Day Trip to Joshua Tree: a 24 hour Itinerary

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Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most unique places in the United States with the most unusual trees found in the middle of the California desert. It’s truly one of the best national parks in the US and shouldn’t be missed, especially if you’re already visiting California, Nevada, or Arizona. A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park is very manageable from big surrounding cities and with only 24 hours, you can still see the main highlights of the park.

Where is Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is located within three ecosystems of California: the Colorado Desert, Mojave Desert, and the Little San Bernadino Mountains. Each of these have their own distinct natural features, wildlife, and plant-life.

The closest cities to Joshua Tree are Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree city. Yucca Valley is also nearby. Both Palm Springs and Palm Desert are 50 minutes away, so if you’re looking for a longer weekend getaway, these would be good bases.

However, you can easily visit Joshua Tree on a day trip from Los Angeles and San Diego as the drives are under 3 hours. You can also take a day trip from Las Vegas, Nevada or Phoenix, Arizona since the drives are between 3 and 4 hours, although that would definitely be a longer day. Joshua Tree is a highlight of the West Coast so it’s a great stop on a road trip out West too!

When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park?

Depending on what you’re looking for in your day trip, there’s different “best” times to visit. For example, if you’re trying to avoid crowds, winter is the best time to visit followed by summer then fall then spring.

Because the summer heat in June-September can become unbearable (100°F during mid-afternoon), summer is actually considered the off-season in Joshua Tree National Park. However, it can still get crowded as that’s when schools are on break.

It scarcely ever rains in Joshua Tree, so you don’t need to worry about that. However, the winters can get cold, especially at night dropping near freezing.

To see wildflower blooms, visit during springtime (March and April).

Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so you can enter the park at any time. For day trips, I recommend leaving as early as possible to give yourself the most time in the park and to avoid city traffic. This also means you can visit for stargazing at night only if you’d like!

It’s one of the best places to visit in the US in late fall (late October and November), so that’s when I would go if I had the choice.

How do you get to Joshua Tree National Park?

First of all, Joshua Tree has three entrances (each with their own visitor center).

Joshua Tree Visitor Center is the first one you’ll hit traveling on highway 62 from the West (from LA and San Diego).  If you keep going along highway 62, you’ll arrive at Oasis Visitor Center. Lastly, Cottonwood Visitor Center is along the south side off of I-10, closest to Coachella Valley and Indo, CA.

How much does it cost to enter Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree has standard national park fees, which is $30 per vehicle for a 7 day pass to that national park only.

If you plan to visit more than 3 national parks, historic sites, or monuments in a one year period, I recommend the America the Beautiful Pass, which costs $80 for one year entry into all national sites including national parks. It’s really cost effective and well worth the money! You can purchase one at the entrance station to Joshua Tree.

What should you bring to Joshua Tree National Park?

I have a free packing list for download here! Generally, you’ll want to have layers, lots of water and sports drinks, salty snacks to replenish the salt from your sweat (hiking is so glamorous, am I right?), first aid kit, and emergency whistle and reflecting mirror, for hiking.

What can you see in the park?

Of course the most obvious answer is Joshua trees! These are wacky desert trees that look like they were taken from a Dr. Seuss book. They have tall trunks, thick branches, and spiky, prickly leaves. They are important in Native American history as the leaves were used for weaving and the seeds were eaten.

You can see Joshua trees all over the park and in the surrounding areas outside the park.

Where ecosystems meet, you’ll see unique plants like the Cholla Cactus, Desert Starvine, and various other desert wildflowers.
If 750+ species of plants wasn’t enough, Joshua Tree is also home to more than 250 bird species (like roadrunners), 57 mammal species (like bats), 46 reptiles (like desert tortoise), not to mention amphibians and 75+ species of butterfly.

You’re sure to see something in nature you haven’t seen before!

If that’s not enough there are remnants of history throughout the park like petroglyphs, Old West mining sites, vehicles, settlement ruins, and a well and dam.

Plus, there are so many unique rock formations that are perfect for rock climbing! And, there’s even incredible stargazing since the park is secluded from light pollution.

Joshua Tree is truly an incredible national park, and even more so because you can see so much of it in one day only.

Day Trip to Joshua Tree Itinerary

For your itinerary, I recommend this loop that goes from the West Entrance Station (by Joshua Tree Visitor Center) to North Entrance Station (by Oasis Visitor Center). You can travel this route in either direction, if you’d like!

Enter the park at West Entrance Station, the first main entrance along route 62. Continue along the main road (Park Boulevard) to Hidden Valley Nature Trail, the first available right turn where there is a looped parking lot.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a one mile loop that’s a great introduction to the park. You’ll see Joshua trees, desert plants and animals, and unique rock formations. The area is rumored to have been used by cattle thiefs as an area to hide and rebrand their stolen cattle. This area is heavily trafficked but still a great loop nonetheless.

Next, if you are interested, I recommend reserving a ranger-guided tour of Keys Ranch, built in the early 1900s. This is the only way to see the ranch. It’s an hour and a half guided tour that only operates from October-May and costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.

While the additional fee may deter you, I encourage you to take this tour as it’s such a unique part of the park with a special window into the past! However, if you’re ballin’ on a budget (hi, welcome to the club), there are other free stops on this day trip itinerary where you can see ruins of the Old West.

If you continue past the Keys Ranch turnout, you’ll get to Barker Dam, a short 1 mile loop that only takes about an hour to complete. The trail takes you right up to a water tank built by early cattle ranchers and if you’re lucky you may even see bighorn sheep!

There are petroglyphs in this area and lots of rocks to climb on!

Continue along the main road and take the next right to the end where you’ll hit Keys View. This popular viewpoint, overlooks Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault line, and on a clear day you can even see Mexico! This is a great spot to stop and eat a packed lunch and some snacks.

The drive to and from Keys View takes 40 minutes total (round trip) so if you’re short on time or looking to trim this itinerary, you can cut this part out.

If you’re looking for a bit of history, beautiful views, and a lengthier hike, this is for you! Lost Horse Mine Trail is a 4 mile out-and-back trail that takes you around the area of an old gold mine site. I recommend allotting a couple hours to spend here and be sure to plan your hiking itinerary with these tips.

There are two options for reaching the mine site. First, you can access a shorter trail from a turn off on the road to Keys View. I recommend this option for a couple reasons; one it’s shorter, which is preferred since you only have one day and two it’s more moderate, especially important given the desert heat. If you’re up for a challenge, there is a longer trail accessed off the main road (Park Blvd).

Either way, this is a great stop if you passed on Keys Ranch as it takes you up close to a real gold mining site! You’ll see lots of wildlife and plants along the way and even some ruins. As a kid traveler, this was one of my favorite trails!

Next as you make your way toward the east side of the park, I recommend hopping out at the Hall of Horrors, a slot canyon you can easily explore in 10-15 minutes.

Skull Rock is a fun geologic feature to see off the side of the road as well. It quite literally looks like a giant skull. There are lots of rocks to climb, so it’s great for kids (and big kids who still like to climb rocks because fun has no age limit).

Park Boulevard curves to the left and at this point, you can exit the park toward your last stop, or turn right on Pinto Basin Road for a couple more highlights of Joshua Tree National Park. If you have time and daylight, I recommend the latter.

Arch Rock is another unique formation, which you can access via a trailhead pull off on Pinto Basin Road. The hike is a 1.3 mile loop and leads to (you guessed it) an arched rock. I do think this is a great trail, but if you’re short on time, I’d skip it in lieu of the next stop!

Just a 15 minute drive down the road is Cholla Cactus Garden. This is in the part of the park where the desert ecosystems meet so the plant life is incredible! The nature trail is a 0.25 mile loop along a flat desert landscape where you’ll see the teddybear cholla and other unique wildflowers.

I’d say the Cholla Cactus Garden is part of what makes Joshua Tree National Park so amazing because of the melding of these different desert ecosystems. You really can’t see these plants anywhere else in the world, so don’t miss it!

As you head toward the Oasis exit of the park, you may be wondering why it’s called that. In fact, there’s one more short stop on this Joshua Tree itinerary. The Oasis of Mara can be seen from a 0.5 mile loop that begins at the Oasis Visitor Center. The oasis was originally used by Native Americans who planted a palm tree each time a boy was born. There is so much history in this little area so it’s a great stop to end your day!

As you head toward the Oasis exit of the park, you may be wondering why it’s called that. In fact, there’s one more short stop on this Joshua Tree itinerary. The Oasis of Mara can be seen from a 0.5 mile loop that begins at the Oasis Visitor Center. The oasis was originally used by Native Americans who planted a palm tree each time a boy was born. There is so much history in this little area so it’s a great stop to end your day!

Whew! Are you tired yet? While this probably seems like way too many activities, I recommend picking and choosing what you’re interested in. You’ll likely only have time for one big activity, whether that’s the Keys Ranch tour, Lost Horse Mine Trail, or Keys View.

Below is an example itinerary with some insight into the timing of it all. It really depends on what time you arrive and when you want to leave.

Example Itinerary Timing

• Enter park 8:00 am
• Hidden Valley Nature Trail 8:15-9:15am
• Keys Ranch Tour 9:30-11am
• Barker Dam 11am-12pm
• Lost Horse Mine Trail 12:15-3pm (eat packed lunch here)
• Hall of Horrors: 3:15-3:30pm
• Skull Rock: 3:40-4:00pm
• Cholla Cactus Garden: 4:00-4:30pm
• Oasis of Mara: 4:45-5:15pm

What other attractions are nearby?

If you have more time or are looking to turn this into a weekend getaway, there are plenty of attractions nearby, both in the nearest cities to the park and farther away making an extended road trip.

• Salvation Mountain – This man-made mountain created by Leonard Knight is covered in artwork and took 28 years to make! It’s located an hour and 15 minutes south of Joshua Tree and is free to visit.
• Coachella Valley Music Festival – This super popular music festival is located just 30 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, so if you happen to be in the area during a Coachella Weekend in April, grab tickets to see your favorite bands and artists.
• Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum – By far the most unique item on the list is this outdoor museum with many found-art sculptures created by legendary black artist, Noah Purifoy. Many pieces are commentaries on political and historical events. The museum is in the city of Joshua Tree, adjacent to the park, and is free to visit.
• Pioneertown – Originally built as a filming location for classic 1940’s and 1950’s Westerns, now it’s a great place to walk around and get a taste of the Old West. It’s located just 20 minutes from the park.
• Route 66 – Just 45 minutes from the park, you can step (and drive) along Route 66 by stopping in the town of Amboy. Stop at Roy’s Motel and Café for some pictures and catch the iconic Route 66 signs spray-painted on the ground.

If you’re staying for a bit longer, there are lots of unique and beautiful places to stay nearby as well.

Look into glamping at Joshua Tree, staying in a themed Airbnb (like this wild Futuro house), or even camping under the stars.

My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing.
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• Get Your Guide – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com, the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea – Check out Resort Pass, which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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