar and there are options for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Yucca Kabob
If you have a taste for something Middle Eastern or Mediterranean, Yucca Kabob has all the favorites like hummus, shawarma, falafel, and a good selection of drinks. There’s a reason this is a go-to spot for locals.
Giant Rock Meeting Room
With live bands and a rustic Western atmosphere, this is a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring and enjoy a big slice of gourmet pizza.
Kitchen in the Desert
Experience a fusion of Caribbean and American flavors during brunch and dinner, available seven days a week. The menu includes breakfast bowls and sandwiches to start your day and jerk chicken, skewers, and burgers to end your day with vegan and vegetarian options available. Explore the historic surroundings and enjoy the live music on select evenings.
Joshua Tree Weekend Itinerary
Day 1
Stop by the visitor center to pick up any maps and check conditions for trails and areas you are interested in. If camping, they can help you navigate to the correct campground.
Start your exploration with the Hidden Valley Trail, known for its unique rock formations.
For lunch, stop at Hidden Valley for a picnic lunch.
Take a short drive to Barker Dam and take the Barker Dam Trail. This trail offers beautiful views and the opportunity to see the historic dam.
Head to Keys View for a sensational sunset.
Finish your adventure with dinner at Kitchen in the Desert in Twentynine Palms.
Day 2
Start with a hearty breakfast at Joshua Tree Country Kitchen to fuel up for a day of exploring.
Start with a short hike on Skull Rock Trail and marvel at the fascinating rock formations. This is a great place for photos!
Take a leisurely drive through the park to appreciate the vast desert scenery.
Stop for lunch in one of the eight picnic areas: Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Live Oak, Split Rock, Cap Rock, Hidden Valley, Quail Springs, or Black Rock.
Visit Arch Rock for a relatively easy hike with a stunning natural arch. It’s especially picturesque in the late afternoon.
Explore the Cholla Cactus Garden during the golden hour, it’s amazing during sunset.
Plan to stay into the evening for some of the best stargazing. Bring a telescope or simply enjoy the starry night sky.
Relax with a gourmet pizza and live entertainment at Giant Rock Meeting Room.
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