Joshua Tree National Park is a desert wonderland unlike anything else in the United States with its striking landscapes, rugged rock formations, and iconic Joshua Trees. That’s why this land became a national park. Located at the junction of the Mojave and Colorado deserts in Southern California, this vast and arid park offers a wealth of adventure for those seeking to experience nature in its purest form. Whether you're into hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, or simply soaking up the raw beauty of the desert, Joshua Tree provides a multitude of outdoor activities for everyone. Yet, cutting through the noise can be a challenge, so we made this article tohelp you make the most of your first visit.
Bouldering in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Why You Should Visit
A trip to Joshua Tree National Park in any season feels like stepping into another world, where towering rock formations, vast open skies, and a serene desert ambiance await. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting rock climbers to its world-class climbing routes and hikers to its many trails that wind through surreal desert scenery. Stargazers will find Joshua Tree one of the darkest, clearest night skies in the country, making it an official Dark Sky Park. The diversity of landscapes, including the vast Joshua Tree forests, desert plains, and rocky hills, make it a perfect place for adventure travel.
12 Things You Should Do
1) Hike Hidden Valley Trail
Hidden Valley is one of Joshua Tree's most iconic hikes, offering an accessible 1-mile loop that showcases the park’s unique geology and desert flora. This trail is ideal for first-timers as it winds through massive boulder formations and gives a perfect introduction to the scenery of the park.
Highlights:
Scenic Loop: Easy trail with iconic Joshua Tree views.
Rock Formations: Towering boulders perfect for photos.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for desert critters like lizards and birds.
Picnic Area: Perfect for a rest stop after the hike.
2) Climb at Intersection Rock
Joshua Tree is a rock climber’s paradise, and Intersection Rock is one of the most popular spots for climbers. It offers routes for various skill levels, from beginner-friendly to challenging climbs. If you’re new to climbing, you can book a guided climb to help navigate the park’s famous routes.
Highlights:
World-Class Climbing: Experience the legendary Joshua Tree granite.
Guided Tours: Options available for beginners and seasoned climbers.
Panoramic Views: Reach the top for stunning desert vistas.
Climbing Community: Meet other climbers from around the world.
3) Catch a Sunrise at Keys View
For breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and even Mount San Jacinto on clear days, a visit to Keys View is a must. The best time to go is early morning, when you can watch the sunrise bathe the desert landscape in golden hues.
Highlights:
Panoramic Views: Sweeping vistas of the desert and beyond.
Sunrise Spot: Early risers are rewarded with unforgettable views.
Photography: Capture perfect sunrise shots with unobstructed views.
Easy Access: The viewpoint is accessible via a short walk from the parking area.
4) Stargaze at Sky’s the Limit Observatory
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best stargazing locations in the United States. Thanks to its minimal light pollution, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and sometimes even meteor showers. The Sky’s the Limit Observatory offers educational programs and stargazing nights.
Highlights:
Dark Sky Park: Enjoy one of the clearest night skies in the country.
Astronomy Programs: Learn about the stars through ranger-led events.
Milky Way Views: Spot the Milky Way and constellations.
Meteor Showers: Time your visit for an unforgettable meteor show.
5) Explore Barker Dam Trail
This 1.3-mile loop trail leads you through a mix of Joshua Tree's iconic landscapes, from towering rocks to a hidden oasis. Barker Dam itself was built by early cattle ranchers, and when there's water, it's a great spot for birdwatching. The trail also offers a fascinating look at Native American petroglyphs.
Highlights:
Desert Oasis: Explore a small, serene body of water amidst the desert.
Birdwatching: See species like desert quail and other waterbirds.
Petroglyphs: View ancient rock carvings left by Native Americans.
Easy Hike: A relatively short and flat trail, great for all skill levels.
6) Camp at Jumbo Rocks Campground
Camping in Joshua Tree is an essential experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Jumbo Rocks Campground is one of the park’s most popular spots, surrounded by massive boulders that glow orange at sunset. It's a great base for hiking, rock scrambling, and stargazing directly from your campsite.
Highlights:
Stunning Campgrounds: Sleep amidst the park’s iconic rock formations.
Rock Scrambling: Explore the nearby boulders from your campsite.
Starry Nights: Clear skies make for incredible stargazing.
Reservations Needed: Book early, especially during peak season.
7) Visit Cholla Cactus Garden
The Cholla Cactus Garden is a must-see for nature lovers. This unique area features a dense concentration of cholla cacti that seem to glow in the soft desert light, especially at sunrise or sunset. A short, 0.25-mile loop trail allows you to explore the garden up close.
Highlights:
Unique Landscape: Walk among hundreds of cholla cacti.
Golden Hour Magic: Best visited at sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting.
Easy Walk: A short, flat loop that’s accessible for all visitors.
Desert Flora: Learn about this fascinating plant species and its role in the desert ecosystem.
8) Hike Ryan Mountain Trail
For more experienced hikers, the Ryan Mountain Trail offers a rewarding 3-mile round-trip hike to one of the highest points in the park. From the summit, you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding desert and distant mountain ranges.
Highlights:
Summit Views: Reach one of the highest viewpoints in Joshua Tree.
Challenging Terrain: A moderately strenuous hike with elevation gain.
360-Degree Vistas: Enjoy sweeping views of the park’s vast desert landscape.
Wildflowers: In spring, the trail is lined with colorful desert blooms.
9) Boulder at Split Rock
If you love scrambling or bouldering, Split Rock is one of the best spots in the park. This area offers various rock formations that are perfect for climbing, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber. It’s also a great place for photography, thanks to the uniquely shaped rocks.
Highlights:
Rock Scrambling: Enjoy fun and challenging boulder formations.
Photography: Capture the dramatic shapes and shadows of the rocks.
Climbing Routes: A popular area for beginner climbers.
Short Trail: A 2-mile loop hike surrounds the Split Rock area.
10) Take a Scenic Drive Along Park Boulevard
If you're short on time or want a more relaxed way to explore Joshua Tree, taking a scenic drive along Park Boulevard is a great option. This route offers stunning views of rock formations, Joshua Tree forests, and stops at popular points like Skull Rock and Keys View.
Highlights:
Joshua Tree Forests: Drive through iconic tree-dotted desert landscapes.
Skull Rock: Stop at this quirky rock formation that resembles a skull.
Easy Access: Great for families or those with limited time in the park.
Photo Opportunities: Capture memorable roadside views.
11) Backpack the California Riding and Hiking Trail
For those looking for a multi-day adventure, the California Riding and Hiking Trail offers a 35-mile trek through Joshua Tree’s diverse desert landscapes. The trail traverses some of the park’s most remote areas, offering solitude and stunning vistas.
Highlights:
Multi-Day Trek: Experience a backpacking adventure through Joshua Tree.
Remote Beauty: Hike through lesser-visited areas of the park.
Backcountry Camping: Set up camp under the stars.
Wildlife Sightings: Spot desert creatures like jackrabbits and coyotes.
12) Explore Keys Ranch
For a glimpse into Joshua Tree’s human history, visit Keys Ranch. This historic ranch was once the home of William F. Keys, a colorful local pioneer. Ranger-led tours offer insight into the challenges of desert life and the ingenuity of early settlers.
Highlights:
Historic Tour: Learn about Joshua Tree’s pioneer history.
Preserved Ranch: Explore the original buildings and artifacts.
Ranger-Guided: Join an educational tour led by park rangers.
Unique Insight: A different perspective on Joshua Tree beyond its natural wonders.
Checking out the rocks of Joshua Tree National Park from above. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for photographers, road trippers, and adventurers, offering an unparalleled experience in the heart of the desert. Whether you're captivated by the striking rock formations, eager to conquer challenging climbs, or simply want to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the desert landscape, this park has something for everyone. From the iconic Hidden Valley and the breathtaking views from Keys View to the starlit nights and the rugged trails of Ryan Mountain, Joshua Tree invites you to explore its diverse wonders. As you embark on your first visit, let this guide lead you through the must-see adventures and hidden gems that will make your journey unforgettable. Embrace the magic of Joshua Tree and create memories that will last a lifetime.