Joshua Tree National Park has easily become one of my favorite national parks. The landscape is so otherworldly, especially having grown up on the east coast. It’s not exactly what you think of when you think of a desert. I guess I associate deserts with sand, but this desert is full of cool rock formations, desert blooms in the springtime and of course the unique Joshua tree, this parks namesake.
Most people enter through the West Entrance Station. To avoid lines, especially on the weekends, try the North and South Entrance Stations. A Parks Pass is another great thing to have to avoid lines. Cellphone service is extremely spotty in the park, so be prepared for this.
When to go
Summer can be quite hot in the desert, so the best time to visit is October through May. My favorite time to visit is in May, when days are hot and nights are mild. I don’t mind the heat in the day and nights aren’t too cold for camping. Since it is the desert, it is rare to get rain or snow. If you are lucky enough to experience rain or snow here, it is quite the treat. We drove into the park at sunset one night, right as a rainstorm was rolling in. It made for some really cool pictures, see above left and center.
Favorite Hikes (from easiest to hardest)
Cholla Cactus Garden
Cholla cactuses are another unique plant that Joshua Tree National Park has to offer. You can pull right off the main road into the parking lot and there is a quick 0.2 mile loop trail that takes you through the cactus grove.
Arch Rock
Arch Rock trail is a 1.4 mile out and back trail that takes you to stunning arched rock formation. There is a nice parking lot at the trailhead, but there are no facilities. I suggest going on a weekday to avoid crowds, as it is a popular picture spot.
Ryan Mountain
Ryan Mountain is a great hike if you’re looking for some elevation, just over 1,000 feet to be exact. The trail is three miles out and back (or up and down), giving you panoramic views of the park from the top. We had a beautiful day with some amazing clouds and desert blooms.
Lost Palms Oasis
Lost Palms Oasis trail is a relatively flat, out & back trail coming in at 7.2 miles. At the end of the trail you will find patches of palm trees in the middle of the desert, that’s how you know you’ve found your oasis. Hiking this trail is best from fall to spring, it is far too hot in the summer. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. The South Entrance is the closest entrance to this trail, park at Cottonwood Spring.
Boy Scout Trail
Boy Scout Trail is a 7.5 mile point to point trail in Joshua Tree National Park. If you start from Keys West, the first half of the trail is relatively flat with Joshua Trees for days on either side of the trail. The second half of the trail is more mountainous and rocky with very few Joshua Trees and you will lose elevation.
We met friends from LA, meaning we had two cars, so we did it point to point ending at Keys West in the park. We gained 1500ft of elevation in the first half of the hike and ended with the flat part of the trail. The elevation gain was gradual, so it wasn’t so bad. Only thing was, we were going into the sun for most of the day.
This trail doesn’t have to be done point to point, you can go out and back and make it whatever distance you desire. The first part of this trail would be great at sunset, head out from Keys West about an hour before sunset. This is also a great trail for backcountry camping.
Where to eat
Natural Sisters Cafe
If you’re looking for some great health food for breakfast or lunch, check out Natural Sisters Cafe. Located right in the heart of Joshua Tree, stop here to fuel up before heading into the park.
The Tiny Pony Tavern
The Tiny Pony Tavern serves up some impressive elevated bar food. Cool off with a frozen Aperol Spritz and pair it with their epic Loaded Yuca Fries. The veggie burger is made with local veggies and was quite tasty, they even had a gluten free bun that was actually edible. The ambiance does not disappoint with vibrant artwork depicting horses, cats and the like. On your way out be sure to snap a few glamour shots in the photo booth!
La Copine
La Copine is a must for brunch! Their food is light, refreshing and flavorful, some of the best food I’ve had around Joshua Tree. Don’t skip their Little Gems salad and the Shrimp Roll. Be sure to make a reservation or be prepared for a long wait. Seating outside under the umbrellas is dog-friendly.
Pappy & Harriet’s
Pappy & Harriet’s is famous for their barbecue and live music. I’m a big fan of their steak salad, which is big enough to fill any belly. It is a popular place with a lot of history, so be sure to make a reservation, especially if you plan on going for dinner.
The Red Dog Saloon
If Pappy & Harriet’s has too long of a wait, check out The Red Dog Saloon right next door. They serve up some amazing tacos, cocktails and live music, my favorite was the mushroom asada taco. There is a huge covered outdoor area with picnic tables and misters that is dog-friendly.
Where to shop
Pioneertown
A trip to Pioneertown is a must when visiting Joshua Tree. It is the set location of a lot of old western-style movies. Be sure to stop in to the soap shop there, Soap and Goats, I love their soaps!
Wine & Rock Shop
Stock up on wine for your stay, browse their selection of rocks or just buy some hamburger candy and tanning oil.
The Station
Gas station turned cute, little souvenir store. Come here for stickers, patches, pots, handkerchiefs, records, etc.
Where to stay
Camp
Jumbo Rocks is the most popular campsite in Joshua Tree National Park. Reservations fill up quickly, especially from the end of August to early June. Reservations can be made six months in advance at recreation.gov. I did some research and the best campsites for scenery and privacy are #45, 60, 73, 79 and 121. You can even walk to the famous Skull Rock right from Jumbo Rocks campground.
Backpack
Experience the park after dark in the coolest way possible, by backpacking. Be sure to set up camp at least one mile from roads, 500 feet from any trail or water source and make sure it is not a day-use only area. We backpacked from Keys West parking lot and headed towards Willow Hole. Don’t forget to fill out a backcountry permit and leave the bottom portion in the drop box. This is the desert, so please bring plenty of water to hydrate sufficiently.
Airbnb
Friends of ours have a great Airbnb called The Hi Desert Onyx, we got to stay there right before their official opening. The house has two bedrooms and one bath, is beautifully designed and is set on a 2.5 acre lot. There are a plethora of gorgeous, mature Joshua Trees in the yard, along with a fire pit, sun deck, cowboy pool and hot tub. And it’s only 18 minutes from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park!
We have also stayed in an Airstream right outside of the park, which was pretty dope. I booked it through Airbnb and the experience was amazing. It had a really nice deck with a firepit, great for drinks at sunset with friends. Waking up to panoramic views of the desert wasn’t so bad either.
For more information please visit the National Park Service website. Remember when visiting national parks to leave no trace.
If you liked this blog post, be sure to check out My Guide to Crater Lake National Park! Don’t forget to book your trip with your favorite travel planner, yours truly.
