Joshua Tree, California
Located in southeastern California, just two and a half hours outside of Los Angeles, is Joshua Tree National Park. The park’s 790,000+ protected acres features unique desert terrain including giant rock formations, expansive night skies, and the iconic Joshua Tree that dot its landscape.
The area’s history stretches thousands of years ago, with Native tribes like the Maara’yam (Serrano), Nüwü (Chemehuevi), Kawiya (Cahuilla), and the Aha Macave (Mohave) calling the land home. In the 19th and 20th century, the prospect of gold enticed miners, though many of the operations were short lived.
In 1936, the federal government recognized the area's natural beauty and historical significance by designating it as Joshua Tree National Monument. In 1994, it was redesignated as Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP).
After four days in JTNP and the surrounding towns, we’ve distilled our favorite parts of the park, creating a perfect three-day, two-night itinerary that will fill your days with desert wonder.
Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park
Thanks to its proximity to Los Angeles, there are many vacation rentals. For the itinerary below, we recommend staying in Joshua Tree (the town) though there’s plenty of architectural gems outside the area. Additionally, having access to a kitchen will be ideal for this trip. Here’s a few of our favorites:
Joshua Tree
• Andrea Zittels Joshua Tree Home
• Casa Descanso
• SkyDweller
• Splurge: The Landing House
Yucca Valley
Friday Itinerary
Friday Overview
• Purchase an online pass for Joshua Tree National Park
• Find coordinates for Hall or Horrors and download maps
• Drive from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree
• Pick up groceries either in Los Angeles or Yucca Valley
• Check in
• Make an easy meal or dine at local restaurants for dinner
• View the sunset from Arch and Heart Rock
Preparing for the trip
On the day of your visit, purchase your park pass online to avoid long lines and streamline your entry.
If you work on Friday, take the day off and leave after the morning rush to maximize your time. The drive should take about two and a half hours from Los Angeles without traffic.
Decide where to buy groceries en route: you can shop in Los Angeles and bring a cooler, or wait until you reach Yucca Valley, 15 minutes from Joshua Tree, where you’ll find Aldi and other options. At a minimum, plan to have breakfast and lunch in the park the next day.
3 PM: CHECK IN & DINNER
Opt for a one sheet pan meal or something quick like a pizza. Eat on the earlier side so you’ll have enough time to enter the park for your first Joshua Tree sunset.
6 PM: Sunset from Arch Rock
Enter JTNP through the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms. Allow extra time for park entry, as you’ll want to hike and meander around the Arch Rock Nature Trail. Be sure to visit Heart Rock for a photo opportunity. This spot is popular, but crowds are typically smaller at sunset.
Stay a little while to stargaze or head back to home base. It’ll be an early start!
Arch rock at sunset.
The hike along the Arch Rock Nature Trail speckled with boulders and Joshua Trees. The mountain range in the back make this a favorite sunset spot.
Saturday Itinerary
Today will be a full day in the park, starting in the early morning hours, so plan according. Our route will have you enter through the West Entrance and exit through the North Entrance.
Saturday Overview
• Wake up early and bring breakfast and lunch into the park
• Enter the park from the West entrance
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Exit the park from the North entrance
• Visit the Twentynine Palms JTNP Visitor Center
• Make an easy meal or dine at local restaurants for dinner
A beavertail cactus in bloom.
Preparing for the day
Bring breakfast, lunch, water, electrolyte drinks, and snacks into the park. Read meal ideas for airbnbs and stays with kitchenettes for inspiration. Bring enough, and then bring a little bit more! Keep a first aid kit in the car and do your homework if you’re off-roading. A full day of adventure is ahead!
6 am: Keys View for Sunrise
Start the day and join other early birds for sunrise 5,185 feet above sea level in the San Bernadino Mountains. Use the driving time on Google Maps to help determine how early to wake up.
Original image from Jess Woodhead / Unsplash
After watching the sunrise, choose from one of two adventure options.
8 AM: HIKE OR OFF-RoAD Tour
Option 1
Hike the Lost Horse Mine Trail, a two-mile section of the Lost Horse Loop Trail. For a round-trip hike of just over 4 miles with an 800-foot elevation gain, follow this out-and-back route. The mine is visible on the ridge, but to reach it, take the less obvious Lost Horse spur at the base of the hill rather than the main trail.
The view from the Lost Horse loop trail as you make your way to the mine.
Option 2
Looking to save the legs or try something new? The Geology Tour Road is the perfect beginner 4x4 route and will take approximately 2 hours to complete. The drive and loop (one-way) will take you into the Pinto Basin. Four wheel drive and high clearance required.
The park has several different 4x4 only roads. This is the view nearing the end of the Geology Tour loop.
11 AM: Oyster bar
Whether you’ve hiked or went off-roading, take a quick stop at the Oyster bar as you continue on the park route. Known as a popular climbing spot, it’s easy to spot the Agent Orange Rock from the road.
12 PM: HIKE Hall of Horrors
About a half mile from the oyster bar is Hall of Horrors. The area isn’t indicated on the park map, though in the park, there’s a sign and a large parking lot. Locate coordinates for the actual slot and download maps ahead of time, before entering the park. Use dirt paths to minimize impact.
Enjoy your lunch here, if you have not already.
2 PM: Skull Rock
Your last stop for the day is the popular, Skull Rock. This formation is right next to road, making this an easy stop and see point.
4 PM: Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms
If you leave the park in time, you’ll want to swing by the visitor center, the largest of the three, in Twentynine Palms. The perfect place to pick up your park swag and learn something new from the exhibits.
7 PM: Dinner
A popular spot for BBQ and live music is Pappy & Harriets in Pioneertown, which is about 20 minutes outside of Joshua Tree. Otherwise, opt for something closer after a long day or make an easy one-pan meal at home base. If your stay has it, soaking in a tub is the perfect ending.
Sunday Itinerary
The last day in the desert, choose from a few options. Sleep in, enjoy a coffee, and a slow morning, or squeeze in one last park visit. Either way, you’ll want to fuel up and enjoy a meal at La Copine on your way out of town.
• Sunrise at the Cholla Garden or a short hike on the Hidden Valley Nature Trail (Optional)
• Coffee at Joshua Tree Coffee Company
• Shop at Lessen Space (Seasonal)
• Eat at La Copine
6 AM: SUNRISE AT CHOLLA GARDEN oR HIKE Hidden Valley
If you’re willing to wake up early again, you’ll want to make the effort to see the Cholla Garden at sunrise. Once in the garden, capture the light through the Cholla’s needles.
On your way out, or if waking up early isn’t your thing, consider one last hike at Hidden Valley Nature Trail (approx. 1 mile).
The cholla cactus needles glowing as the sun rises.
Otherwise, enjoy a slow Sunday morning.
12 PM: SHOP
Enjoy a brew at Joshua Tree Coffee Company or shop for beautiful objects at Lessen Space—our favorite store in Joshua Tree.
1 PM: LA Copine for lunch
To celebrate the weekend, and fuel up on your way out of town, enjoy a meal and a sweet treat at La Copine. Happy travels!
