Joshua Tree is a fantastically accessible weekend trip from Los Angeles. Where the wild west meets a desert hippie vibe, Joshua Tree National Park is vividly beautiful, and a perfect weekend getaway. The Joshua Trees and Cholla Cactuses punctuate the desert landscapes, and the red earth and rocks reveal so much life despite the dry heat. We spent 2 days in Joshua Tree, enjoying the national park and music culture.
Getting to Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is directly east of Los Angeles. An easy weekend trip away, the drive is between 2-3 hours, depending on where you are coming from and how much traffic there is. Take Interstate-10 via San Bernardino, before turning left onto the 60 up to the Yucca Valley.
On the convergence of two desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, it has two distinct areas. The eastern part is the Colorado desert, and is hotter and at a lower elevation (a subsection of the Sonoran Desert). Joshua Trees don’t grow here, but Teddy Bear Cholla Cacti do. The cooler north-western part of the park is full of Joshua Trees and rock formations. It’s like getting two national parks for the price of one!
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
There are lots of options for staying in Joshua Tree near the park. For a budget option, the High Desert Motel is a typical roadside motel a few minutes’ drive from the north entrance. For something with a bit more pizzazz, the Auto Camp Joshua Tree has renovated Airstreams you can stay in! Better than camping, but more unique than a hotel, it’s a great option for families.
For something right near the park, the Sacred Sands B&B is a home-away-from-home option. If you wanted to stay somewhere unique, and near the best night life in the area, the Pioneertown Motel is your ticket. It is a 25 minute drive back to the park, but it certainly gives you great access to evening fun at Pappy + Harriet’s.
For luxury holiday home options, try Le Chacuel for luxury; or Black Sky House for stargazing.
If you’re coming to Joshua Tree for your Gram Parsons moment, staying in Room 8 of the Joshua Tree Inn is the ticket (if you know you know).
Joshua Tree Itinerary : 2 days
1 Day in Joshua Tree
If you only have one full day in Joshua Tree, here are my suggestions:
Coffee at Joshua Tree Coffee Company
There are no facilities within the park for food or drink, so make sure you are fed and watered before visiting. We loved the coffee from the Joshua Tree Coffee Company, just opposite the road to the park. It had all kinds of brews, milks, roasts and styles of coffee, to please even the most discerning coffee drinker.
Over the road, the Crossroads Cafe offers casual dining all day.
Joshua Tree National Park – Visitor Centre, Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Cap Rock + The Barker Dam Hike
Joshua Tree is a national park you can see in a day. Although you won’t really see as much if you are just stopping at landmarks and not doing any hiking or exploring. If you only have 1 day in Joshua Tree, you can still enjoy some marvellous landscapes and hot spots within the park – here are my recommendations.
Visitor Centre
There are 4 visitor centres around Joshua Tree. One at each of the Palms Highway entrances, and one at the south entrance at Cottonwood Springs. Plus a smaller one at the Black Rock campground in Yucca Valley. Learn more about the park, top up on water, and use their free wifi to download the National Park app for offline use – cell reception is terrible in the park.
Barker Dam Trail
If there is one hike I would recommend, it’s the Barker Dam Trail. An easy 1.1 mile (1.8km) loop out to the Barker Dam, then around past some Petroglyphs, before either taking the loop trail back. You can add another mile on by returning via the Old Queen Valley Historic Rd (which we did by accident). There is no cover on this hike, so make sure you wear a hat and take a litre of water per person.
Cap Rock
Cap Rock is a really accessible path around some beautiful rock formations. The half-mile loop takes you through brush, joshua trees, and monzogranite rocks. Cap Rock itself is an amazing cluster of rocks, with picnic tables and plenty of photo opportunities around it.
Skull Rock
Skull Rock is a fun stop along Park Boulevard towards Pinto Wye to the east. Just a short clamber up off the road, and you’ll find an amazing rock that has eroded to look very much like a skull.
Interesting Fact: Cap Rock is legendary for very nearly being the final resting place of famous musician Gram Parsons. Gram died on September 19, 1973, from a drug overdose at the Joshua Tree Inn. His wish to be cremated and scattered in Joshua Tree was attempted by road manager Phil Kaufman and assistant Michael Martin, who illegally tried to cremate his body in the desert at Cap Rock. They were interrupted and his remains were later buried properly in New Orleans.
Cholla Cactus Garden + Stargazing at Pinto Basin
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24/7, and when the ticket booth is closed in the evening, the gate is left open. This allows amazing access to the dark skies for stargazing.
Enjoy the Cholla Cactus (Teddy Bear Cactus) before you leave the park, or come at dusk and sunset to enjoy this incredible scenery as the sky changes. While Cholla cacti are super sensitive to touch, and easily fall off if brushed or knocked, they don’t ‘jump’ as some lore may indicate. They have barbs and easily work their way through clothing and into skin, making them very painful.
The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park has helpful pathways to help you avoid bumping into them. They thrive in thickets of plants, and it’s advised to be pretty careful during your walk through the area.
Either bring a picnic for dinner, or pop to the south entrance of the park for dinner. Chiriaco Summit Restaurant is a convenient location to grab some food, before returning to the park after nightfall for some stargazing.
Great stargazing can be found in along the roads at Pinto Basin or Jumbo Rocks. There are also 4 designated stargazing areas for those looking for groups of people after the same dark sky experience. They are: the parking lots of Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Ryan Mountain. Stay awake and within 20 feet (6 meters) of your vehicle.
2 Days in Joshua Tree
If you have 2 days in Joshua Tree, add more activities in and around the park:
Joshua Tree National Park: Sunrise at Arch Rock, Ryan Mountain Vista Point + Keys View
- Sunrise at Arch Rock – Spending a night near Joshua Tree is important both for stargazing in the evening and sunrise in the park too. Get yourself to Arch Rock about 1 hour before sunrise (google sunrise times to ensure you’re there for blue hour), and enjoy how the desert landscape comes alive before your eyes.
- Ryan Mountain Vista Point Hike – Ryan Mountain trail is a moderate hike (not to be attempted at the height of the heat in summer), that leads up to a gorgeous viewpoint (about an hour there and back). It’s a popular spot for sunrise too.
- Keys View – Keys view is accessible by car from an exit near Cap Rock. Leading up to a viewpoint and a small carpark, which is very popular at sunrise and sunset. With views out over the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and on a clear day, you may see San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountains, and sometimes Salton Sea to the south.
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
In keeping with the hippie spirit of the area, a trip to the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Art Museum is a great way to see how art and artists have shaped the area. Much of the art is created out of junked and found objects, put together in quirky and interesting ways. Noah Purifoy, the artists behind the outdoor assemblage sculpture, died in 2004, but his legacy and vision remains and is maintained by a foundation.
Pappy + Harriet’s
If there is one thing I definitely don’t recommend you skip, it’s a visit to Pappy + Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. This wild west music venue is an absolute institution. It was one of my favourite activities during our weekend in Joshua Tree. Located 12 miles / 19kms outside of Joshua Tree, it is a must-visit for music-lovers and those wanting a fab night out.
A few days before our visit, I checked the gig listing for this legendary venue and noticed that Tommy Prine was playing during our visit. This talented artist is John Prine’s son, but has his own unique voice and a wonderful band. We bought tickets to the gig, downloaded his latest album to listen to as we drove around Joshua Tree National Park, and had it memorised by the time we went to the concert.
There are different concert spaces, both outdoor and indoor, and pop-up bars servicing those who just want to soak up the vibes of the beer garden. We booked a table for dinner with the concert ticket, and were glad we paid the extra for a good table with a view of the stage, as the indoor bar area got quite crowded. The food was classic pub meals, and the portions were generous.
Where to Eat & Drink in Joshua Tree
Aside from Joshua Tree Coffee and Crossroads Cafe mentioned above, here are a few spots we enjoyed:
- Joshua Tree Saloon – a kitsch-fantastic old west style burger joint. Get something hearty here.
- Cocktails at Más o Menos – Whether it’s cocktails you want, or a glass of wine and nibbles, this place is perfection.
- Kitchen in the Desert, Twentynine Palms – New American with a Caribbean influence – tasty and casual.
Joshua Tree FAQ
Q. How many days do you need in Joshua Tree?
While you can visit the park in one full day, to enjoy some of the best parts, early morning hikes, sunrises and sunsets, then 2 full days / 3 nights is ideal.
Q. How long does it take to drive from LAX to Joshua Tree?
The drive is around 2 hours 45 mins, but that’s with no traffic. And given Los Angeles is known for its crazy traffic, expect for the journey to take longer than that.
Q. When is a good time to visit Joshua Tree?
Spring and Fall are the best times to visit Joshua Tree National Park. The average temps are lower, so far nicer for hiking and sightseeing.
Q. How long does it take to drive through Joshua Tree National Park
From the north entrance to the south? Around 1.5 hours direct. With loops, viewpoint roads, and brief stops, half a day at least.
Q. What to pack for Joshua Tree?
Layered Clothing – temperatures can vary widely between day and night, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warmer layers for the evening.
Hiking Boots or Sturdy Shoes – essential for rocky terrain and uneven trails.
Sun Protection – a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect from the sun.
Light Jacket or Fleece – nights can get chilly, even in the desert.
Red light – if you are going stargazing, reduce light pollution by using a red light torch, or putting a red filter on your headlamp.
Q. Can you visit Joshua Tree in a day from LA?
Technically, yes. But with a 3-hour drive each way, it would be too long a day for most people.
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All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
This is such a perfect itinerary for a Joshua Tree weekend! I love how you highlighted both the stunning landscapes and the quirky local culture. The balance between hiking in the national park and enjoying places like Pappy + Harriet’s for live music is ideal. Also, thanks for the tip about the Cholla Cactus Garden and stargazing at Pinto Basin—both sound incredible. I’ll definitely keep this guide in mind for my next trip out of LA!
Thank you for sharing insight into this beautiful park! I am heading there soon and will keep your tips in mind!
I liked the park itinerary but I have to say I’m baffled by the love affair with Pappy and Harriet’s. It’s a decent space but the food was mediocre at best and very expensive.
I see it as a venue primarily, not a restaurant. We saw a fantastic gig there, had some decent bar food and it was a wonderful night. That’s why people love it – the vibe is good!