Things to Do
We always start at Keys View, a paved viewpoint at 5,185 feet that delivers a panoramic sweep across the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, San Jacinto Peak, and on clear days all the way to Mexico. It is free (beyond the $30 park entrance), takes just 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot, and sets the tone for the scale of landscape you are about to explore. Best at sunrise or sunset when the colors across the desert are extraordinary.
The Cholla Cactus Garden is one of the most photographed spots in the park, and for good reason. A short 0.25-mile loop trail winds through a dense grove of teddy bear cholla cacti that glow golden when backlit by late afternoon sun. Keep your distance — those cute-looking spines are no joke and will embed in anything they touch. Skull Rock (roadside, free) is another quick stop worth making for its naturally eroded skull shape that makes for fun photos.
For hiking, the 49 Palms Oasis trail (3 miles round trip) descends into a hidden canyon where native fan palms cluster around a natural spring — it feels like finding a secret garden in the middle of harsh desert. Ryan Mountain (3 miles round trip, 1,000 feet elevation gain) is the most popular summit hike, with 360-degree views from the top that are absolutely stunning. For rock climbing, Joshua Tree is a world-class destination with over 8,000 documented routes ranging from beginner bouldering to expert trad climbing — guided experiences start around $175 per person.
Where to Stay
The towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms along Highway 62 (just north of the park) are home to an eclectic mix of lodging. AutoCamp Joshua Tree ($250-$450) offers luxury Airstream trailer glamping with a stunning pool and desert views — it is the most stylish option in the area. Sacred Sands ($300-$500) is a tiny, intimate retreat with just two suites featuring floor-to-ceiling desert views and a shared hot tub.
The Joshua Tree Inn ($100-$180) is a classic motor inn with desert charm and rock and roll history — Gram Parsons famously stayed (and died) in Room 8. It has been lovingly maintained with a pool and retro-desert aesthetic. Numerous Airbnb rentals and vacation homes ($100-$250) dot the high desert communities, many with hot tubs, fire pits, and that iconic desert modern aesthetic.
Camping inside the park is the definitive Joshua Tree experience. Jumbo Rocks Campground ($15 per night, first-come first-served) places your tent among massive boulder formations — the setting is surreal and the stargazing from your campsite is world-class. Ryan Campground ($15) and Hidden Valley ($15) are other excellent options. There are no hookups or showers at any park campground. Black Rock Campground ($25, reservable) has flush toilets and is the most developed option.
Where to Eat
The Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms food scene has a delightful desert-bohemian character. Crossroads Cafe ($12-$22) in Joshua Tree is the social hub of the community, serving excellent breakfast burritos, burgers, and craft beer on a lively patio. Natural Sisters Cafe ($8-$14) does fantastic smoothies, sandwiches, and acai bowls — perfect fuel before hitting the park.
In Twentynine Palms, the 29 Palms Inn ($18-$32) is the fine dining option, with a charming patio surrounded by fan palms and a menu focused on local and organic ingredients. Their Sunday brunch ($20-$28) is a local tradition. La Copine (seasonal hours, $14-$22) gained national attention for creative brunch dishes served from a tiny desert outpost on Highway 62 — check their social media for current hours as they can be irregular.
There are no restaurants or stores inside the park, so pack everything you need. We always bring a cooler with water (at least one gallon per person per day), sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. The towns of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley have grocery stores for stocking up — budget $15-$20 per person per day for provisions. For post-hike beverages, Joshua Tree Saloon ($6-$10 drinks) is a fun, divey desert bar that has been serving locals and climbers for decades.
Getting Around
A car is absolutely essential at Joshua Tree. The park is large — the drive from the West Entrance to the South Entrance takes about an hour without stops — and there is zero public transit in or around the park. The main park road is well-paved and connects all the major attractions, making navigation straightforward. Several dirt roads branch off to more remote areas but are passable for most vehicles in dry conditions.
Park Boulevard runs through the heart of Joshua Tree country between the West and North entrances, passing most of the major stops. Plan to drive this route slowly, pulling over frequently — there is something worth seeing around every bend. Keys View is a short spur road off the main route. The Pinto Basin Road from the junction south to the Interstate 10 entrance crosses into the lower-elevation Colorado Desert, where the landscape shifts dramatically.
The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Gas up before entering — the nearest gas stations are in Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, or along Interstate 10. Cell service is nearly nonexistent inside the park, so download offline maps. In cooler months, the park gets busy on weekends and parking lots at popular spots like Skull Rock and Hidden Valley can fill by mid-morning. Arrive early or visit midweek for the best experience.