A drive from one end of Joshua Tree National Park to the other you will take your breath away. Not only will you see the changing landscape, but you will also experience two desert ecosystems. Along this one day trip, you can stop and check out giant rounded boulders, the famed Joshua Trees and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a bighorn sheep or other desert wildlife.  Here is the best way to spend one day in Joshua Tree National Park

Best of Joshua Tree National Park in a Nutshell

CAN’T MISS: Things You Can’t Miss in the Joshua Tree

ONE DAY: One Day in the Joshua Tree

LODGING: Joshua Tree Glamping

CAMPING: Camping in Joshua Tree

NEARBY PARKS: Death Valley, Channel Islands, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon

About Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is the meeting place of two deserts, the Mojave and Colorado. Together they total some 1,235 square miles of arid ecosystem that contrast profoundly in appearance. Joshua Tree National Park is the 15th largest National Park.

JThe Colorado, also known as the “low desert”  is sparse with higher temperatures. The Mojave or “high desert” is the home to the branching yucca trees known as Joshua Trees as well as massive granite monoliths and rock piles.

Although it seems inhospitable, this area was home to the Pinto people after the last ice age. They were hunter-gatherers who lived off the land during a period when this basin was wetter and more suitable for human life.

Much later in the 19th-century gold rush struck bringing many adventurers to the Southwest. In 1936 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt designated Joshua Tree as a national monument. In 1994 the national monument was given national park status.

FUN FACT: The cover of U2’s fifth album, “The Joshua Tree” was not photographed in Joshua Tree National Park, but in Darwin, California.

Getting to Joshua Tree National Park

The closest airport to Joshua Tree is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), located just under an hour away from any park entrance. The next closest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) which is 140 miles west of Joshua Tree. Additional airport options include San Diego (SAN), Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix (PHX), although if you’re coming from that far away you should stay in the park for at least three days to make the most of your visit.

Estimated Drive time to Joshua Tree National Park

• San Deigo, California – 3 hours
• Los Angeles, California – 3 hours
• Phoenix, Arizona – 3 hours
• Las Vegas, Nevada – 3.25 hours

Joshua Tree can be reached by public transportation but options are limited.

Currently, there is no public transportation within Joshua Tree National Park.  As of May 2019, Joshua Tree finished a two year trial period for a shuttle bus system in the park.  As June 2019, no update has been provided on if this service will become a permeant fixture in Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park makes a perfect stop on your Los Angeles to Denver Road Trip.

Best Guided Day Tours in Joshua Tree National Park

If you want to make your trip to Joshua Tree as easy and simple as possible, check out these amazing Joshua Tree Day Trips:

• Joshua Tree Backroads Hummer H2 Tour
• Joshua Tree National Park Jeep Tour
• Joshua Tree National Park SUV or Van Tour
• Private Tours to Joshua Tree Summit!
• Rappelling Adventures in Joshua Tree National Park
• Half-Day Rock Climbing Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park
• Sunset Joshua Tree Hike with Dinner and Night Sky Presentation

How many days in Joshua Tree National Park

How long do you have?  Honestly, there is no right answer to this question.  If you have one day, this guide is for you.  If you have 5 days, this a great guide to start planning for when you explore Joshua Tree National Park.  I have met people who have been hiking in Joshua Tree upwards of 10 weekends a year for 10-20 years.  They are not bored yet.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you HAVE to spend a specific amount of time in Joshua Tree.  Ideally, I would spend at least 3-4 days in the park on every visit but that is not always possible. A day trip to Joshua Tree can be a perfect way to enjoy the area.  Make the most of the time you have.

RELATED – 10 Things Not to Miss on Your First Visit to Joshua Tree National Park

Best time of year to visit Joshua Tree National Park

While Joshua Tree National Park can be visited at any time of the year, the temperatures are the most comfortable from October to April.  The park is busiest between February and April and from October until December.

Spring brings mild days and cool nights.  Depending on the rains storm, Joshua Tree offers stunning wildflowers.  Spring is also the most popular climbing season in the park.

Fall offers the best light for photography.  The temperatures are comfortable and the crowds as slightly smaller than the springs.

Joshua Tree is a desert park which means there is very little shade on the hiking trails and during the summer 100 F isn’t uncommon.

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree has eight campgrounds; Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan, Belle, Hidden Valley and White Tank. Reservations are required during their busy season from September-May. If you’re planning to visit during spring or fall be sure to book early through Recreation.gov. The rest of the year sites are available first come first serve.

Learn more about camping in Joshua Tree National Park.

There are a range of hotel options depending on budget and which town you would like to stay in.

Twentynine Palms (near the Oasis Visitor Center)

• Campbell House: A cute Philadelphia-style colonial house. Highest Rated on TripAdvisor.  Book Now.
• Sunnyvale Garden Suites Hotel: A western-themed hotel with private patios and BBQ facilities.  Read the TripAdvisor Reviews or Book Now.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Twentynine Palms: A standard hotel option close to the visitor center. Read the TripAdvisor Reviews or Book Now.

Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley (near Joshua Tree Visitor Center and West Entrance)

• Nomad’s Pad: Rugged & Unplugged: Enjoy camping with a bit of luxury.  Book Now.
• Hicksville Trailer Palace: Enjoy a stay in a vintage themed Airstream trailer park. Book Now.
• Americas Best Value Inn and Suites -Yucca Valley: A budget-friendly hotel close to Yucca Valley dining.  Read the TripAdvisor Reviews or Book Now.

Palm Springs (easy access to the West Entrance)

• Desert Riviera Hotel: A vintage resort to take you back in old Palm Springs.  This property is adult ONLY. Highest Rated on TripAdvisor.  Book Now.
• Andreas Hotel & Spa: A 1930’s Spanish Revival and Craftsman hotel.  Each room fits this theme. Read the TripAdvisor Reviews or Book Now.
•  Delos Reyes Palm Springs: A budget-friendly hotel with a range of amenities.  Read the TripAdvisor Reviews or Book Now.

Booking.com

What to pack for a day in Joshua Tree National Park?

• America the Beautiful National Parks Pass: Joshua Tree National Park costs $35 for a 7-day pass.  If you intend to visit more than 3 National Park Services sites in a year, the American the Beautiful Pass will more than pay for itself.
• Water bottle or bladder: No matter how much or how little you are hiking in Joshua Tree.  You need to be carrying water with you.  For short hikes, a liter water bottle should be perfectly fine.  I prefer the Nalgene bottle because they are lightweight.  If you would like to keep your water cooler, the Joshua Tree Hydro-Flask would be perfect.  For longer hikes, I recommend a 3-liter hydration reservoir.
• Water Storage: There is no water in Joshua Tree National Park once you leave the visitor center.  You should plan on carrying a gallon of water per person per day.  Personally, I keep a 5.3-gallon folding water cube in my car for extra water.  I keep it so I have extra water plus enough to help someone out if I come across someone in serious trouble.  Be sure to cover the water cube with a towel or shirt when leaving it in the car.  Sunlight reflecting thru the container has the ability to start fires.
• Snacks: There are no services in the park.  So pick up all your snacks before you go.  Pack a couple of different options so you are prepared for any craving.
  • Fruit:  Pick hard fruits such as apples or pears.  These hold-up in the heat and in packs without getting squished to mush. Another option is freeze-dried fruit. Freeze-dried strawberries are the BOMB.  They are crunchy, sweet and the best part is they are lightweight and yummy.  These are my new favorite trail snack.
  • Vegetables: Cucumbers and carrots hold up well during hiking and in a hot car.
  • Granola Bars:  Take your favorite non-coated in chocolate granola bars.  Anything coated in chocolate will melt and be a sticky mess.  My favorite is a selection of Cliff Bars. They are great even when squished.
• Cooler: If you want to keep anything in your car remotely cool, bring a heavy-duty cooler with you.   Put a bit of ice and a snack and a drink in the cooler and it will at least be not burning hot when you get back from your hike.
• Sunscreen: Joshua Tree is a desert.  The famed Joshua Trees are tall and skinny, but they don’t provide a lot of shade.  You need to take extra care to protect your skin from the brutal desert sun.  Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen.
• Sunglasses: Similar to sunscreen, you need a good pair of polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun.
• Hat: A good sun hat can double you sun protection on your face and neck.  I would recommend a wide brim safari style hat.  For added protection, I would go with sun hat with a cape.
• First Aid Kit: As with any outdoor adventure, accidents happen.  It is better to be prepared and have a compact first-aid kit ready to help with any accidents.
• Tweezers: Joshua Tree is a desert with that comes a range of cacti.  I’m sure you don’t intend to touch the cacti, occasional a cacti will jump up and embed their cactus spines in your skin.  Having a pair of sharp tweezers will help get those pesky spines out.  The Cholla Cactus might look cuddly but they aren’t.
• Flashlight: A flashlight is always nice to keep on hand for spontaneous sunrise or sunset hikes.  I keep one in my day pack just in case I get distracted and stay out longer and later than planned.  Here is a great all-weather flashlight.
• Day Pack: A good day pack can carry all your snacks, water, and other gear while exploring Joshua Tree National Park.  I have had great use out of the REI brand day packs.
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes: Hiking in Joshua Tree requires sturdy CLOSED toe shoes.  Cactus have spines and those spines LOVE embedding themselves into feet.  A sturdy pair of hiking boots work wonders at preventing spines in feet.
• Joshua Tree T-Shirt: Get your National Park Obsessed Joshua Tree T-Shirt to celebrate your trip to Joshua Tree.

A Day in Joshua Tree National Park

This 24 hour Joshua Tree guide starts at the West entrance and ends at the North entrance of Joshua National Park. All told this route is just over 100 miles so start early and make sure you’ve packed a lunch, plenty of water, and some snacks. Several of the stops include short hikes to help you stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful desert surroundings.

Tips for visiting Joshua Tree National Park

• Be prepared for traffic during the fall and springs.  The park can get very busy and parking can be limited at trailheads.
• Once you leave the visitor centers, there is NO water available in the park.
• There is very LIMITED cell service in the park.  Do NOT rely on your cell phone.
• Keep an eye on the roadways.  If you see a Desert Tortoise on the road, please stop and help him/her to the other side.
• There is no gas in the park.  Please fill up before entering the park.

Joshua Tree Must See

• Hidden Valley
• Keys View
• Skull Rock
• Cholla Cactus Garden
• Cottonwood Spring
• Ocotillo Patch
• Sky’s the Limit

Start early to take advantage of the cool early morning desert temperatures. Enter Joshua Tree from the West entrance. You can stop and check out the visitor’s center or head straight for Hidden Valley. Once you’ve arrived, park your car and explore the 1-mile loop trail. This small enclosed valley was once used as a hiding spot by cattle rustlers. Today you can enjoy a gentle hike that’s good for most ages and skill levels. Along the trail, you will find exhibits explaining local plant and wildlife.

Next, hop back in your car and head South towards Keys View. From this vista, you can see the Salton Sea which lies 230 feet below sea level, the Santa Rosa Mountains behind Palm Springs as well as a portion of the San Andreas Fault. This stop has a wheelchair accessible trail that’s 0.2 miles long, or you can hike up to a nearby ridge for more views. This is a perfect spot for a morning snack or an early lunch break.

The next stop is Skull Rock. As its name suggests, this is a weather-worn piece of granite that resembles a human skull. Feel free to park your car and take in the giant monolith or enjoy the 1.7-mile Skull Rock Trail. This loop trail will take you past boulder piles, desert washes and of course Skull Rock.

As you drive towards the next stop take note of your desert surroundings, you are about to leave the Mojave Desert and enter the Colorado Desert. Take notice of changes in rock formations and vegetation. Just inside the Colorado Desert, you will stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden. Here you can enjoy the desert blooms and walk along the raised pathway through the teddybear chollas. While their name might seem friendly, be warned, they are very spiky but beautiful. The Cholla Cactus Garden is an amazing place to watch the sunset.

Next head further south to Cottonwood Spring. This area of the park was once dominated by gold and silver mines. Both gold and silver mining require water, a commodity that was once present in this area. For exhibits about the people who once inhabited this area take a short walk on the Cottonwood Spring trail. This 1-mile walk offers a glimpse into history under the shade of palms and cottonwood trees. If you’re lucky you might see a big horned sheep roaming around this part of the park so keep your eyes peeled.

Now that you’ve made it to the south end of the park it’s time to turn around and head back north towards your last two stops. First up pull over at the Ocotillo Patch. This spidery desert coral is a must see, especially if it’s just rained in the region. They’re worth checking out even if their vivid crimson flowers aren’t in bloom.

Finally, if there’s still some energy in your tank you can round off your day in Joshua Tree stargazing. As you head towards the North entrance you’ll see the turnout for Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center. With some of the darkest nights in Southern California, Joshua Tree is the perfect place to sit, relax and watch the stars come out. Be sure to read the signs as you drive into the parking lot, even though it’s night time they encourage you to turn your headlights off to allow visitors to enjoy the night sky. No white lights or flashlights are allowed here, only red lights. If you’re lucky the big telescope will be open for use. Check the park’s calendar for details and events.

More Information for your trip to California

• CALIFORNIA: National Parks of California
• CHANNEL ISLANDS: Visiting Channel Islands National Park: The Complete Guide
  • 14 things not to miss on your first visit to Channel Islands National Park
• DEATH VALLEY: Visiting Death Valley National Park: The Complete Guide
  • 15 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Death Valley National Park
  • The Ultimate Guide to Camping In Death Valley
  • Where to Stay in Death Valley?
  • Best Glamping in Death Valley National Park
  • Death Valley Airbnbs
  • Death Valley Stovepipe Wells Village Review
  • Death Valley Jeep Rental – Farabee’s Jeep Review
• JOSHUA TREE: Visiting Joshua Tree National Park: The Complete Guide
  • 10 Things Not to Miss on Your First Visit to Joshua Tree National Park
  • One Day in Joshua Tree National Park
  • The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
  • Best Glamping in Joshua Tree
• KINGS CANYON: Visiting Kings Canyon National Park
• LASSEN VOLCANIC: Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park: The Complete Guide
• LOS ANGELES: National Parks Near Los Angeles, California
• PINNACLES: Visiting Pinnacles National Park
  • 5 Things Not to Miss on Your First Visit to Pinnacles National Park
  • 14 ABSOLUTE Best Pinnacles Hiking Trails
  • Pinnacles National Park Maps
• REDWOOD: Visiting Redwood State and National Park: The Complete Guide
  • The Best Maps of Redwood National Park
• SAN FRANCISCO: National Parks Near San Francisco, California
  • One Day in Muir Woods National Monument
  • 12 Epic Things to Do in the Presidio of San Francisco
• SEQUOIA: Visiting Sequoia National Park: The Complete Guide
• YOSEMITE: Visiting Yosemite National Park: The Complete Guide
  • One Day in Yosemite Valley
  • How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Yosemite National Park
  • Yosemite Airbnbs: 22 Best Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park
  • 10 Books to Read Before Visiting Yosemite National Park