Joshua Tree National Park

From Los Angeles to Mojave: A Weekend Itinerary

With its huge rock formations, tufts of scruffy bushes, and rough terrain, Joshua Tree National Park, which opened on October 31, 1994, looks like a desert from a world far, far away. The park's namesake, the intriguing Joshua Tree, is the main attraction among the 800,000 acres of breathtaking nature that beckons exploration. Along with its unusual appearance, tourists may not be aware that Joshua Trees are extremely rare and only found in parts of northwest Mexico and the southwest of the United States.

The place is genuinely enchanting because of all these factors and more, and every year millions of tourists are drawn to this otherwise isolated part of sunny California by this attraction.

Joshua Tree National Park is conveniently only a short two hours and twenty minute drive from Los Angeles. Here are some of our top travel advice to help you get the most out of your trip and to get those planning wheels going.

The Great American Road Trip originated in the United States, so it should come as no surprise that driving is the most popular method of accessing Joshua Tree National Park. Although there are several ways to get there from Los Angeles, many choose to shuttle via the I-10 E, CA-60 E, or CA-210 highways, which all provide a nearly straight path to the destination.

Alternatively, those looking for a very gorgeous route can completely avoid the freeways and settle in for a longer drive when they enter the park via Old Woman Springs Rd., which winds through Angeles National Forest and is easily navigable with the aid of Waze, Google Maps, or Apple Maps.

Because of the intense desert heat, some seasons are better than others even though Joshua Tree National Park is conveniently accessible from Los Angeles all year round. For the same reason, summer is the slow season in the park, with average temperatures reaching 99 degrees Fahrenheit. That is not to imply, however, that visitors shouldn't come during the dog days; but, if they do, they should take extra precautions to be ready with appropriate clothing for the weather, a car to take cover in, and enough water.

Conversely, Joshua Tree National Park can get rather cold in the winter; late November through early March sees averages of between 70 and 30 degrees. Visitors will want to schedule their vacation for the spring from March through May or the fall from late September through early November, when averages range from 50 to 90 degrees, for those perfect Goldilocks temperatures - not too hot, not too cold.

Joshua Tree National Park ranks among the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States, with over three million visitors annually. Peak season for the park is October through May, when weekends, holidays, and spring break are among the busiest times of year, according to the National Park System (NPS).

Arriving early, before 8 a.m., will help you beat the rush because entrances do become backed up. The NPS also advises that for the fastest results, use the South Entrance off Interstate 10 or the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms, California, pointing out that the main entrance in Joshua Tree is the busiest. 

Having covered the weather, it's crucial that visitors understand Joshua Tree National Park does not provide food, water, or fuel. That means before starting their trip, park visitors will want to make sure they have a full tank and lots of food and drinks. Apart from packing sensibly, NPS advises tourists to download the NPS app to have offline maps—a useful tip to deal with intermittent cell service.

Chances are Joshua Tree National Park offers any outdoor activity you can think of. Wanderers may tackle and explore 185 miles of hiking routes. Similar in spirit, rock climbers can put their talents to the test on 8,000 known routes and 2,000 bouldering situations. Alternatively, those who want to stay overnight will love setting up camp in one of the nine well-developed campgrounds in the park, where they might even see the Milky Way because the sky is that clear. Attracting photographers, bikers, and birders as well, Joshua Tree National Park is the ideal setting for a wide range of outdoor activities because of its breathtaking beauty and practically limitless amusement.

Several unusual rock formations and sights are worth seeing while there. Several of our favorites are included below:

1. Off the main east-west park road lies Skull Rock, an odd feature that, well, looks like a skull. This granite block has an oval head with two hollowed-out "eye sockets," when seen from the proper angle.
2. Keys View: For those who want to take photographs worthy of Instagram without ever going to Coachella, they can go to this well-liked viewpoint perched atop the Little San Bernadino Mountains.
3. Covington Flats is a gravel road that is best reached with a high clearance car if you want to see some of the largest Joshua Trees in the park along with junipers and pinyon pines.
4. Cottonwood Spring: Located seven miles inside the park's South Entrance, Cottonwood Spring is a Colorado Desert historical landmark because the Cahuilla Indians have used its Cottonwood Spring Oasis for generations.
5. Campers love Black Rock Canyon, a peaceful family campground with easy access to a neighboring nature center, beautiful hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
6. The 10-acre desert setting studded with wildflowers and teddy-bear cholla makes Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail an easy hike that is sure to provide an Insta-worthy backdrop.

The fun never ends inside Joshua Tree National Park, with eccentric stores, wacky art installations, well-known events, and more. These sights are a must-see for anybody planning to make a few stops along their southwest journey.

1. Joshua Tree Rock Shop: Offering stunning gemstones from all over the world, Joshua Tree Rock Shop caters to those looking to channel the mysterious powers of healing crystals or are just in the market for some very unique rocks.
2. Just ten kilometers from Joshua Tree National Park, Pioneer Town is a timeless 1940s film set. These days, the location serves as a well-liked tourist destination where guests may cool off in the desert heat by browsing western-themed stores and historic bars.
3. Take a picture or it didn't happen: Joshua Tree Mural Visitors at Natural Sisters Cafe in Joshua Tree can take a picture next to the vibrant Joshua Tree Mural.
4. The Joshua Tree World Famous Crochet Museum is housed in an old picture booth that has been converted into a neon green museum. It is home to hundreds of vibrant crocheted items. The mascot of the institution is "Bunny," a crocheted alligator.
5. The Station: A 1949 Richfield Service Station remodeled to sell hip trinkets, jewelry, t-shirts, souvenirs, cool drinks and more. It's similar to South Dakota's Wall Drug but nicer. Its striking fiberglass cowboy sculpture and vibrant façade also make it impossible to ignore.
6. Palm Springs, California: Popular as a tourist destination in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is well-known for its opulent and quirky hotels, difficult golf courses, and midcentury modern architecture. Great choices for eating and shopping are combined with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community in the city.

recommended lodging

• Worldmark Indio
  Guests are tempted into a luxurious, Mediterranean-style resort, where comfort and enjoyment are sure to be experienced. The guest rooms are superbly designed, oozing character and charm. 
• The Chateau at Lake La Quinta
  The Chateau at Lake La Quinta is a 24-room boutique hotel with a gorgeous lakeside view, picturesque surroundings and beautifully appointed rooms.
• SureStay Plus by Best Western
  Enjoy an unbeatable combination of service and proximity to Joshua Tree. Our recently renovated and spacious rooms offer new linens and attractive, contemporary furnishings, plus cable TV with HBO® and free Wi-Fi. Our expansive grounds include a sparkling blue pool, the largest at any hotel in Twentynine Palms, plus a covered patio area with barbecues and refreshing misters.
• High Desert Motel Joshua Tree National Park
  With a stay at High Desert Motel Joshua Tree National Park in Joshua Tree, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance and Hi-Desert Cultural Center.

Due to the park's spectacular beauty and virtually endless opportunities for entertainment, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect location for a wide variety of outdoor activities really just a stones-throw from the large cities of southern California.

After enjoying some time at the Kelso Depot, head south again on Kelbaker Road until you pass under I-40 and reach Amboy. From Amboy take the National Trail Highway, which takes you down a small portion of Route 66, until you reach Salt Evaporation Plant road. From here you will travel south until you reach Twenty-Nine Palms. From here it's just a small drive to Joshua Tree.

# Ready-Made Itinerary