Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge, is a unique destination known for its striking desert landscapes, iconic Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and vibrant ecosystem. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Joshua Tree has a wide range of activities and sights to explore. Here’s a detailed guide on the top things to do in Joshua Tree National Park.

1. Hiking Trails

Joshua Tree offers hiking experiences for every skill level, from short nature walks to challenging treks with rewarding views.

i. Hidden Valley Trail: A one-mile loop, this popular trail winds through a stunning rock-enclosed valley believed to have been used by cattle rustlers. It offers unique rock formations, large boulders, and picturesque desert vegetation, ideal for beginners.

ii. Ryan Mountain Trail: This 3-mile roundtrip trail is moderately strenuous but offers one of the best views in the park. From the top, you’ll see panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

iii. Barker Dam Trail: An easy 1.1-mile loop, Barker Dam Trail showcases Native American petroglyphs, desert landscapes, and a historic dam built by early cattle ranchers. In wet seasons, the dam holds water, creating a rare desert oasis that attracts birds and wildlife.

iv. Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail: This 3-mile roundtrip trail takes hikers through a landscape of rocky terrain to a secluded oasis of fan palms. The hike is a bit challenging, but the palm-filled oasis is well worth the effort.

2. Rock Climbing and Bouldering

Joshua Tree is world-renowned as a premier destination for rock climbers and boulderers. With over 8,000 climbing routes and 2,000 bouldering problems, the park offers something for every climber, from beginner-friendly routes to advanced challenges.

i. Intersection Rock: Located near Hidden Valley Campground, Intersection Rock is a popular spot for both beginners and experienced climbers. The rock offers various routes and provides stunning sunset views from the top.

ii. Echo Cove: Known for its beginner-friendly climbs, Echo Cove is a great place for those new to climbing. It’s also an excellent spot for winter climbing since it gets a good amount of sunlight.

The Joshua Tree Climbing Ranger Program offers information on the best routes and safety tips, and climbers can also hire guides through local services.

3. Stargazing and Night Photography

Joshua Tree National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in Southern California for stargazing and astrophotography. On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, and constellations are vividly visible.

i. Keys View: This high-elevation viewpoint offers fantastic stargazing opportunities, as well as sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and the San Andreas Fault by day.

ii. Hidden Valley and Jumbo Rocks: These areas offer vast open spaces and dramatic rock formations, making them perfect for night photography. Arrive early to find a quiet spot and capture the stars against the unique Joshua Tree silhouettes.

The best stargazing typically occurs during the new moon phase when the sky is darkest, allowing the most stars to be visible.

4. Exploring the Desert Landscape and Flora

Joshua Tree is home to unique flora, most notably the iconic Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), which are symbolic of the Mojave Desert.

i. Cholla Cactus Garden: This fascinating area features dense clusters of cholla cacti that create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photography as the cactus spines glow in the sunlight.

ii. Ocotillo Patch: Along the southern boundary of the park, the Ocotillo Patch showcases the tall, slender ocotillo plants. These plants bloom with red flowers during spring, creating vibrant contrasts with the desert.

Springtime is the best season to witness wildflower blooms and catch Joshua trees flowering, especially in the cooler Mojave Desert regions of the park.

5. Keys Ranch Historic Tour

Keys Ranch, a historic homestead within Joshua Tree, was developed by pioneer William F. Keys in the early 1900s. The homestead includes remnants of a house, schoolhouse, and various machinery used in ranching and mining.

Guided tours are offered by the National Park Service seasonally, providing insight into the challenging lifestyle of early settlers and the desert’s mining history. Reservations are required, and tours are available only a few times per week, so plan ahead if you wish to visit.

6. Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing

Despite the harsh desert conditions, Joshua Tree is home to a variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers will especially appreciate the park’s diversity, as migratory birds pass through in spring and fall.

i. Common Birds: Look out for greater roadrunners, red-tailed hawks, cactus wrens, and Gambel’s quail. In spring, birdwatchers may also spot more elusive species like the Scott’s oriole.

ii. Desert Wildlife: Joshua Tree’s wildlife includes desert tortoises, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and jackrabbits. Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot wildlife as animals are most active during cooler parts of the day.

Visitors should remember to observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing any animals they encounter.

7. Scenic Drives and Photography Spots

For those who prefer to explore from the comfort of their vehicle, Joshua Tree offers several scenic drives, each with convenient pull-offs to enjoy the landscape.

i. Park Boulevard: This main road connects the north and west entrances and passes many of the park’s most popular sites, including Skull Rock, Hidden Valley, and Keys View.

ii. Geology Tour Road: This 18-mile scenic drive through Joshua Tree’s backcountry is ideal for visitors interested in geology and the park’s landscape diversity. A high-clearance vehicle is required to access the full road.

Popular photography spots include Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and Barker Dam. Sunrise and sunset are ideal times for capturing the beauty of Joshua Tree’s rock formations and iconic trees.

8. Camping under the Stars

Joshua Tree offers several campgrounds, each with its own unique scenery and access to hiking trails and climbing spots.

i. Hidden Valley Campground: This popular spot is often preferred by climbers due to its proximity to bouldering sites. It offers 44 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis, with easy access to nearby trails.

ii. Jumbo Rocks Campground: Situated amidst large rock formations, Jumbo Rocks is one of the largest campgrounds in the park, featuring 124 sites. The campground provides easy access to Skull Rock, and the massive rocks surrounding the campsites make it perfect for stargazing and night photography.

Camping in Joshua Tree is generally primitive, with limited amenities, so campers should come prepared with water, supplies, and appropriate gear for cooler desert nights.

9. Guided Ranger Programs and Visitor Centers

Joshua Tree’s ranger programs provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the park’s ecology, history, and geology.

i. Visitor Centers: Joshua Tree Visitor Center and Oasis Visitor Center are popular spots for planning your visit, picking up maps, and learning about ranger-led activities.

ii. Ranger Programs: Programs vary by season and can include guided hikes, educational talks, and evening stargazing events. Checking the park’s schedule in advance can help you plan your visit around any special programs available.

10. Joshua Tree Music and Art Events

Joshua Tree is known for its vibrant arts community and hosts various music and art festivals throughout the year. Many artists are inspired by the desert landscape, resulting in unique galleries, installations, and creative events.

i. Joshua Tree Music Festival: Held twice a year in spring and fall, this family-friendly festival offers live music, art installations, and yoga workshops in a stunning desert setting.

ii. Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum: Just outside the park, this open-air museum displays large-scale sculptures created from discarded materials by artist Noah Purifoy. It’s an intriguing stop for art lovers exploring the area.