Joshua Tree National Park is just a hop skip and a jump from Los Angeles. If you happen to be in the southern California area, it makes for a perfect weekend getaway or stop on the drive to Las Vegas. For many people, it is one of the first national parks they visit but this also means it is among the most crowded. So here is how I made the best out of my two days in Joshua Tree
When to Visit
Joshua Tree National Park can get hot during the summer but the rest of the year it is pretty nice with the exception of some windy and/or chilly nights.
Additionally, Joshua Tree is very popular on weekends so if you are looking to make the most of your two days it could be wise to aim for a weekday but if you plan right you might just miss the crowds on your Saturday and Sunday.
When to Visit
Joshua Tree National Park can get hot during the summer but the rest of the year it is pretty nice with the exception of some windy and/or chilly nights.
Additionally, Joshua Tree is very popular on weekends so if you are looking to make the most of your two days it could be wise to aim for a weekday but if you plan right you might just miss the crowds on your Saturday and Sunday.
What to bring!
Water! I had trouble finding places to refill my water bottle so I would recommend bring atleast 2 liters per person per day. It is the desert and it gets hots so bring more then you normally drink
Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses and Moisturizer!
Hiking Shoes or Tennis Shoes with good grip (For all of your rock exploring)
Comfy Shoes
Personal Hygiene — This includes your face wash and deodorant
Lunch (And other snacks)! You will not find food in the park so unless you want to build in time to go to downtown Joshua Tree to grab food, I recommend a cooler with some lunch meat and bread
Your America the Beautiful Pass (if you plan on going to at least 3 national parks this year) or you can bring $30 for your entrance fee. Credit cards are accepted
A Jacket! The winds can get crazy so I recommend throwing a lightweight windbreaker in your car to help you fight the breeze.
Off-line google maps. It is super easy to download the map of an area in advance using the offline feature of google maps and it will save you in the parks. Here is where you can learn about how to download offline google maps. I also recommend getting your trails offline but for the most part in Joshua Tree this is a want not a need. The offline map however are a need. You will likely not have service inside the national park and if you do it will be spotty at best.
What to do!
~~ Day 1 ~~
STOP 1: SALVATION MOUNTAIN
Coming from Los Angeles, I knew I also wanted to Visit Salvation Mountain so I added a stop on my first day to go here before heading to the park. It added about two hours to my day but it also situated me south of the park so I could drive through Joshua Tree before spending most of my time in the north portion of the park. Seeing Salvation Mountain was very cool to me as a Christian and the dedication that was put into this work of art in the middle of the dessert was incredible. Parts of the mountain were under repair when I went but it was still very cool and a unique dessert experience.
However, it is not for everyone so if you would rather head straight to the park, I might consider adding the 49 palm trail to your first day instead of Salvation Mountain.
STOP 2: COTTONWOOD VISITORS CENTER
This is just a quick stop where if you don’t have the America the Beautiful Pass you will pay your entrance fee along with a change at running water in the bathrooms. On the way into the park you should also stop for a photo with the sign at this entrance is less busy then others.
STOP 3: CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN
After stopping at the visitors center you will continue along the road until you come upon the Cholla Cactus Garden about 30 minutes away. When driving up it feels like this garden appears out of nowhere but it is very beautiful. I highly recommend getting out and wondering the paths for 30 minutes or so. But beware! You do not want to get one of these stuck on your arm or leg so keep some distance. The nickname for this plant is the “jumping cactus” because if you get to close a piece will break off and “jump” onto you.
STOP 4: Arch and Heart Rock Trail
We have made it to the first trail! This is a easy 1.7 mile hike (if you regularly hike). It is not shaded but I recommend you include stopping to explore rocks along the way. I ended up hiking up to the arch myself but that was not as easy as the rest of the hike.
Heart rock is a little further out and it is not as cool as Arch rock but still worth it. You can see it from a distance but it doesn’t really appear to be what you are hiking towards until you come upon it.
What makes both of these stops unique is that they are constantly changing slightly. Overtime, the arch and heart may not exist at all as erosion kicks in so its important to savor them while we have them.
STOP 5: Sunset Barker Dam
Walking around the area and seeing Barker Dam at sunset was great. It was very fun and when I went there happened to be some water! The dam was originally built for cattle and now is visited by millions when in Joshua Tree. Along the trail you will also see petroglyphs and you are able to get up close with several joshua trees.
Fun fact: the reason joshua trees got their name is because their branches reach up towards God just like Joshua did. A group of Mormon settlers came upon joshua trees reaching their branches up in prayer like Joshua and named it such!
~~ Day 2 ~~
STOP 1: Sunrise Hike to Ryan Mountain
Ryan Mountain is a popular spot in the afternoon so I recommend trying to get up in the golden hour of the morning (or an hour before sunrise) and hiking up to the top of this trail. By doing this at sunrise instead of in the afternoon you will likely be alone or with only a few other people on the trail. But, bring a warm hat and a wind breaker to keep yourself warm!
It is about 1 mile straight up stairs for the most part followed by .5 of a mile of relatively flat trail. I had to stop a couple times times on the stairs section but found it to be totally worth it. After 1.5 miles up you will come upon the summit with the sign. You will get the chance to view the park from above.
STOP 2: Hidden Valley Trail
This area gets packed with rock climbers attempting the burrito or another rock face in the area. It is very cool to watch the climbers as you take in this light trail. You can walk it either clockwise or counter-clockwise. It is about 1 mile in length and pretty flat with an elevation gain of 100 feet in total. I recommend reading the signs and exploring the rocks throughout the trail.
STOP 3: Split Rock
Split Rock is a great place to eat some snacks and walk the trail. There are picnic tables to grab some food and continue the adventure!
STOP 3: Skull Rock
Skull Rock was cool to see as it is right off the road so you pull up and likely will see a crowd of people taking photos. You need to climb up to the point with other people to get the “typical” skull rock photo, which I messed up by standing in the mouth (oops). In my opinion, it is worth the stop but not super cool. I spent some time exploring the nearby rocks (near jumbo rocks campground).
STOP 4: Hall of Horrors
Hall of Horrors was very fun but it is worth while to remember to explore carefully. Get in between the rocks, climb up onto those points, and explore. The trail on all-trails is cool but I wouldn’t recommend following it exactly. Follow your heart and where the joshua tree lead you just like the settlers.
STOP 5: Keys View
Keys view is incredible and a great way to end your time in Joshua Tree. Assuming this is a weekend getaway, this stop puts you leaving Joshua Tree around 3 or 4 and gives you time to get back and unpack from your trip. It is beautiful and reminds you just how incredible the trip is was an above perspective looking into Coachella Valley. You get to see the Salton Sea all the way to Mount San Jacinto. I personally try to end my time in most parks with a view point and Keys View was a highlight.
Getting Ready!
Here is my google sheet that I used to plan and I recommend everyone does this along with bringing two printed copies. One copy should always stay in the car in case of emergency and the other is good for the backpack or pocket!
Good luck on your journal to check Joshua Tree off your bucket list!