As a girl who grew up in Arizona, I went to Joshua Tree with the assumption it was going to be very similar to what I see back home so my expectations were low. I.WAS.WRONG! Although the Joshua Trees are the star of the show, I have to say the uniquely jagged, highly textured rocks were very much a highlight of this park.
Whether you are looking for a change in scenery or curious to see what all the fuss is about on social media, there is no better place than Joshua Tree National Park for a quick weekend getaway.
Don’t forget to snag you free travel guide download to Joshua Tree below.
How to get around Joshua Tree
This park encompasses 800,ooo acres, so the best way to see all that Joshua Tree has to offer is by car.
If you are looking to catch a flight, the closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park is Palm Springs International Airport. Once you have landed, you can choose from 9 different companies to rent a car.
Where to Stay
I would recommend staying at the north end of the park, as that is where you will find some of the best things to do in Joshua Tree. Some of the cutest airbnbs are located on this side of the park.
There is a wide variety of airbnbs to choose from including cozy, colorful casitas to whimsical glamping spots to even an eclectic spaceship to sleep in.
I have listed some of my favorite airbnbs below:
- Airstream Oasis– A glamping paradise equipped with a hot tub and fun outdoor activities on the property to take advantage of!
- The Splash House– If you are looking for a way to admire the sun setting over Joshua Tree while cooling down in the pool look no further than this location. Best part is it’s dog friendly and dogs stay for free!
- Ventana Cove– I am already picturing the type of fun weekend getaway with friends this house provides with all the built-in entertainment and scenery!
- Area 55 Futuro House– I had to save the most unique accommodations for last. This spectacular place not only provides a rare opportunity to stay in a faux alien spaceship, but you get incredible panoramic views of the landscape!
TIP: Make sure to book your accommodations in advance! Most of these places get snatched up well in advance, and you don’t want to miss out.
Top Trails in Joshua Tree National Park
You can spend weeks exploring all the trails found at Joshua Tree National Park. If you are looking for some of the best things to do in Joshua Tree, however, make sure to add these premier trails to the top of your list:
Arch Rock Trail
This is one of the most iconic spots in the park, and it gets crowded quickly so if you want to take some time to enjoy this place without all the crowds I would recommend starting your day here first. We arrived at 7 am and found a handful of people on the trail.
Luckily, this is an easy trail for all skill levels. Details on this trail can be found here.
Most people turn around after snapping a photo here, but to catch some more impressive views head just south of Arch Rock!
Skull Rock Trail
Another popular thing to do in Joshua Tree is to explore this hot spot. I still can’t believe Skull Rock was formed naturally over many years?? Up close it looks like it belongs on set of Pirates of the Carribean.
Although you will find it says Skull Rock is a 1.7 mile hike, it can easily be spotted from the road. There is no hike needed to get here. There is a trail located behind Skull Rock that you are welcome to explore.
This spot also gets heavily visited, so expect to wait in line if you want to get a photo.
Hall of Horrors Area
I was so excited to explore this place after learning there are some narrow passageways through the rocks that form this amazing hallway. After walking in circles trying to find the hall of horrors, we gave up and turned around. To keep you from running into the same fate, I was able to find this video that outlines where you can find it.
We were still able to enjoy this area and catch some great views!
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
This hike is highly rated due to the variety of different landscapes found around this 1-mile loop. You will find this is also a popular trail among rock climbers given all the impressive rock formations located here.
The trail is well maintained and leaves a lot of room to explore.
These views alone are worth the stop!
Tip: This parking lot fills up fast, so get there earlier in the day if you can or wait until sunset.
Barker Dam
I was looking forward to seeing the reservoir located inside Joshua Tree National Park, but was surprised to find the dam is all dried up! You can see this place filled with water right after a rainstorm though.
What I did like about this trail were the tall Joshua Trees we saw along the way.
FUN FACT: Joshua Trees can grow up to 15 – 40 feet!
It was thrilling to see so many Joshua Trees of varying sizes for miles!
Cholla Cactus Garden
One of the best things you can do in Joshua Tree is to take full advantage and explore as much of the park as you can. This includes exploring the south side of Joshua Tree National Park, where you will find the cholla cactus garden.
Don’t let the cute name of this teddy bear cholla mislead you, even one slight movement close to the teddy bear cholla and you will be putting your tweezers into overdrive picking out the spines.
Cottonwood Spring Oasis
Like excuse me, how does this cute oasis even exist in the desert?? Trust me when I say, you have to check this place out!
Located just 7 miles from the southern entrance you will find a forest of tall, thick palm trees to admire.
You may be wondering how palm trees can even grow in the middle of such a desolate place? You will find a spring located here that was produced by an earthquake many years ago, and as a result these palm trees have been able to flourish.
Some palm trees here are over 100 years old!
If you would like to catch some great views of the palm trees from above, you can take the trail just northwest of the cluster of palm trees.
Places to Eat
There are no places to eat inside the park, so make sure to scout out all the great restaurant options located in Twenty Nine Palms located just outside of the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
To check out some of the popular Places to eat just outside of the park see below.
- Crossroads Cafe– The food here is delicious and there are so many options to choose from! Keep in mind this place is only open for breakfast and lunch, and it gets busy fast so make sure to get here early.
- Joshua Tree Saloon– This saloon-style restaurant provides the perfect experience to your wild west adventure through Joshua Tree.
- Natural Sisters Cafe– Plant based food and beverages that are all locally sourced and organic.
- Joshua Tree Coffee Company– Ditch the long lines and head here to get some food to go and fresh coffee.
Visit Pioneertown
Think old west movie set with Hollywood vibes. Oh and did I mention this place is a real town filled with a real functioning saloon, local artist shops and a long-standing saddle shop?
Over 50 films and television shows have been filmed here!
You can find Pioneertown located 16 miles west of Joshua Tree National Park’s north entrance.
Other Fun Things to See
If you are looking for some more little surprises just outside of Joshua Tree National Park check out some fun spots below.
World Famous Crochet Museum
I may never recover from the cuteness that is this tiny, little bright green museum! What once use to be a photo booth has now become the home of SO.MANY. adorable crochet animals that have been collected by Shari Elf over the years.
This also acts as the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram photo!
You can find this museum just off of Twentynine Palm Tree Highway.
Beauty Bubble
Take a trip back in time to see what old-school salons use to look like and admire the vast collection of memorabilia the owner has collected over the years.
You can read all about Jeff Hafler’s story here.
This place is conveniently located just around the corner from the World Famous Crochet Museum.
The Station
This souvenir shop deserves an honorable mention, because it makes for the perfect pit stop on your way home!
There is an amazing collection of gifts to choose from to commemorate your time in Joshua Tree.
Enjoy your time in Joshua Tree, I know you will love every minute of it!
Don’t forget to snag your free itinerary below. It includes all the hot spots you see all over Instagram and more!
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