Joshua Tree National Park
The must see experiences in Joshua Tree.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Joshua Tree National Park is an oasis of natural beauty and wonder in Southern California. Named after its iconic Joshua trees, this vast and sprawling park covers over 790,000 acres of rugged terrain, desert wilderness, and stunning vistas.
I did Joshua tree as a day adventure when I went to Palm Springs. This is a Park that is easily done in one day, if you are not trying to do a long hike and just want to hit the main attractions. I will break down the different places to hit in the park and hikes you may want to explore.
How to get into the Park:
- There are three park entry stations. They have a north, south and west entrance.
- Depending on the location you are coming from will help determine which one you should enter through.
- You will have to pay and entrance fee. It was $30 for one car. If you have a national park pass you can also use that to get in for free.
Itinerary:
I drove from Palm Spring into the park. There was different stops I wanted to hit on the way so I mapped out my trip based on those locations.
- We wanted to have lunch before heading into the city so we went to Pioneer town for lunch and went to this restaurant called Pappy+ Harriets.
- Pioneer town was built in 1946 to be a movie set, it is still there today and has shops in the different buildings.
- Pappy+ Harriets fits the vibe of the town and at night time has live music. If you want to check it out I recommend seeing if there is any good bands that you may want to check out first!
- Transmission Sculpture by Daniel Popper was next on my list. This is not located inside of the National park but is about 20-30 mins away from the entrance so is an easy stop before heading into the park. It is a very cool location and something you should check out it you have the time.
- Things you need to know: there is a dirt road getting to the sculpture.
- The sculpture is on private property and is surrounded by a fence. So you are unable to get right next to it.
- We entered through the North entrance. Most of the sights that you will want to see are pretty much right off the road and you do not have to do a lot of hiking if you do not want to.
- The first spot we saw was split rock, then made our way to skull rock and the last rock formations were arch and heart rock. Arch and Heart rock are in the same trail areas.
- The famous Joshua trees are all through out the National park so you can’t miss them. (as seen above)
- We just continued on that main road that Arch rock is on and went down to Cholla Cactus Garden. Which is very cool and highly recommend.
- One thing that you will noticed when traveling on this road is that the rocks, mountains, and cactus start to change heading down to the South entrance. This is because two desert are meeting, the Mojave desert and the Colorado desert, this is called the transition zone.
- Once we left we exited through the South entrance and headed back to Palm Springs.
- All in all it would take about 1.5 hours to drive all the way through the park without any stops on a slow day.
Where to stay:
While it’s possible to visit Joshua Tree National Park on a day trip, there are also several options for overnight stays within the park. I personally did not stay in Joshua tree but I do know there are nine campgrounds (recreation.gov), as well as several lodging options, including hotels and vacation rentals. There are many really cool options on airbnb avaiable It’s important to book in advance, especially during peak season, as spots can fill up quickly.
Palm Springs is always a good place to stay if you want to be within driving distance of the park.
Hikes:
With more than 300 miles of hiking trails, Joshua Tree is a hiker’s paradise, offering everything from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks. You can explore the park’s many geological formations, including the famous rock formations that attract climbers from all over the world.
Some popular hikes include the 1.5-mile Hidden Valley Trail, which winds through a beautiful valley surrounded by towering rock walls, and the strenuous 6.4-mile Ryan Mountain Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding desert. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the desert heat can be intense.
Splint rock which is a location that you can drive to. Is right off the road but there are many trails located around the area
Skull rock: a very cool rock formation that is also right off the road. When you see the rock you understand where it gets its name from
Arch rock: This is about 1.4 mile hike there and back.
Heart rock: This trail is very close to arch rock and you will see the signs when hiking arch rock. It is very easy to get lost around the area so pay attention and if you use all trails or another hiking app it may be helpful.
Things to know:
- Joshua Tree is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and numerous species of birds. You can take a guided safari tour or explore on your own, but always be sure to follow park rules and regulations to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem.
- Make sure to bring plenty of water. This is a desert so be careful!!
- Remember that since it is a desert there is not much shade at the camp grounds so keep that in mind when picking a place to stay.
- If you are going to take pictures in Joshua Tree around sunset, think about where you want to be. I wish I would have entered through the south entrance and took pictures closer to the north entrance for sunset. The landscape changes around arch rock when you are heading down south, if you come in through the north entrance, so keep that in mind. There is very few of the actual Joshua trees on the south side of the park.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a break from city life, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination that will leave you spellbound. Come explore this awe-inspiring landscape and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Up to the Sky 
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