Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree National Park: What to See, Where to Stay & Local Tips
- Kendra P. Morrison
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
Nestled in Southern California’s high desert, Joshua Tree National Park is a rugged, otherworldly escape filled with towering rock formations, desert flora, and starry night skies.
Famous for its namesake Joshua trees, this unique national park draws hikers, photographers, and road-trippers seeking natural beauty and serenity. Admission is $30 per vehicle, and the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The nearby town of Joshua Tree is small but full of charm with a handful of great diners, cool shops, and local art. We stayed for two nights, which felt like the perfect amount of time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Best Time to Visit
The best seasons to visit Joshua Tree are spring (March–May) and fall (October–November), when temperatures are mild and ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Summer often hits over 100°F, while winter brings cooler days and the occasional desert frost.
We went in February, and it was just right, except for one night of unexpected, torrential rain (in the desert, no less!).
Getting There
Joshua Tree is about a 2 hour and 45-minute drive from Los Angeles, and only 45 minutes from Palm Springs. We flew in and out of Las Vegas, and the scenic drive through the Mojave Desert took around 3.5 hours.
There are several park entrances, but the West Entrance near the town of Joshua Tree is the most popular. We entered through here early in the morning (minimal crowds) and exited through the Twentynine Palms gate.
Bring plenty of water, snacks (for kids and husbands), fuel, and offline maps. Cell service is unreliable once you’re in the park. The park map they hand out at the entrance is helpful, but downloading maps ahead of time makes life easier.
Where to Stay
Camping
Joshua Tree offers campgrounds like Hidden Valley and Jumbo Rocks for those who want the full desert-under-the-stars experience. While this sounds magical, my back had other ideas.
Hotels & Rentals
Nearby towns like Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley offer everything from rustic cabins to stylish boutique stays.
We chose something in between - AutoCamp Joshua Tree, a glamping style resort with Airstream Suites and modern cabins. Each unit has a private outdoor space with its own log-burning fire pit.
The shared areas include a beautiful lounge with a fireplace, a heated pool, and a communal fire for roasting marshmallows.
The Airstream bed and shower were surprisingly luxe. AutoCamp has other locations near national parks, and I’d absolutely stay with them again.
Top Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
Hidden Valley
A short, easy loop trail through a scenic rock-enclosed valley. This was our favorite hike - a perfect intro to the park.
Keys View
A high-elevation lookout with sweeping views of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault.
Skull Rock
A fun roadside stop with a rock formation that actually looks like a skull. Worth pulling over for a quick photo.
Arch Rock – A relatively flat, easy hike leads to this natural arch. It’s close to Heart Rock too—do both!
Heart Rock
One of those Instagram-famous spots, but we enjoyed the rock formation nearly to ourselves in the morning.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Sadly closed during our visit, but this surreal field of glowing cacti is a sunrise/sunset favorite.
Rock Climbing & Bouldering
With thousands of climbing routes, Joshua Tree is a climber’s paradise. My 11-year-old loved scrambling on the rocks.
Stargazing
As an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree delivers spectacular stargazing. And one night, during our visit, we saw the hugest moon we'd ever witnessed - it was surreal.
Where to Eat in Joshua Tree
Breakfast & Lunch:
JT Country Kitchen – Classic American diner. The pancakes and breakfast burrito are must-tries.
Crossroads Café – Delicious breakfast and lunch spot with a cozy vibe and great coffee.
Dinner:
Pappy & Harriet’s – Our favorite dinner spot. Located in Pioneertown, this iconic desert saloon offers live music, legendary BBQ ribs, and an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s on the list of the 100 Greatest American Music Venues, and Paul McCartney even performed here in 2016! Expect a wait—but it’s part of the fun.
Joshua Tree Saloon – Casual eats, cold drinks, and a laid-back desert vibe.
Road Trip Stop:
Pioneer Saloon (Nevada) – On the drive from Vegas, we stopped here for pulled pork sandwiches and Old West ambiance. Opened in 1913, it’s the oldest bar in southern Nevada.
Side Trips & Extras
Pioneertown
Built in 1946 by Hollywood investors as a live-in Old West movie set, Pioneertown has been the backdrop for 50+ films and shows. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Joshua Tree and well worth visiting for restaurants, shops, a bowling alley, and quirky photo ops. And of course, grab a drink at Pappy & Harriet’s.
Sun of the Desert
A stylish local shop on Highway 62 in Joshua Tree with desert-inspired clothing, candles, hats, and more. I walked away with a cool t-shirt -and plenty of inspiration.
'The End of the World' Sign
A delightfully weird roadside stop with serious REM vibes in Wonder Valley, CA. Random but awesome. We had the whole place to ourselves.
Palm Springs
Just 45 minutes west, Palm Springs is the perfect day trip or overnight add-on. We spent a night in a dreamy mid-century modern hotel, wandered palm-lined streets, admired desert-modern architecture, and indulged in food, shopping, and culture. Don’t miss the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for epic mountain views.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Made famous by Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, this quirky dinosaur park was a hit with our 11-year-old. Snap free photos with Dinny (1975) and Mr. Rex (1986) or pay to explore the full outdoor attraction featuring 100+ dinosaurs.
U2 Had the Right Idea
Whether you’re hiking Hidden Valley, climbing desert boulders, or stargazing under clear skies, Joshua Tree National Park is pure magic. It’s a soulful destination that stays with you long after you leave - all the while humming a U2 song from that iconic album 'Joshua Tree'.
American Southwest Art
Check out some of my favorite black-and-white desert prints from Joshua Tree and Palm Springs in the American Southwest collection and special Curated Collections.
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