This article was written in partnership with Hotels.com
The first time we visited Joshua Tree, we spent the entire morning climbing rocks and reapplying sunscreen but that afternoon we found ourselves caught wearing flip-flops and t-shirts in a mountain top blizzard. (thanks Spencer). That experience has always defined the Southeastern California Desert Region to me. It’s a place of extremes, of natural wonders and distinctively individual culture; where the climate and the way of life come together to forge a totally unique landscape.
Within the hundreds of miles of sandy planes, scrub brush, and mountain peaks, Joshua Tree National Park spreads out to house most of the world renowned sights native to the area. In the park, you’ll find impossible boulder piles, epic vistas, twisted Joshua Trees, and enough hiking to keep you busy for weeks. However, every vacation we’ve ever taken to Joshua Tree has been as much about taking in the park as exploring the nearby towns, most visitors we talk to feel the same way.
Choosing to split a long weekend into a couple days in the park and the rest spent in Twentynine Palms or down in the Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, gives us an opportunity to soak in all the weird and wonderful elements found where the Mojave meets the Sonora Desert. So, here’s our guide for making the most out of a trip to Joshua Tree National Park:
Planning Your Trip
When to Visit
The best all around weather in Joshua Tree arrives between March and April, with highs beginning low 70s and reaching the low 90s before May. However, when planning a trip, consider dates as far back as late fall (October/November). Though the temperatures are cooler from late fall into winter (highs in the low 60s/lows in the mid-40s), the weather is perfect for hiking and there are fewer people around.
**Keep in mind, for several years in a row Southern California has been hit with heavy early Spring rains, giving rise to super blooms. Keep an eye on the weather and you might find the desert around Joshua Tree in full bloom when you visit.
Our own personal preference is to avoid the Summer season. Not only is it the most crowded time of year, Joshua Tree and the entire desert area can get very hot – too hot for hiking.
How Long to Visit
There is a lot to do in and around Joshua Tree. For just the park experience and a touch of local color consider a weekend trip or overnight. To really dive into the area as a whole, visiting Palm Spring or some of the weirder desert locations (Salvation Mountain or the Salton Sea) give yourself at least 3-4 days.
Getting to Joshua Tree
By Air :
The closest airport to the park is the Palm Spring International Airport (PSP). Since this small regional airport can be more difficult to reach and is still about an hour from the south edge of the park, other SoCal airports can be a better option. Nearby airports include – Los Angeles International (3.5 hours away) and Ontario International Airport (1.5ish hours away).
By Car :
For most people in Southern California, driving is the best option. It is easy accessible and the traffic is generally very low. Likewise, flying into any area airport, this is an easy, short drive.
**For those looking to get a real look at the desert landscape, driving to Joshua Tree from Las Vegas is a roughly 3.5 hour trip and passes ghost towns, small artist communities, and plenty of open planes.
By Shuttle :
There are shuttles that operate service out to Palm Spring and Joshua Tree from San Diego and Los Angeles, but you’ll need to get a car once you’re there.
Getting Around
No matter how you arrive to Joshua Tree, you’ll need a car to really explore the park and the surrounding towns. By itself, Joshua Tree is massive. You’ll want to drive from trail head to trail head and sight to sight. As for TwentyNine Palms and other towns, there are hired car services, but cell reception can be spotty and you don’t want to be caught out in the heat without an exit strategy.
How Expensive is Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is the definition of a choose-your-own-adventure vacation. While prices range depending on your desired experience, this is generally a very affordable trip – especially if you plan on camping.
Areas Around Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree Park
Of course, first there’s the national park, approx. 800,000 acres of desert wilderness stretched between Twentynine Palms and Palm Springs (roughly). This is the best ‘outdoor adventure hub’ in the area. While the surrounding valley has similar terrain, Joshua Tree National Park stands out with its easy to access sights and well-managed trails.
Twentynine Palms
Surrounding the North end of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms was once a small desert town that has now grown into its own destination. Still local color overpowers the chainstores. Twentynine Palms Highway (the main thoroughfare) is home to a large array of artist galleries, local antique and oddity shops, as well as classic mom and pop restaurants. Off the main road, you’ll find some truly local gems that are a must for any visitor.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the largest city in the area, located to the Southwest of the National Park. It’s roughly an hour drive from the North Gate of Joshua Tree and home to the more well known desert resorts, trendy dining, and eclectic shopping. The vibe here is more upscale then Twentynine Palms and the prices reflect that trend. One of the biggest draws to this area is the nearly year round pool weather.
Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage is located closer to the South entrance of Joshua Tree than Palm Springs, and is a meeting place between the revitalized hip Palm Springs and the local focused Twenty Nine Palms. Here there is a mix of historic favorites – like Frank Sinatra favorite Lord Fletcher’s – alongside modern newcomers – like Martha Stewart favorite Brandini Toffee and the Ritz Carlton.
Where to Stay
Camping
Year round there is camping in Joshua Tree starting at about $15 a night, with most site ranging between $20-$30. Some sight require early reservations, which can sell out in the most desirable times to visit.
Close to the Park
Most of the hotels near the park tend to be standard corporate hotels with a few unique exceptions that take advantage of the local flair. House rental is also a really great option for finding an unusual getaway.
The Cambell House – Set on its own private 25 acres, this is a resort that has a bit of a bed and breakfast feel. In addition to its gorgeous stone house, the onsite massage and reiki sessions separate this out from any other area accommodations.
TwentyNine Palms Resort – This place lives up it’s signage’s funky vibe, being convenient to the area dining while offering cottages for rent. During my stay here, I fell in love with my spacious cabin that offered unobstructed desert views.
In the Area
Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are super popular getaways for Southern Californians. While these resorts are a big further away from the park, their amenities are with the trip. Some of our favorite places to stay are:
The Parker Palm Springs
Upscale with amazing restaurants and a fun layout with multiple pools makes this a fun getaway, even for one night. The suites are worth the price tag.
Omni Rancho Mirage
The lazy river and world-class golf course guarantee that your whole family will love this spot. Plus, there are dozens of amazing restaurants located within walking distance at the nearby “River”.
Top Sights to See
Joshua Tree Upper Circle
Most of the park’s best known sights are located on an upper Simi-circle route that begins and the West Entrance and loops to the North Entrance. From here visitors can reach Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and slightly further on the Cholla Cactus Garden.
Joshua Tree Milky Way
Joshua Tree is a dark sky location, which means there are amazing view of the stars and milky way. Especially for photographers – this is a must on any trip. Winter is best for long nights with more sky viewing, but the views of the Milky Way are best in summer.
Pappy and Harriet’s
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace is a desert institution that became really popular in the 2000’s for hosting surprise musical acts like Paul McCartney and Robert Plant. Part restaurant, part performance venue, it’s been featured on numerous ‘best of’ lists including Billbord Magazine’s ‘Top Ten Hidden Gems int eh Country’. It was also a stop for Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations.
Pioneertown
First built in 1940’s as a movie set, Pioneertown in the western village adjacent to Pappy and Harriets that now houses local artist galleries and the Pioneertown Motel. This is a great place to take pictures.
Palm Springs Serial Tramway
Taking guests from the desert floor to the cliffs of Chino Canyon, the world’s largest rotating tram car is your ticket to a whole different side of Southeastern California. At the top there are wilderness play areas, camping and over fifty miles of hiking trails. During the summer, this is a cool alternative to the roasting desert, and in winter – well, there is snow, sometimes a lot (thanks Spencer). **Consider getting you tickets in advance, especially on busy weekends.
Salton Sea
This once resort town retreat is now one of the best places on Earth to feel like you’re on another planet. Visiting near Bombay Beach, you’ll find yourself walking amongst hollowed out buildings and desert scrub where artist are now installing large scale creations that accentuate the otherworldliness of the area. Of course, you have to walk down towards the water’s edge and see the daily crop of dead fish. The lake was formed by a series of freak events, including an earthquake, and is now in a receding phase which no longer allows it to support marine life. I know this description sounds bleak – but stopping here is a once in a lifetime chance to feel like you’re either left the planet or survived the apocalypse.
Also – the International Banana Museum is here.
Salvation Mountain
West of the Salton Sea, the manmade Salvation Mountain is hard to miss. Big, bright, colorful, this is one man’s monument to God. Visiting, you can wander through the intricate caverns and carefully climb on some of the outside. This is a great place for pictures and a guidepost if you’re looking to make it to Slab City.
The Ritz Carlton Patio
There are a lot of great views to be had in Joshua Tree, but it’s still worth your time to grab a drink and wander out on the back patio of the Ritz Carlton. With effortless sweeping views of the entire Coachella Valley, this is a nice contrast to the organic world of the National Park.
