Things To Do In Joshua Tree: The Ultimate Guide
Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those looking for a unique desert escape.
With its otherworldly landscapes, iconic Joshua trees, and a plethora of activities, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Joshua Tree.
Best Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
Start your adventure at one of the four visitor centers located in or near the park. These centers offer educational displays, gift shops, and helpful information to get you oriented.
The Joshua Tree Cultural Center in Twentynine Palms, the Joshua Tree Visitor Center in Joshua Tree (the town), the Cottonwood Visitor Center near the south entrance, and the Black Rock Nature Center in Black Rock Campground are all excellent starting points.
Join a Ranger Program
Ranger programs are a fantastic way to learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and geology.
From campground evening programs to Junior Ranger nature walks, there are plenty of free and informative activities to participate in.
Check the park’s schedule for the latest ranger program offerings.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a popular one-mile loop that offers interpretive signage about the park’s plants, animals, and geology.
Located across from Hidden Valley Campground, this trail is perfect for those with limited time.
It’s also a great spot to see boulderers and climbers in action.
Barker Dam Trail
The Barker Dam Trail is an easy 1.3-mile loop with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for wildlife viewing.
This historic water trough, built by C.O. Barker in 1900, attracts various desert creatures.
Early morning visits are best for spotting wildlife without disturbing them.
Cottonwood Spring Oasis
Located near the Cottonwood Campground, the Cottonwood Spring Oasis is a tenth of a mile from the campground and offers a chance to see wildlife during wetter seasons.
Follow the dry streambed to find palms and green growth, creating a lush oasis in the desert.
Wall Street Mill
The Wall Street Mill hike is an easy 2.4-mile trail that takes you through local mining history.
This National Register of Historic Places site includes an old homestead and rusty vehicles.
The trail starts from the Barker Dam Parking Area and offers a glimpse into the park’s past.
Ryan Mountain
Ryan Mountain trail is a challenging three-mile round-trip hike with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Despite its difficulty, the panoramic views of the desert landscape, including Mount San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, make it worth the effort.
The trailhead is just east of Ryan Campground on Park Boulevard.
Lost Horse Mine
The Lost Horse Mine Loop is a moderately difficult 6.7-mile trail with 882 feet of elevation gain.
This trail showcases the Lost Horse Mine, one of the park’s most profitable mines before it became a national park.
The loop also passes by the Optimist Mine and offers views of Pleasant Valley.
Boy Scout Trail
The Boy Scout Trail is a strenuous 16-mile out-and-back trail that starts at the Keys West Trailhead near the West Entrance.
This hike takes you through the Wonderland of Rocks and offers stunning views of Joshua trees and boulder formations.
It’s popular for both day trips and backpacking.
Cholla Cactus Garden
The Cholla Cactus Garden is a short quarter-mile path located just off Pinto Basin Road.
This wheelchair-accessible trail meanders through a forest of waist-height cholla cactus, which are especially beautiful during golden hour.
Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes to avoid the “jumping” cholla.
Keys View
Keys View is an easy-to-access spot offering one of the best viewpoints in the park.
Located at the end of Keys View Road, this short out-and-back trail provides stunning vistas of the surrounding desert landscape, including the Coachella Valley and Mount San Jacinto.
Keys Ranch
Keys Ranch is a historic farmhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can take a ranger-guided Tour of Key Ranch from October to May.
Tickets are available on recreation.gov and cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids. The tour lasts about 90 minutes.
Arch Rock & Heart Rock
Arch Rock is a natural rock arch located on the 1.4-mile Arch Rock Trail, which starts from White Tank Campground on Pinto Basin Road.
This popular trail is best visited early to avoid crowds and catch the light coming through the arch.
Heart Rock, a large boulder shaped like a heart, is also located off the Arch Rock Trail.
Skull Rock
Skull Rock is a famous rock formation that looks like the top half of a skull in the right light.
You can see it on the 1.7-mile Skull Rock Nature Trail near Jumbo Rocks Campground. The trail is easy and offers a quick photo op.
Rock Climbing & Bouldering
Joshua Tree is a mecca for rock climbers and boulderers. With its unique rock formations and mild winter temperatures, it’s an ideal place to gain experience.
Some popular climbing spots include Quail Springs Rock, Thin Wall, Hound Rocks, Atlantis Wall, White Cliffs of Dover, Intersection Rock, Jumbo Rocks Campground, and Indian Cove Campground.
Ryan Ranch Ruins
The Ryan Ranch Ruins are the remnants of J.D. Ryan’s homestead from the late 1800s.
The trail to the ruins is 0.8 or 1.2 miles round trip, depending on your starting point, and offers a glimpse into the park’s history.
Biking
Biking is a great way to explore the park at a slower pace. Bikes are allowed on any of the roads, and the park recommends checking out the backcountry roads for less traffic.
Popular routes include Berdoo Canyon Road, Black Eagle Mine Road, Covington Flat, Queen Valley Roads, and Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Roads.
Birdwatching
Joshua Tree is home to a variety of bird species. Some great spots for birdwatching include Barker Dam, the Oasis of Mara, Cottonwood Spring Oasis, and 49 Palms Oasis.
Download the Merlin Bird ID App to make identifying birds easier and more fun.
Geology Tour Road
The Geology Tour Road is an 18-mile self-guided tour that takes you through beautiful desert landscapes with lots of signage to explain the sights.
While the beginning of the road can be accessed by most vehicles, a 4WD vehicle is recommended for the entire route. You can take part in a guided driving tour.
Wildflowers
Delicate desert wildflowers bloom in Joshua Tree from February to June. Some of the best trails to see wildflowers include Ryan Mountain, Arch Rock, Barker Dam, Hidden Valley, and Lost Palms Oasis.
Joshua Trees
The park is named after these whimsical plants, so take a moment to appreciate their unique beauty.
Joshua trees live in the Mojave Desert portion of the park and can be seen if you enter from the West Entrance station via Yucca Valley.
U2’s Joshua Tree Album
For a themed playlist, listen to U2’s The Joshua Tree album while driving through the park.
The album’s desert vibe perfectly complements the open roads and stunning landscapes.
Nature Photography
Joshua Tree’s unique and austere landscape makes it an enticing place for nature photography.
Golden hour, the time right around sunrise and sunset, is the best time to capture the desert aesthetic.
Sunrise and Sunset at the Park
Sunrises and sunsets in Joshua Tree are breathtaking. Some of the top spots to catch these magical moments include Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and Hidden Valley Campground.
Stargazing
Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal place for stargazing.
Download a constellation finder like SkiSafari before you head into the park and enjoy the dark sky filled with stars.
Annual Night Sky Festival
The Annual Night Sky Festival is held in September at the Sky’s the Limit Nature Center and Observatory.
This event celebrates the park’s excellent night sky and offers a chance to learn more about astronomy.
Camping
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the desert. The park has about 500 campsites, which book up quickly.
Some of the best campgrounds include Cottonwood Campground, Jumbo Rocks Campground, Hidden Valley Campground, and White Tank Campground.
Best Things To Do Near Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree Rock Shop
The Joshua Tree Rock Shop is a must-visit for geology enthusiasts. Located in Joshua Tree, CA, this shop offers a variety of crystals, gems, minerals, and fossils.
Pioneer Town
Pioneer Town is an old movie set from the 1950s that offers a taste of the Old West. Located near Yucca Valley, this town features restaurants and makes a great day trip from Joshua Tree.
The World Famous Crochet Museum
The World Famous Crochet Museum is a quirky art installation curated by local artist Shari Elf. Located in the town of Joshua Tree, this tiny museum is free to enter and offers a unique collection of crochet art.
The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum
The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum is an outdoor art collection dedicated to the work of Noah Purifoy.
This free museum is open every day from sun up until sundown and features sculptures made from found objects.
Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum
The Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum is both a functional salon and a museum featuring thousands of hair and beauty artifacts collected by owner Jeff Hafler. The museum is open to the public Thursday-Sunday.
The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery
The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery in Twentynine Palms is an art gallery featuring work from all over the country.
This outdoor gallery is free to experience and hosts a Grand Opening event on the first Saturday of the month (excluding July and August).
The Love Signs
The Love Signs are three small billboards with the word “love” in six different languages.
Located on Highway 62, nine miles east of Twentynine Palms, these signs are a quirky addition to the desert landscape.
Hi-Desert Nature Museum
The Hi-Desert Nature Museum is a combination natural history museum, mini-zoo, and art gallery.
It features an exhibit called “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” and a mini-zoo with native animals.
Integratron Sound Bath
The Integratron Sound Bath is a unique relaxation experience that combines art, science, and magic.
This white, dome-shaped building offers sound bath sessions that use quartz crystal “singing bowls” to create a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Smith’s Ranch Drive-In Movie Theater
Smith’s Ranch Drive-In Movie Theater offers a nostalgic movie-watching experience. Located in Twentynine Palms, this theater shows new movies every Friday and offers a chance to watch a film under the stars.
Antique Shopping
Joshua Tree and its surrounding areas are home to some fantastic antique stores.
Some must-visit shops include Pioneer Crossings Antiques, The End, and Ricochet’s Vintage Wears.
JT Falconry Adventures
JT Falconry Adventures offers guided walks and educational sessions about birds of prey. These tours are available year-round and support falcon conservation.
Horseback Riding at Knob Hill Ranch
Knob Hill Ranch offers horseback riding into Joshua Tree National Park.
This private ranch vacation venue features several different horseback riding packages, including options for beginners and half-day and full-day options.
The Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center
The Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center is currently not offering programs, but you can still walk around the campus and enjoy the meditation garden.
This center is a great place to learn more about astronomy and the night sky.
Get a Massage
After a long day of hiking, unwind with a massage at one of the local massage therapists just a few minutes outside the park.
Some popular options include Naturalives Day Spa, The Center for Energy Medicine, and Mind Body Alignment.
Day Trip to Palm Springs
Palm Springs is just under an hour from the west entrance to Joshua Tree. This town offers full-scale amenities, excellent dining options, and a variety of cultural attractions.
Check out our guide to the best things to do in Palm Springs for more information.
Explore the Local Food & Drink Scene
The area surrounding Joshua Tree National Park has some fantastic places to eat, accommodating a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
Some must-visit spots include Joshua Tree Coffee Company, Natural Sisters Cafe, Crossroads Cafe, and Joshua Tree Saloon.
Glamping
Glamping is a popular way to experience the desert in style. Some of the best glamping spots in Joshua Tree include Desert Rose Collective, Wonder Valley Yurts, and Joshua Tree Tents.
For more options, check out our guide to the best glamping spots in Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree National Park and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of activities and experiences.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, there’s something for everyone in this desert oasis.
Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in Joshua Tree.
