The best day trips to Joshua Tree National Park Itinerary
Joshua Tree National Park is a large protected area in Southern California. It is characterized by rugged rock formations and a completely desert landscape. Named for the region's twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, which is higher and cooler. Key views overlook the Coachella Valley. Hiking trails weave through the boulders of the Hidden Valley. Address: California, United States.
Joshua Tree National Parks are desert oasis and climbers paradise. Almost everything at the Park is available from astrophotogists to adventure-seekers. A day trip to Joshua Tree can be the best way to explore Californias deserts. This National Park reaches the junction with two deserts, the Mojave and the Colorado.
These ecosystems have a unique geological feature that allows for abundant wildlife sightings. The Joshua Tree National Recreation Area offers so much more. Its simple navigation allows you to see most important highlights at the same time. Joshua trees are a perfect weekend getaway to big cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
How do I get to Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park is less than three hours from Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas and is ideal for weekend escapes. Perfect addition for a South California travel! If you're going on a flight to Joshua Tree National Park, you can travel to various airports like Palm Springs. I use Skyscanner when searching for cheap flights to various airports.
When a person finds their flight, they should arrange transportation to the airport. Joshua Tree National Park offers several scenic trips off-road. If you're interested, rent AWD cars. You can choose cheaper cars instead. Read more: 19 top Nationalparks Near Las Vegas.
If You Have More Than One Day in Joshua Tree national park
Alternatively, you may want to hike the 1.1-mile roundtrip Trail out to Barker Dam in the morning to enjoy the sunrise. This short loop brings you to an ancient water reservoir constructed during early cattle farming times. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep as they go! Check with parks and wildlife managers for water levels at Barker Dam.
Unless there are drained water dams, they won't be as impressive at sunrise. Joshua trees are renowned for the dark nights that surround them. Take an afternoon walk around the park and take in the stars either at the new moon or at night.
Best time to visit Joshua Tree national park
The best time for visits in Joshua Tree is in fall winters and early spring. Throughout these months you will enjoy cooler temperatures because the Joshua Trees are deserted. Summer in Joshua Trees is quite hot with little shade at the park. The temperature at this time of the year can reach 100 ° C. Another option is to visit on a weekday as soon as possible.
We visited this park for two days during the weekend so I thought it was almost our own park. Whatever year you visit Joshua Tree, you will have plenty of water or snacks, because there are no stores at this location.
How to spend one day in Joshua Tree National Park Itinerary
The Joshua Tree became an important national park. From beautiful scenery, easy hiking routes, and quaint accommodations, there are many who flock to this California Park! Also in our Joshua Trees itinerary, I cover some amazing sights and activities for a day of visit the Joshua Tree.
You'll also find Joshua treestravel tips and downloadable maps for free! Joshua trees were designated National Monuments in 1936 and became National Parks in 1994. Located in Utah, Mojave Desert is 792512 acres of high desert and high desert.
Joshua Tree. Quick facts
Joshua Tree in Twentynine Palms in South California. Access: The park has three entry points. This entry is five miles from Joshua trees Village, intersection of Interstate 60 and Park Blvd. The north entry lies at 20nine Palms (as is Highway 62).
A South Entrance near Cottonwood Springs provides an entrance on Interstate 10. Admission: The admission charge per vehicle is $30 US. This is payable at the visitor centre. Should you want to visit 3 national parks, get the American Beautiful Pass National Parks Pass.
How to get around Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Trees should be visited with an automobile only. For flights out of state, look at Rental Cars for most favorable rates. In addition to 4x4 vehicles there are additional road options. A further limitation is a lack of fuel outlets in the park. Keep the tank clean and bring snacks.
Joshua trees lacks phone service at parks. You should also download offline Google Maps or bring some old-school satellite GPS. Get the map before going into the park if your services are limited.
Joshua Tree at night
When the sun goes down, stay out of the parks quickly. Joshua trees are renowned internationally for their dark skies, which means there is minimal light pollution on the surface. So, it is possible to see amazing sky-gazing.
Arch Rock is a popular area for Astrophotography, whereas Cottonwood campgrounds have the darkest skies. See what you can do with Stargazing in Joshua Trees. Tip: Keep bringing a layer/jacket with you. In the evening, the temperature is cool in Joshua Tree!
One day in Joshua Tree Itinerary
We arrived at Palm Springs, we entered the Park on the West Entry, near the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. You can see lots in Joshua Trees if you drive through the park in an overnight. There is only 60 miles of main route from Cottonwood Visitors Center to the town of Joshua Tree.
I was a little nervous about getting back to the most remote point of the Joshua Tree trip (Holla Cactu Garden) and waited until we had gotten there! Tell me the way to plan the day.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Hidden Valley Natural Trail is a popular hike across Joshua Tree. And it became very crowded. You may wish to go for the walk early in the morning. Alternatively, if you want, it's possible to walk out of the way to the lookouts and climb rocks for your lookouts.
It has mostly flat 1-mile trails varying from 1km to 200 meters, and is quick and easy to travel! It is a very easy hike! And though this is an easy trail, do not overlook the amazing terrain around. The hike passes boulders and the most interesting rocks in the valley.
Joshua Tree Visitors Center
Before entering the parks I strongly suggest making an early exit at the Visitors Centre for some quick pit stops. Here you will learn about Joshua Treesand its surroundings. As previously mentioned, there are no services at the park so having paper maps can make a huge difference.
Maps are at visitor centers near the Main West entrance (every exit has a visitor center). I circled my destinations so we could see nothing! Keep in mind that the park provides very limited cell service - you can always use a map.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Our first visit to Joshua Tree Daytrip! I'll tell you why. But we didn't get a Joshua tree! Because the Cholla Cactus Garden lies close to the center of the Park, closer to the Colorado Desert. Joshua trees do not thrive in the desert ecosystem.
Instead, there are lots of cholla cactis sometimes called Teddy Bear Cactus! They look cute and snuggly, but when you're closer, the needles surround them. Do whatever you can to avoid this. It happened to my dress.
All about visiting Joshua Tree National Park
The park is mainly known for its Joshua trees. They are relatives to agave that usually occur in the mojave desert. Joshua trees may live up to 150 years in protected areas such as National Parks. The park also has many other features to be seen.
Atop dense forests, you may find massive lava rocks stacked high above ground. The distinctive rock formation draws climbing lovers from any continent. Getting to Joshua Tree National Park can take an hour or more!
Fees for entry
You can visit Joshua Tree Park at various times; the most effective option is an annual American the Beautiful National Park Pass. It allows visitors access to all the national parks as well as National Forest and historical sites. You can break even by visiting two-thirds of the National Park each year! The National Park Service offers many free entrance days to Joshua Tree every year.
Do you visit multiple national parks? The American Beautiful National Park Pass allows access to 400+ National Park Sites and all 63 National Parks for twelve years!
Is One Day in Joshua Tree Enough Time?
With one day at Joshua Tree's easy to see many of the best attractions. Joshua Tree's the ideal place to visit Palm Springs, San Diego, Los Angeles - even Las Vegas. Palm Springs is the closest large city to Joshua's Tree, an hour away.
Some other cities are less than 3hrs, giving you ample time to go sightseeing in the Joshua Tree's National Park! Often you can extend your Joshua tree trip an extra day but most people find a whole day sufficient.
Top things to do in Joshua Tree in One Day
This itinerary lists some of Joshua Tree's more common activities as an alternative to other places of interest. This idea will get you out of your car without fighting for elbowroom with the park visitors.
When visiting during summer and spring, you should have at least twelve hours of running. The gate is open every day so come early. You should be allowed time to visit four parks with time for an extended hike and a further attraction.
Take Key's Ranch Tour
Key Ranch tours are the best kept secrets within the park. The key family was the only one who lived a durable and enduring life in this uncharted land. Keys began running scams on Scotty Castle in Death Valley. After doing this, he worked on mining projects in Joshua Tree.
Walk the Wall Street Mill
From California's gold rush 1847 to the late 1930s, gold mining began in Joshua Tree. The park has countless mining and milling sites and it'll be interesting to make a few visits. Wall Street Mill offers a good starting point. These 22.5 kilometre trails are located near Barker Dam loops. The mill originally belongs to Bill Keys. The trail has informative signage and a beautiful Joshua Tree landscape along the trail.
Take the Arch Rock Trail
Arch Rock Trail is one such unmapped but well marked trail. It only makes one short trip through White Tank campground. The trailhead can be found in the Twin Tank Park and follows the directions across the road. Immediately left (but not well identified) and then headed towards a rock group.
Stroll the Hidden Valley Loop
Hidden Valley is located a short distance from Key Ranch. Once a hunting camp it has become an excellent camping spot and popular climbing site for picnickers. The one mile loop trail is available for walking as well as a stroll in the campgrounds to witness rock climbers challenge gravity.
Creep out at Skull Rock
What about that Skeletor movie? He settled in Joshua Tree. These scary bits of geological evidence are the result of rains that poured down the granite to create your next halloween costume. The park includes a 1,500 acre nature trail for your kids to explore.
Visit Cholla Cactus Garden
It contains hundreds of Chola cactus trees in its area. The sharp spine lies atop an invisible snout that can be hit by the feigned. Also remember to keep moving.
Important Tips for Your Joshua Tree Day Trip Itinerary
Joshua Tree is a relatively small park in the summer due to the high heat. During the summer it is usually 105°C. Most visitors prefer exploring the park in October or April when it is warm at night. The temperature is usually 40-60 degrees during early spring/late summer.
If you decide to stay in Joshua Tree winterally, bring warm clothes because overnight temperatures may drop below freezing from December to February.
Nearby trips to add to your Joshua Tree itinerary
Take a 1-hour trip to a Palm Springs hotel that specializes in spa treatments. Its location close to cities such as San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles makes it a perfect roadtrip destination for visitors. Explore Southern California before heading to Pacific Coast Roads.
Bring in some national parks for your travel plans! Nearby parks include the Grand Canyon and the Death Valley.
Can you do Joshua Tree in a day?
Yeah! Joshua Tree has become an amazing national park in fewer days. During the day you can see Joshua trees highlights including Chola Cactus Gardens and Ryan Mountain. Sunset on Key views.
How much time do you need in Joshua Tree?
You just need one day. Depending where you want the trip you are visiting and the nature you want the park to explore is an ideal choice.
What to pack for Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park is a dry desert. Desert walks require a better level of planning than others. Prepare yourself to go to Joshua Tree by taking everything necessary. Tell me the best packing tip you can give for travel? Check out my guide to the best backpack and camping supplies for all of my best gear choices!
Tell me the best thing to do in Joshua Tree National Park?
It is very easy to explore Joshua Tree National Park with the correct itinerary. You may not have to take in everything, but you are sure to appreciate its beauty. This page provides more information about these activities and how to take them on a Joshua Tree day trip.
Rest in the Midday
Every single hour you have in Joshua Tree you will enjoy exploring his natural beauty and landscapes. Once it gets hot, though, it is important to go outside the park to eat lunch or refill your water jugs. Most locations in Joshua Tree National Park take about 45 minutes from the park to another nearby community and are easily accessible by car.
Take a hike or climb!
Joshua Tree has an exciting playground. You may get maximum advantage by hiking and climbing during the mornings before the heat sets in full. This one day Joshua Tree hike is very easy and I am not an extreme hiker.
Watch Sunrise in Cholla Cactus Garden
Hands down, my favorite place in Joshua Tree is at Chollacactus Gardens. Both trips were great experiences! The part of the park has something special where you see the sky brighten before sunlight bursts over the distant mountains and illuminates the cholla cacti.
Take a look at Joshua Tree's sights
It is always a good idea to start early on a day trip to Joshua Forest. If you wake early to see sunrise, the next few hours after sunrise are best for a visit and to see some of Joshua Trees finest attractions. You may visit these places later in your visit, but you may go elsewhere. There are also many beautiful sights along some hiking trails that you can easily take... read more about that!
Stretch your legs
The afternoon in Joshua Tree is hot, so refill your water supply when you return to the park. There's not enough room for fresh water here! Then back to a nice stroll. There are some good options including the Barker Dams pictured below - Hidden Valley Nature Trails, two trails with several sections that offer some protection when hiking in the sunshine.
Enjoy Sunset from Keys View
When the moon starts falling there's an important point: The Key View. Bring your vehicle up into the parking area and you will enjoy the view across the surroundings. I recommend trying to get to that point about 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. You have the possibility of seeing sunrise or sunset during the day.
How to get around while visiting Joshua Tree?
Joshua Tree has no Park Shuttles. You have to bring a car to the park. Most parks road surfaces are paved and you should do nothing if you plan to go off-road. During peak season parking can be tricky. For easy access to parking plans start early before 9am.
Where to stay: Joshua Tree National Park
Unlike most national parks, Joshua Tree is situated within an urban area. Joshua Tree, Yucas Valley and Twentynine Palms are located near the park boundary. See this place for accommodation in Joshua Tree.
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is a known campground. The most commonly used camping site at the park is Jumbo Rocks. Unlike its nickname, this campground lies under huge rocks in lava formation. Many climbers choose to camp in these places due to proximity to these rocks. Generally, the campgrounds in the park are first-come, first-served during the slower season.
Airbnbs Near Joshua Tree National Park itinerary
The sprawling desert landscape surrounding the park allowed numerous residence developments. Any city nearby is full of Airbnbs with very low prices! There are all the glamping and beach houses. I've stayed at an elegant mid-century Airbnb.
One day in Joshua Tree National Park – Day Trip Itinerary
Here is the best attraction in this national park in one day! This tour in Joshua Tree is designed to minimize your backtripping. Please try this itinerary if you'd like.
Explore Barkers Dam
Barkers Dam can be visited in a day in Joshua Tree. The dam never had any water but the path is interesting - whether it was water or not. You have incredibly good chances for water during the colder seasons after the rain. We didn 't drink water lol.
Walk the Hidden Valley Nature Trail
To start your day of sightseeing in Joshua Tree, go from the west gate station to the Hidden Valley trail. It's believed that this famous 1-mile loop is legendary for rustlers for storing stolen cattle. The two brothers, Jim and Bill McHaney, had formed a cattle stealing gang.
The trail begins by climbing a large boulder then descending through the valley into a valley. It's very popular climbing in Hidden Valley, which means that you may see small dots! You can also find many Joshua trees on these trails.
Cholla Cactus Garden Sunset
For a beautiful sunset at Joshua Tree National Park, you'll want to go back to the Cholla Cactus gardens! The sunset can only be seen during the winter months by departing Arch Rock before 4:30. Cholla Cactus Gardens is 13 minutes (6,8 kilometers) from ArchRock on Pinto Basin Road.
Why are there so many people here so early because the sun is descending behind the mountain of Hexia? The sun was gone but we remained greeted by gorgeous pinks and yellows.
Where to stay with One Day in Joshua Tree?
Because Joshua Tree does not have a hotel within the park, you will stay in the nearest town/city until you decide on camping. A good campground in Joshua Tree is:
One Day Joshua Tree Itinerary
It's all very important information. Now the time has come for an exciting itinerary to see the most beautiful parts of Joshua Tree National Park within a day.
Start your day at Cholla Cactus Garden
It's an important thing for Joshua Tree National Parks. Cholla Cactus Garden offers a fantastic sunrise view over Joshua trees. As the sun rises in the sky the garden lights up as cacti catch the early sunlight. Take a right turn around the park towards the Chollan cactus garden. When driving through dark areas, be careful of animals.
We had many coyotes sitting at 4 a.m. in front of us. Follow the 1.5 miles of dirt path to take pictures of the glowing cactus. Plan on arriving 45mins before sunrise to catch the sunlight from dawn through to the morning golden hour. Find the best Sunrise spots in Jacksonville.
Hike Ryan Mountain or Hidden Valley Trail
The trip to the top of Ryan Mountain takes three days to complete. From this peak you have stunning views of Joshua Tree National Park. The trail is steep and stretches over 1,000 meters from its base to its highest point in a 1.5 mile hike. This popular trail should be walked during the day, especially during summertime, before temperatures rise at night.
If you're looking for an enjoyable family hike then choose one-mile loops through the Hidden Valley Trail. The valley had a history of being enclosed by rock walls. The site has been open to tourists since the removal of rocks in 1788.
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