Joshua Tree National Park is unlike anywhere else in California, with its namesake trees, massive rock formations, and endless desert landscapes. We spent two days exploring the park and surrounding area, which felt like enough time to tackle several hikes, enjoy some good food, and experience the desert after dark.
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Hikes to Do
For the most part, hikes around Joshua Tree are more like leisurely walks. Rarely will you find a trail that requires too much elevation gain or sweat equity, but there is one notable exception below.
Ryan Mountain Trail (2.9 miles; 1,066 feet of elevation gain): This was the most challenging hike that we did, but it still wasn’t too bad. The trail provides a good 360-degree perspective for appreciating the vast expanse of the park, and there is plenty of interesting plant life to see along the way.
Hidden Valley (1 mile; 114 feet of elevation gain): This was the first leisurely walk we did, taking you on a loop through plenty of interesting rock formations and Joshua trees. It gets crowded because of its accessibility, so we’d recommend tackling this one early in the day.
Split Rock Loop (2.5 miles; 311 feet of elevation gain): Another relaxing walk, but one that we really liked because it added the excitement of some optional bouldering opportunities. It was fun to climb up some of the rock formations and get different perspectives of the trail.
Heart Rock & Arch Rock Trail (1.7 miles; 114 feet of elevation gain): Another short trail with some interesting rock formations that provide good photo opportunities. Because these trails are short and close together, it’s very easy to stack them and hit multiple trails in a single afternoon.
Other Things to Do
Keys View: This is a nice drive-up viewpoint that provides panoramic views and is supposed to be great at sunset. It’s still worth a stop during the day though, especially if you don’t want to stay that deep in the park until sunset.
Skull Rock: Another interesting rock formation, but this one is just off the road and makes for a very quick pit stop. There are also some bouldering opportunities nearby if you’re in the mood to scramble around a bit.
Stargazing: Joshua Tree National Park is a recognized International Dark Sky Park and is excellent for stargazing. You’ll want to be in the park for at least an hour after sunset, and ideally away from the main roads to avoid light pollution from passing cars, so be prepared for a relatively late stay in the park. If you don’t want to stay in the park that late, there are also nearby areas outside the park that offer great views of the night sky.
Pioneertown: Only 20 minutes from Joshua Tree is Pioneertown, which is a bit of a weird place. When we went in the morning, it was pretty deserted. The town was originally developed as a movie set, so it feels somewhat inauthentic and like a tourist trap. Still, it’s on the way back to LA or San Diego if you’re looking for a quick stop.
Where to Eat
There isn’t any actual food in Joshua Tree National Park, so your best bet is to pack snacks for the daytime and then eat in the surrounding towns for dinner.
Pappy & Harriet’s: The real reason to go to Pioneertown is to eat at Pappy & Harriet’s, which has a long and lively history to accompany its very tasty BBQ food. We especially enjoyed the ribs and Angus tri-tip. The atmosphere was the highlight though, and it was cool seeing photos of all the celebrities that have stopped by over the years.
The Copper Room: A cool restaurant with live music and an impressive whiskey collection. It’s difficult to get into, so we’d recommend making a reservation if you can. Once there, be sure to enjoy a cocktail or two along with the massive fried chicken cutlet and the fresh spring rolls.
Other Tips & Tricks
Getting Around: Having a car is absolutely necessary; there’s no way around it. The only thing to consider is where you want to fly in and out of. We chose to go through San Diego and spend a couple days in the city first. It’s just as easy to go from LA and even easier to go from Palm Springs if you can find a flight there.
Where to Stay: We recommend staying as close to the park entrance as possible, given the big benefits that come from getting to the park early to avoid the daytime heat and crowds and staying at the park late for sunset views and stargazing. You’ll want to cut down on the early morning and late-night driving as much as possible. There are plenty of Airbnb options nearby.
What to Pack: Bring plenty of water, as there is nowhere to refill in the park (apart from the park entrance and visitor center that is just outside the park). You’ll also want sunscreen, a hat, and snacks to enjoy throughout the day so you don’t have to waste time going into and out of the park. Light, long-sleeved shirts and pants are beneficial too.