The moment I moved to LA, I made a long list of “Weekend Trips” within a few hours' drive of my new home. Cut to me living through a global pandemic, working a few demanding jobs, and realizing quickly that weekend trips cost money… Five years later, we finally took our first trip to Joshua Tree National Park!
A special celebration prompted this trip as we marked a milestone birthday for my partner! We packed a TON of sightseeing into our long weekend itinerary but made some room for relaxation (oh, and food. There’s always room for food! Read more about that in my Joshua Tree food guide).
Now that I’ve put this itinerary to the test, I’m excited to share it with you. Here are the best places to see, eat, stay, and more in Joshua Tree!
BIRD’S EYE VIEW: My Joshua Tree Travel Guide Itinerary
DAY 1: Into the Desert We Go!
Drive from LA to Joshua Tree
Grocery Shop & Explore Town
Check into Airbnb
Dinner in Pioneertown at Pappy & Harriets
Drinks at Red Dog Saloon
DAY 2: Joshua Tree ROCKS!
Sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden
Hike at Arch Rock
Explore Skull Rock
Lunch at Key’s View
Hike the Barker Dam Loop
Shopping in Downtown Joshua Tree
Dinner at Sky High Pie
Night time Star Gazing
DAY 3: Mountains, Massages and More!
Morning coffee at Joshua Tree Coffee Co.
Hike Ryan Mountain
Explore Hidden Valley Loop
Pick Up Lunch from Road Runner Cafe
Unwind with a massage at NaturalLives Spa
Dinner at the Joshua Tree Saloon
Wine in the hot tub at the Airbnb
DAY 4: Country Road, Take Me Home
Breakfast at Joshua Tree Country Kitchen
Return to LA
THE PACKING LIST: What to Pack for Joshua Tree
WHAT SHOULD I TO WEAR IN JOSHUA TREE IN THE WINTER?
When I told friends I was planning to go to Joshua Tree in January, they all warned that it would be COLD. Temperatures in January usually top out in the mid-60s during the day and dip into the 30s at night. I prepared to pack in layers with highly functional hiking clothing for most of the days with a few snappy casual options for our dinners out on the town. Joshua Tree and its residents are no frills, so just about anything goes in the local restaurants (Like… you can wear sweatpants to dinner… I did it with no shame).
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR A TRIP TO JOSHUA TREE?
A Warm Winter Coat - The weather in Joshua Tree can change on a dime, so having a warm, wind-proof winter coat at the ready is essential to enjoying the park to its fullest. I brought two heavy-duty winter coats; my long parka which was purchased from Costco and my Patagonia Nano Puff. I wore the parka for the early mornings and going out to dinner, but the Nano Puff was much better suited for hiking and climbing on the rocks.
Layered Clothing - The chilling morning temperatures give way in the afternoon. Layer your clothing to take advantage of warmer weather in the afternoon. I started the mornings in leggings layered with sweatpants as bottoms. On top, I wore a base layer, an activewear jacket, fleece, and puffer on the top. By mid-day, I’d shed everything and even wished I had a t-shirt to swap in for my long-sleeve base layer.
Blankets - Beginning to see a theme here? Whether you’re staying at a hotel, an Airbnb, or a campsite, I recommend bringing a blanket or two. Our house didn’t have any when we arrived and they helped warm us up after stargazing and stay cozy all night long.
Solid Hiking Gear - Check out my Hiking Essentials Guide for more on the best gear to bring.
BUT WAIT, DON’T FORGET THESE THINGS (LIKE I DID!)
Flip Flops - Yes, really. Our Airbnb had a hot tub, but no path to get to it. I would’ve loved to have had an easy pair of slip-on shoes for getting in and out.
T-Shirts - While 60 degrees looks chilly on a weather report, the desert sun and dry conditions make it feel much warmer. I wish I had a T-shirt for the first day of our hiking excursions because I got pretty hot when the afternoon sun was out in full force.
THINGS I WISH I’D LEFT AT HOME
My Phone - Okay so I know you can’t leave a cell phone behind when traveling in remote areas. That said, the town of Joshua Tree embraces the wild-west, unplugged lifestyle. I highly encourage disconnecting as much as possible and living in the moment.
MY (UNFILTERED) PACKING LIST AND OUTFIT SCHEDULE
DAY 1:
On the Drive: Black sweat pants, white cable knit sweater, Hokas
Dinner Out: Wide Leg Jeans, white cable knit sweater, black belt, black boots, parka
DAY 2:
Hike: Parka (For early morning only), Patagonia Nano Puff, Patagonia Synchilla, white waffle long sleeve, lululemon align leggings, hiking shoes
Dinner Out: Parka, “fancy” black sweatpants, cozy black sweater, black boots
DAY 3:
Hike: Parka (For early morning only), Patagonia Nano Puff, Patagonia Synchilla, black waffle long sleeve, lululemon align leggings, hiking shoes
Dinner Out: Parka, “fancy” black sweatpants, v-neck grey sweater, black boots
DAY 4:
HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is home to countless AirBnb’s (and other vacation rentals). We stayed in THIS Cozy Couple’s retreat. Learn more about this specific listing below:
LOCATION
We loved the location which was a five-minute drive to the town of Joshua Tree and 20 minutes to the National Park gates. You really can’t beat it!
HOME OVERVIEW
The home itself perfectly matched the images on the listing. The owner’s intentionality with design shined through; I wish my own house looked like this one! I especially loved the wood-paneled ceilings that made the home feel warm and inviting. Everything looked well-kept and incredibly clean. The kitchen was functional, although we missed not having a microwave. We loved the bed and slept incredibly well every night. While small, the bathroom was cute, although the shower's quarter-glass design didn’t do the best job of keeping the water contained. There also wasn’t a closet in the bedroom which was fine for a short weekend stay, but had we brought more luggage, I probably would’ve felt disorganized. The property sits on a massive lot within a small neighborhood. The spacious backyard offers some privacy, but you never truly feel “alone” due to the surrounding homes nearby.
AMENITIES
I picked this home due to the hot tub in the backyard. While we had a bit of a maintenance issue with it on the first night, once the owner fixed it, we thoroughly enjoyed our evenings stargazing and drinking wine in the tub. There were also some hammocks and swing chairs in the backyard, but a few of them weren’t functional which was a bit of a bummer. We didn’t take advantage of the fire pit and were unsure if we were allowed to use the outdoor oven. Inside, there are no electronic systems whatsoever (which I appreciated). There was a record player, but we, unfortunately, didn’t have any records to play.
FINAL NOTES
When we return to Joshua Tree, we’d absolutely stay here again. The owner was very responsive to any questions or requests we made during our visit. This property is on the newer side and offers an incredible value ($110 a night for us, even on a holiday weekend!).
OTHER PLACES TO STAY
While I loved the location we picked, there are countless Airbnb options in Joshua Tree. Here are a couple of other options I considered:
Next time we visit, I might toe-dip into the world of camping! With plenty of creature comforts in town, Joshua Tree seems like the perfect place to try for beginners like myself.
There are also a few hotels and motels in the area. That said, I think Airbnb is the way to go due to the massive supply available at very reasonable rates (Often cheaper than hotels).
ADVENTURE TIME: Your Guide to Adventure in Joshua Tree
HIKES & VIEWS:
Cholla Cactus Garden - A must-see during sunrise/sunset! Catch a glimpse at cactuses as far as the eye can see while they “glow” in the light of the setting or rising sun. We went in the morning and it was a perfect way to start our adventure.
Arch Rock - It is a one-mile flat trek out to see Arch Rock. The surrounding area offers a natural playground for bouldering and climbing. Another quarter mile further on the trail lands near Heart Rock (A rock shaped like a heart as the name implies). Arch Rock itself was crowded during our visit (You can read more about the craziest thing I’ve seen a person do in a National Park in my Joshua Tree trip report). We were able to find some quiet solitude further out toward Heart Rock.
Skull Rock - My partner affectionately calls this skull-shaped rock formation “The Disneyland Castle of Joshua Tree” because it’s all over Instagram feeds. We beat the crowds and had this spot nearly all to ourselves. Plan to go early in the day to experience this with as few people as possible.
Key’s View - An incredible viewpoint perfect for a quick stop. We brought sandwiches and ate them while enjoying the view which I couldn’t recommend more. Be sure to include this stop on your itinerary!
Barker Dam Loop - This is one of the more popular hikes in the park. It’s around 3 miles with some easy bouldering involved. During our visit, it was crowded with lots of families enjoying the view. The sun gets hot here, even in the winter. Unfortunately, the lake has been dry since Spring 2019. It’s a solid stop, but I preferred Hidden Valley Loop for a similar experience.
Ryan Mountain - Known as the most difficult hike in the park, this 3ish mile out-and-back ascends almost 1,100 feet for a reward of sweeping views of the park. The terrain poses a decent challenge with rocky stairs most of the way along the relentless ascent. A challenge for those not in shape, this hike is a must-do for more seasoned hikers and those looking for an adventure.
Hidden Valley Loop - Perhaps the biggest surprise of the trip, Hidden Valley Loop is a popular trailhead that takes visitors on a one-mile easy walk through impressive rock formations. The scenery reminded us of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disneyland and we enjoyed watching others scramble the rock formations or climb the steeper rockfaces. This is a must-stop in my book!
A SPA EXPERIENCE:
Okay, so visiting a spa might not be the most adventurous thing to a Joshua Tree travel guide. However, I decided to treat my partner to his very first massage at Naturalives Day Spa as a birthday treat. Located in a small strip mall on the western side of Joshua Tree, this unassuming spot offers massages, facials, waxing, and nail services. We opted for a 90-minute couple’s massage (Deep Tissue for my partner and Swedish for me).
Upon arrival, we were offered a variety of snacks (Dried fruit and nuts) as well as spa water. The waiting area is peaceful, but don’t expect all the bells and whistles of a formal spa (no robes/locker rooms/showers/saunas). The treatment room was large and ambient with tasteful artwork and flickering fake candles. My partner enjoyed his service and said he felt like he was “floating” out of the building. My service was nice; it’d been a while since I had a massage. My masseuse told me from the jump that she didn’t do deep tissue, which was fine, but I wish the pressure would’ve been a touch more firm.
There aren’t many options for spa treatments in Joshua Tree, but I’ll say that Naturalives met our expectations and gets a recommendation from me if you’re in the area looking to unwind!
DO OR DIE: The Do’s and Don’ts Guide to Joshua Tree
DO:
Explore the Town of Joshua Tree - Joshua Tree has SO MANY cute shops and restaurants to visit. From a quirky hair salon/gift shop/museum to a trendy coffee shop to a good old-fashioned fashion saloon, there’s so much to see and do. I’d recommend carving a couple of hours out of one day to visit the town while the shops are open (most start closing around 4pm).
Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time - You have to give your food some thought in Joshua Tree. There aren’t any eateries in the park itself, so plan to pack in your food to make, or pick something up in town. And if you’re in the mood to sit down and enjoy a meal, be prepared to wait! There are only a handful of places in town (Like, literally 3 places open for sit-down dinner service), so pack some patience and maybe a snack or two. We found the food to be worth the wait. Learn more about where to eat in Joshua Tree in my upcoming dining guide.
Hike Safely and Leave No Trace - Joshua Tree is in the desert and weather conditions change rapidly. Be prepared with water, food, and first aid supplies. Consult with park rangers if you have questions. The National Parks are beautiful but do your part in keeping them that way by following the “Leave No Trace” principles.
DON’T:
Forget to Download Offline Maps - Cell phone service is virtually non-existent in the park. Be sure to download offline maps from Apple Maps or Google Maps before you enter. The entry booths are not staffed until 7 am so you may have trouble finding paper park maps ahead of that time. I had trouble with my downloaded offline maps on my phone but was thankful that my car’s navigation system offered turn-by-turn directions to the popular trails and points of interest.
Worry About Being Too Remote - Okay, sure, Joshua Tree National Park itself is pretty remote, but outside of the park gates, you’re not far from creature comforts. The town of Joshua Tree is pretty small with limited gas stations and convenience stores, but the towns of Yucca Valley and 29 Palms are within a 10-minute drive each and have all the basics you’ll need (Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Pharmacies, etc.).
Rely on AMEX or Cash - The more I travel the more I realize I need another credit card. I was surprised to find that several Joshua Tree locations (Including Road Runner and the famous Joshua Tree Saloon) don’t accept American Express. Several shops also had signs stating they were “cashless” facilities. Plan to have another major credit card (Ideally a Visa or MasterCard) ready to go.
Forget Essential Gear - Don’t know what to bring? Check out my article on hiking must-haves.
ALL IN THE DETAILS
Your frequently asked questions about traveling to Joshua Tree National Park answered!
How do you get to Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park is the closest National Park to Los Angeles and San Diego. If traveling by plane, the closest airport is Palm Springs. For a cheaper fare, fly into LAX and plan to rent a car and drive 2 hours and 45 minutes west (If the traffic is good… it probably won’t be).
From LA, follow the 210 to I-10 West until the infamous windmills in Morango Valley. Then, take CA-62 north into Joshua Tree.
How much time do you need to see Joshua Tree National Park?
In my opinion, two full days in Joshua Tree are needed to fully experience the National Park if you intend to hike any of the trails. That said, many park highlights can be seen at quick stops in a single, jam-packed day if you’re passing through.
Can you drive through Joshua Tree National Park?
Yes! There are plenty of roadside stops that require limited hiking or trekking; Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Key’s View, and some pull-offs in the Hidden Valley area to name a few.
Can you visit Joshua Tree National Park with kids?
We saw all kinds of families visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Hidden Valley Loop is a perfect place for small children to stretch their legs as the trail is relatively flat and there are a few fun rocks to climb on. Similarly, the Skull Rock area has plenty of hidden passages and small rock features that come together to form nature’s jungle gym. Plan to bring in any daily essentials for kids as the nearest shops are about 20 minutes outside of the park and be sure to dress accordingly for the weather.
Is Joshua Tree National Park accessible for wheelchairs?
Something that struck me about Joshua Tree is that accessibility didn’t seem as prevalent as some of the larger parks (Like Yellowstone). I wouldn’t advise my itinerary for anyone with mobility issues due to the park’s lack of infrastructure. You can learn more about accessibility and what might be best suited for your needs on the National Park’s website.
How do you get a pass to visit Joshua Tree National Park? How much does it cost?
Passes to Joshua Tree National Park can be purchased on the Park’s website. It is recommended to purchase your pass in advance of arrival. Joshua Tree National Park is open 24/7, 365 days per year, but at times the entrance booths will not be staffed. If you enter before the booths are staffed for the day, you will have to pay upon exit.
Entrance for a private vehicle costs $30 and is good for one week. An annual pass to Joshua Tree National Park costs $55. An America the Beautiful pass is good for most National Parks and can be purchased at REI. These passes cost $80 per year.
Is there food in Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree does not have any dining locations within the park. Food can be found nearby at the entrances of 29 Palms and Joshua Tree.
Where should I stay to see Joshua Tree National Park?
Most of the points of interest in Joshua Tree National Park are located in the northwest portion of the park. I recommend staying in the towns of Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley for the easiest access. The 29 Palms area is great for access to the east side of the park as well. It’s possible to visit Joshua Tree from Palm Springs, but expect around an hour's drive to see most of the highlights within the park.
Is there cell phone service in Joshua Tree National Park?
Cell phone service in the park is extremely limited to non-existent. Plan ahead and download offline maps before entering the park. We didn’t have any issues with cell phone service in the town of Joshua Tree.
What is the town of Joshua Tree like?
The town of Joshua Tree is quaint and quirky, embracing its “wild west” origins. You’ll find lots of boutique shops, unique art, and comfort food. The locals are generally friendly and many of them embrace the Coachella Valley hippie culture. The tourists are mainly outdoorsy folks, as well as a few Los Angelinos looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Hindsight 20/20
What changes would I make to my Joshua Tree National Park itinerary?
Take a Shot at Camping - I’ll be honest; I’m not much of a camper! However, our friends raved about Black Rock Camp Ground and mentioned it has (highly coveted) flushable toilets. As I expand my horizons, I’m warming up to the idea of camping in Joshua Tree.
Schedule Some More Shopping Time - As we drove through Yucca Valley, I noticed countless antique and vintage stores along the highway. Whenever we return, I’d love to plan for more time to browse the stores for home goods and souvenirs.
Star Gaze Inside the Park - We spent our evenings in the warmth of the hot tub enjoying the stars from the backyard of our Airbnb. However, slight light pollution from the surrounding neighborhood limited some of the star gazing. We spotted several parking lots designated for star gazing within the park (Notably the lot for the Cholla Cactus Garden, as well as a lot next to Ryan Mountain). Star gazing within the park is high on my list of things to do on a return trip!
Visit in a (Slightly) Warmer Month - We experienced a few chilly moments during our trip to Joshua Tree, but took advantage of the cooler temperatures to maximize our time on the trails. While visiting in the summer limits hiking ability, I imagine March or April offering warmer temperatures without creating dangerous heat situations.
Try Some Additional Trails - There are plenty of trails that didn’t make my itinerary. Here are a few that I’d love to try!
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