A Day in Joshua Tree National Park: An Easy Day Trip

(Last Updated On: January 11, 2023)

Not many people realize Southern California has an amazing and unique National Park. Located near Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect place to spend a day. It is doable to take a day trip to Joshua Tree from Los Angeles, but I recommend spending a couple of nights in the area to fully be able to explore. One day in Joshua Tree National Park will give you a good feel for what the park has to offer.

The park technically contains two different ecosystems. The Mojave Desert, with a bit of a higher elevation, is the area that contains many of the Joshua Trees. It meets the Colorado Desert which has more Yucca and Cholla Cactus. 

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Cholla Cactus in Joshua Tree National Park in California. #joshuatree #JoshuatreeNP #Socalnationalpark #optoutdoors

The History of Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree first became a national monument in 1936. In 1994, the United States redesigned it as a National Park. In total, the park contains about 790,000 acres of land (which is slightly smaller than Rhode Island). The earliest people in the area, the Pinto, settled the area around 8000-4000BC. In the 1870s, it turned into cattle ranching land and a mining center. You can still see remnants of this time around the park. 

Best Time to Spend a Day in Joshua Tree

The best time to visit Joshua Tree is during the cooler winter months of December-March. Avoid going during June-August as the weather is very hot and dry and often is over 100 degrees. There is no shade throughout the park, so it is not good to visit on very hot days. 

Where to Stay near Joshua Tree

Although it is doable to take a day trip to Joshua Tree, it is more relaxing to stay the night. The most convenient place to stay to visit Joshua Tree is in Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, or the small town of Joshua Tree. These cities are located very close to the West Entrance Station and will be the shortest drive into the park.

There are a ton of AirBnbs in the area or you can opt to stay at one of the few hotels in the area. New to Airbnb? Sign up here to get $55 off your first stay. If you are staying in the area for a while, opt to stay in Palm Spring, Palm Desert, or La Quinta. 

Hiking on a trail in Joshua Tree National Park in California. #joshuatree #JoshuatreeNP #Socalnationalpark #optoutdoors

How to Get to Joshua Tree

The closest airport to Joshua Tree is Palm Springs International Airport. Although small, this airport has flights from many places in the United States and Canada. You will need to rent a car to get to Joshua Tree if you do not have one yourself. Visitors can also choose to take a day trip to Joshua Tree from Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Joshua Tree is also about a 3 hours drive from San Diego and Phoenix and therefore easy to visit for a weekend. 

Entrances

I recommend entering the park from the Cottonwood Entrance unless you are staying in Joshua Tree. This entrance is not as busy as the West Entrance. Also, this enables you to see the Sonora Desert part of the park. If staying in Joshua Tree, you can also opt to enter the park from the North Entrance which is usually less busy than the West Entrance. 

Directions

From Palm Springs International Airport: Take the I-10 East until you see the “Cottonwood Springs Road” exit to Joshua Tree. This will take you to the Cottonwood Entrance.

From Los Angeles: Take the I-10 East. Take Exit 117 for CA-62 towards 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. Turn onto Park Boulevard to access the West Entrance. If you need a stop along the way, Rancho Cucamonga is a great place to grab a bite to eat.

From Phoenix: Take the I-10 West. Exit at Cottonwood Springs Road to get to the Cottonwood Entrance. 

Hours and Admission

Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. If visiting during the evening, use caution as it gets very dark in the area. It costs $30 for a car to enter the park and the admission fee is good for 7 days.

If you are planning on visiting several National Parks throughout the year, buying the “America the Beautiful” National Parks pass may be a good investment. This pass costs $80 and it gets you into any National Park in the country. If you are currently in the military, or a 4th-grade student, you can get this pass for free. Seniors over the age of 62 can get a lifetime pass for $80.

Best Stops for A Day in Joshua Tree

I recommend opting to come in from the Cottonwood entrance and heading north from there. This entrance will be less busy and offers a scenic route through the park. 

Cholla Cactus Garden

The first stop of a day in Joshua Tree should be the Cholla Cactus Garden. This loop trail, a quarter of a mile long and flat the entire way contains a plethora of Cholla Cactus. Cholla Cacti are native to the Southwest United States. Be careful as they can be prickly! This hike is a quick walk and a great way to stretch your legs after a long car ride. 

Skull Rock

Skull Rock during a day in Joshua Tree National Park in California. #joshuatree #JoshuatreeNP #Socalnationalpark #optoutdoors

After the Cholla Cactus Garden, stop at Skull Rock. This is one of the most popular short hikes in Joshua Tree. Skull Rock looks exactly like its name! There is a fair amount of parking along the road and it is just a short walk up a small hill to get to the rock. If you want a bit longer of a hike, head to the right from Skull Rock and walk around a 1.7-mile trail. Skull rock makes for a unique stop during one day at Joshua Tree National Park.

Lost Horse Mine

One of the most unique hikes to do during a day trip to Joshua Tree is the Lost Horse Mine. This 4-mile loop trail takes you to a nicely preserved mill from the Gold Rush era. The Lost Horse Mine once produced over 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver. Make sure to stick to the trail as there are still some mine shafts around. If you do not want to do the full loop, take the left fork and once you hit the mine, take the same trail back. You will not want to miss this trail during your one day in Joshua Tree National Park.

Key’s View

After the Lost Horse Mine hike, head to Key’s View. At an elevation of 5,185 feet, Key’s View offers some of the best views in the park. It takes 15-20 minutes to drive up from the main road of Joshua Tree. To the right are the various mountain ranges and San Jacinto Peak. To the left, on clear days you can see the Salton Sea. If you look carefully, you can see the San Andreas Fault. 

Barker Dam

A view of Barker Dam in Joshua Tree National Park. #joshuatree #JoshuatreeNP #Socalnationalpark #optoutdoors

Another popular hike during a day in Joshua Tree is Barker Dam. This 1.1-mile trail is relatively easy and takes you through a lot of Joshua Trees. Barker Dam, built in 1900 by the pioneers, once held water for cattle and miners. Around the dam are many rocks to climb and fantastic picture spots. Make sure to look for petroglyphs along the trail! Teacher tip: park in the Hidden Valley parking lot if the Barker Dam Parking lot is too full. This adds a short hike until you get to the loop, but it is usually less busy. 

Other Joshua Tree Trails for a Day Trip to Joshua Tree

If you have more than one day in Joshua Tree or want to opt for some different trails, these are other recommended hikes.

One of the many trails during a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. #joshuatree #JoshuatreeNP #Socalnationalpark #optoutdoors

Arch Rock

Located on the drive between the Cholla Cactus Gardens and Skull Rock, Arch Rock is a unique feature. Like its name, several rocks form a huge arch. The easy 1.2-mile out and back trail to the rock contains many wildflowers along the way. To get to the trailhead, look for the sign on the side of the road. There is a lot specifically for this trail. 

Ryan Mountain

If interested in a more strenuous hike, opt to head up Ryan Mountain. This 3-mile loop trail heads up the 5,458-foot summit. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with views of the valley, the Lost Horse Mine, and the surrounding area.

Key’s Ranch

Owned by Bill and Frances Keys, Key’s Ranch is an example of a successful homestead from the 1900s. Visitors are able to explore what a working ranch looked like and see what life was like for these early settlers. Rangers lead 90-minute tours of this property and tell the Keys story. Tours are held October-May and cost $10/person. You can make reservations online or get tickets the day of if there are any left.

Hall of Horrors

If interested in seeing boulders up close, the Hall of Horrors is the perfect stop for you. This quick and easy 0.6-mile walk takes visitors through a walkway made of boulders. The Hall of Horrors is just past the Ryan Mountain trailhead before Barker Dam.

Shaka Guide

Shaka Guide is a GPS self-guided audio tour that you can download to your phone. Currently, they have one for several of the Utah Parks. They provide great background information about the area. The best part is you do not need the internet to use them.

Supplies to Bring for a Day in Joshua Tree

A view of boulders during a hike in Joshua Tree National Park in California. #joshuatree #JoshuatreeNP #Socalnationalpark #optoutdoors

Bring lots of water! This is the desert. It gets HOT. There are some refill stations within the park, but it is always a good idea to have plenty. Bring at least one gallon per person. 

Snacks and/or a picnic lunch are a must! There are no places to buy food within the park. You will want to pack enough food for a day in Joshua Tree and then some (just in case). I love to grab stuff for sandwiches and pack it in an ice chest that I leave in the car. Things like nuts, beef jerky, and protein bars are also great options for snacks. Again, make sure to bring plenty to fuel so you do not go hungry!

Wear comfortable clothes good for hiking and closed-toed shoes. Unless you are coming just to take pictures, wear comfortable clothes that you can move around in. Do not be that person trying to hike along a dusty trail in heels and a dress (pack it in a bag and change). Some trails have you climbing over boulders and safety should be your first priority!

Bring a camera. Joshua Tree is naturally photogenic. You will want your camera to capture a ton of awesome pictures! I have a Sony a6400 that I love. 

A small backpack is a hiking essential for me. I like being able to toss whatever I need and have it accessible in a bag so I can have my hands free. 

Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are also recommended. The sun is very bright in the desert and you will not want to turn into a red lobster. Protect your face with a hat!

Final Tips for Spending a day in Joshua Tree

A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park makes for an enjoyable escape to the outdoors. It should be a part of any California Road Trip and is a fantastic weekend getaway. If you have time, make sure to spend some time exploring Palm Springs.

A day in Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect day trip when wanting to get outdoors. It is also a great weekend getaway in Southern California. #joshuatree #JoshuatreeNP #Socalnationalpark #optoutdoors
A day in Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect day trip when wanting to get outdoors. It is also a great weekend getaway in Southern California. #joshuatree #JoshuatreeNP #Socalnationalpark #optoutdoors

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Monica Fish
3 years ago

Joshua Tree is so amazing! It’s like you’re on another planet. Great guide to help people zone in the sites!

Catherine @ To & Fro Fam

I’ve somehow never been to Joshua Tree NP but that needs to change as soon as it’s safe to travel again! I love the desert landscape, and I appreciate that you shared some kid-friendly hikes even my littles could enjoy. Thanks for this guide to Joshua Tree!

Nicole | Mapless Adventures

I sometimes forget how beautiful of a desert it is in the southwest. I am going to have to get out and explore more places like Joshua Tree National Park! Looks like I’m going to be upgrading some camping gear soon! Thank you for sharing, I’m going to use this in the near future!

Chrissy K
3 years ago

I was super excited for my trip there in March. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances I had to cancel. Such a helpful guide. The Hall of Horrors sounds fascinating. Will be pinning so I have this guide when I am able to reschedule.

Zi @craving.adventure
3 years ago

I’ve always been super intrigued by Joshua Tree, looks like another planet! Is there any bouldering (rock climbing) over there?

On Key

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