How to Spend One Day in Joshua Tree National Park
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A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect way to experience the stunning beauty of Southern California’s desert landscape. As the second stop on our LA to Joshua Tree road trip (following our stop in Palm Springs), this national park stole our hearts with its iconic Joshua Trees, surreal rock formations, and expansive desert views.
Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, spending one day in Joshua Tree is sure to leave you in awe. In this guide, I’ll take you through how to make the most of your day trip to Joshua Tree, including the best times to visit, top hikes to explore, and everything else you need for the perfect one-day Joshua Tree adventure!
Joshua Tree Day Trip Itinerary
Morning: Explore Joshua Tree (the Town)
Caffeinate at Joshua Tree Coffee Company
Start your Joshua Tree day trip with a pick-me-up at the cozy Joshua Tree Coffee Company. This local favorite serves up rich brews in a chill, relaxed setting that captures the laid-back vibe of the town.
Their medium latte is a bold choice, packed with four shots of espresso, perfect for those who need a serious caffeine kick! That’s my kind of coffee shop!
Breakfast at JT Country Kitchen
If you’re hungry, head right next door to JT Country Kitchen for a hearty breakfast. Known for its welcoming vibe and generous portions, this spot is the definition of comfort food in Joshua Tree.
We loved its cozy, homey feel, almost as much as we loved our massive breakfast burrito! Even sharing one will be enough to fuel your adventures. I still couldn’t help but wish I had room for those tempting pancakes on the way out though!
Visit the World Famous Crochet Museum
Embrace the quirky side of Joshua Tree with a visit to the World Famous Crochet Museum. This tiny, free museum offers a fun break before heading into Joshua Tree National Park, showcasing a unique and colorful collection of crocheted art.
While you’re here, be sure to explore the Art Queen area next door for even more local artistry!
Afternoon: Explore Joshua Tree National Park
Visitor Center Pit Stop
Before diving into the wonders of Joshua Tree National Park, make sure to stop by the Visitor Center. The friendly rangers here are full of insider tips, offering helpful advice on the best trails, scenic spots, and hidden gems. I asked about the best places to catch sunrise and sunset, as well as top hikes for a one day in Joshua Tree, and their recommendations didn’t disappoint.
While you’re there, grab a sandwich from the Grab-n-Go to enjoy later when hunger hits on your adventure.
Pro tip: The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, but if you’re planning to explore more National Parks in the next year, grab an America the Beautiful Pass for $80. This pass gives you access to all National Park Service-managed sites for a full year! You can pick it up at the Visitor Center or get it in advance here.
Enter Joshua Tree National Park
Time your entrance wisely to make the most of your Joshua Tree day trip. Aim to arrive before or at least by noon to maximize daylight hours. If you’re visiting in the summer, getting there even earlier is key to avoiding the scorching midday heat. During the winter months, with early sunsets around 5 PM, it’s even more important to make the most of your time in the park before darkness sets in.
There are three entrances to the park, but the Yucca Valley West entrance is the most recommended. The trails we explored, recommended by a friendly ranger, were all labeled as easy! So they should be accessible and enjoyable for most.
Suggested Joshua Tree National Park hikes:
- Barker Dam: A 1.3-mile loop offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape, unique rock formations, and the chance to spot some wildlife. When the dam is filled, it beautifully reflects the beauty around it.
- Hidden Valley: A 1-mile loop famous for its incredible rock formations, giving you a real taste of the park’s distinctive beauty.
- Arch Rock: This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail leads you to a stunning natural arch, making it the perfect spot for some peaceful moments and breathtaking photos.
- Cholla Cactus Garden or Keys View: We didn’t get to experience these unfortunately, but. either of them would be perfect for sunset. Cholla Cactus Garden (0.2-mile loop) showcases unique cacti in a surreal desert landscape. Meanwhile, the Keys View trail (0.1-mile loop) offers sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and the San Andreas Fault, providing an awe-inspiring panorama of the desert.
Note: We skipped Cholla Cactus Garden during our day trip to Joshua Tree thinking that we were going to do this as a sunrise hike. Unfortunately, weather conditions prevented us from enjoying the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise, but it remains a top recommendation. Overall, our Joshua Tree itinerary was a success, with only a couple of tweaks for an even more exceptional experience.
If you start your day early and have some extra time, consider adding the Skull Rock Trail (1.7 miles) to your itinerary. While the ranger suggested it for sunset, we found that Cholla Cactus Garden or Keys View offered more open, picturesque views. If your schedule allows, plan to explore Skull Rock during the day for its unique rock formations.
However, if you’re short on time, you can always stop for a quick photo op since Skull Rock is easily visible from the road!
Evening: Relax and Unwind
Relax with Authentic Thai Cuisine
After spending your day exploring the magical landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, treat yourself to an unforgettable Thai dinner. We discovered Royal Siam Cuisine Thai Restaurant, a local favorite where the Panang Curry absolutely stole the show! Also a hearty, filling meal like this was perfect after a long day of hiking and exploring.
By the time we were done hiking, we were so exhausted we decided to grab it to go and take it back to our rental. Our place was such an oasis, complete with a cowboy pool, jacuzzi, and sauna—a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. If relaxation is a priority for you, this rental is the perfect way to cap off your day.
Optional: Go Stargazing
If you’re enchanted by the allure of the night sky, consider venturing back to Joshua Tree National Park after dinner. The park’s dark skies offer a breathtaking canvas for stargazing. It’s a magical way to conclude your Joshua Tree day trip!
Since we visited in the winter and the temperatures dropped, we decided to skip this. However, if you’re visiting during the warmer months, I highly recommend stargazing as a must-do activity in your Joshua Tree day trip itinerary.
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree has a variety of unique and charming accommodations, from quirky retreats to cozy hideaways. Whether you’re into vintage trailers, cozy yurts, or private desert estates, the town has something to match every vibe.
We stayed in this 2-bedroom rental right in town with a cowboy pool, jacuzzi, and sauna—perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking. If you’re looking for something different, there are also glamping options where you can enjoy the desert’s beauty without sacrificing comfort.
If you’re planning a day trip to Joshua Tree, I highly recommend staying overnight to fully soak in the desert atmosphere!
Check out all available options for your dates here.
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park?
The best times to visit Joshua Tree are in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild (70-90°F), perfect for hiking and exploring. Summer can be too hot, with temps over 100°F, while winter offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, ideal for solitude and photography.
We visited in January and enjoyed the park, though mornings and evenings were chilly. Daytime hikes were comfortable, but strong winds and 40°F temps made sunrise hikes less appealing.
What is a Joshua Tree?
Joshua Trees, or Yucca brevifolia, are iconic to the park with their spiky leaves and twisted branches. Native to the southwestern U.S., these unique trees create a surreal desert landscape. You’ll see them not only on hikes but throughout your drive, adding to the park’s beauty and charm!
Joshua Tree National Park Tips
- Pack Essentials: Carry essentials such as sunscreen, hats, comfortable footwear, and layered clothing, as desert temperatures can vary throughout the day.
- Entrance Fee/America the Beautiful Pass: The park requires an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle, but savvy travelers can opt for the America the Beautiful Pass, a cost-effective annual pass that provides free access to all national parks for $80.
- Visitor Center Wisdom: Before entering Joshua Tree National Park, make your first stop at the Visitor Center. Get a detailed map to navigate the park, especially since the park lacks reliable cell service. Engage with knowledgeable rangers who can offer personalized recommendations for the best trails, scenic spots, and must-see attractions.
- Respect Nature: Stay on designated trails, follow Leave No Trace principles, and respect the delicate desert ecosystem. Avoid touching or climbing on rock formations.
- Safety First: Inform someone about your plans, especially if venturing on longer hikes. Cell service within the park is limited.
- Weather Awareness: Be mindful of weather conditions, especially during extreme heat. Carry extra water and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
- Check Park Events: Explore ranger-led programs or events happening in the park during your visit. These can provide valuable insights into the park’s ecology and history.
Are you ready for an epic day trip to Joshua Tree?!
A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park is a perfect way to experience the unique beauty of the desert, from its iconic trees to stunning rock formations. Whether you’re hiking, stargazing, or just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, I know it’s going to be a trip you won’t forget! I hope this guide helped you, be sure to let me know in the comments what you’re most excited to check out!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other West Coast blog posts:
Can’t miss Phoenix and Scottsdale restaurants
7-Day Arizona road trip itinerary
