Joshua Tree is a serene, beautiful park that has spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

There are three entrances:

You can stay in Yucca Valley and use the West Entrance through Joshua Tree, however this is the main entrance and it gets very crowded after 8AM. Another option is to continue along 62 and enter at the North Entrance: Oasis Visitor Center. A third option is to stay on the South side of the park in Indio and enter through the South Entrance: Cottonwood Visitor Center

GAS: There is no gas in the park! There is a gas station in Indio, 30 minutes prior to the South entrance and then another station 15 minutes past the South Entrance. There are several gas stations in Yucca Valley and there is a gas station at the North Entrance near Twentynine Palms.

Places to Stay: Indio, Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms all have hotels you can stay at.

We chose to stay away from the crowds in Indio so we could go into the South Entrance of the park.

Things to Do: START EARLY 🙂

Cholla Cactus Garden. We were the only ones there at 7am (we were up and out the door by 6am. 30 min. drive to the park entrance and then another 30 min drive until you reach the Garden. ) It was worth the early rise because the tops of the cacti look like they were glowing. It was so beautiful.

Heart Rock and Arch Rock-2mi. RT

You will actually pass the rocks on the right but end up parking further up the road on the left side. You will then take a trail along the road for less than a quarter mile before crossing the road and heading back toward where you came from. You can camp here (White Tank Campground) and it looks like a perfect campground for kiddos because there are a lot of boulders to explore! Follow the signs for Arch Rock and Heart Rock. Very easy to find, easy trail. About 2 miles total Round Trip from the parking lot.

Skull Rock

This is another pull-off, no hiking.

Hike Ryan Mountain

This was my favorite thing that we did in the entire park! 3 miles Round Trip. Elevation gain 1,069 feet. You will need plenty of water and do not forget your sunscreen as this is an exposed trail. All Trails ranks it as moderate. I think I would say it is an easier Moderate though. I would definitely start early for the cooler weather and less crowds-it was getting crowded on our way out around 10 am. 360degree views at the top!

Hidden Valley-1 mile leisure walk through a lush valley that hid pilfered cattle in the late 1800s.

49 Palms Oasis trail: 3 mi RT, easy 350 ft elevation gain

We left the park through the West entrance to go to 49 Palms Oasis which is outside of the main area of Joshua Tree. Although it is part of the National Park, there is no ranger station and this hike has its own access road. As you hike this trail, you certainly feel the desert. There is heat, dust, rocks, and variations of brown all around you. I think this is the ugliest hike I have ever done. The sun is beating down on you the entire time and you are completely exposed. In fact, there is a sign at the trailhead that says, “DO NOT DIE TODAY” and rescues are common on the trail due to the heat. Take plenty of water! We were here in March and it was extremely hot for us, even this early in the season. I know it can get to 100 degrees by 8am in June/July. Sounds miserable. The Oasis requires some scrambling to get to. It is nice to see Palm Trees juxtaposed against such an arid backdrop and they provided some much needed shade.

This hike is popular because the trail is not too difficult (it goes up and down along the way), there is no ranger station so it is free, and it is easy to get to. There are facilities at the trailhead (basic trailhead bathrooms).

Joshua Tree Saloon

After approximately 11 miles of hiking/exploring in 85 degree heat without shade, we were ready for an ice cold IPA. We headed to Joshua Tree Saloon. This place was so crowded, even at 3:30 in the afternoon, so keep that in mind if you are starving. We passed the line, went inside and sat at the bar which had plenty of open seats and they served food as well. We did not even know there was a bar inside so it was very helpful that someone let us know on their way out.

Sunset at Keys View: It will take about 20 min to drive to Keys View from the West Entrance. The Joshua Tree Entrance back into the park was crowded, due to many others wanting to see the sunset/stargaze so leave room in your timing for a line. The parking lot fills up fast at Keys View. This was my second favorite thing I did in the park. It was absolutely beautiful.

If you want to stay in the park longer, you can stick around for a perfect stargazing sky. It gets very dark in the park and Arch Rock is a great location to lay back and watch the stars. It got chilly at night so be prepared for a drop in temperature once the sun goes down.

TIPS:

• -Go early to avoid the heat and the crowds
• -Get gas before getting in the park
• -Go straight to the bar inside the Joshua Saloon to avoid a long wait
• -Have plenty of Water
• -The Joshua Trees are the best during the sunset and sunrise

Alternate idea for Joshua Tree National Park

-Get out of the heat and explore the Chasm of Doom. You will need to be able to squeeze through tight spaces. This is not on any of the park maps but the entrance is at the Hidden Valley stop. Bring your headlamp!