If you’re interested in getting started with your own National Parks Passport - YAY! It is one of my favorite things to collect when I visit new parks and it always ensures I have pieces of my travels with me later on! I’ve linked everything you need here to purchase online, but, you can usually purchase in any of the visitor centers or book stores throughout any given park as well!
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Having visited on a few different adventures I can positively say Joshua Tree is one of my favorite places to go. Whether you’re looking to hike, enjoy the uniqueness of the desert, explore your love for the National Parks or even just snap some stunning photos, JT truly has something for everyone. In this guide I’ll be sharing TBD.
Regardless of your interests there is so much to do here for everyone and a great place to find something new to love!
Scenic Drives - Driving around here alone is incredible, though parts of the part are best experienced on foot. Be sure to have a packed backpack or “go” bag that has all the essentials because there is very little available throughout the park. Be sure to download any apps, maps or similar before entering or starting your route - cell service is basically nonexistent.
Hiking - There is TONS of hiking options here throughout the park. Some of the best are the one-mile loops around Barker Dam (home to one of the few watering holes in JT), three-mile Ryan Mountain Hike that leads to the Wonderland of Rocks and 6.3 Mile hike around Black Rock Campground that leads to Warren Peak. There are hiking trails available for ALL levels and abilities so be sure to take on something you are ready for and always bring a buddy! If you are looking for a longer hike I’ve been recommended the 16 mile roundtrip Boy Scout Trail that passes the Wonderland of Rocks and Willow Hole. If you take this in particular seasons there is even a seasonal water hole that brings out many critters!
Climbing - While I personally have never ever gone climbing here I have seen tons of people doing it (or giving it a try!) The rocks here are wold famous but be warned- climbing here is no easy feat. From grit that will take flesh right off be sure to pack extra tape and other things you need to take care of yourself. The Hidden Valley area is especially popular for climbing. If you want to brush up, learn or even just better understand the climbing situation here you can even take a class while in the park!
Horseback Riding - To be fair, this is not your typical summer camp type riding - this is for well-prepared equestrians. If you are interested in doing this, you are best off coming in the park’s North entrance near Twentynine Palms.
Bird Watching - If you are into birds this is a perfect place to check them out given JT’s place along the Pacific Flyway migration route. With over 250 different specifies of birds there is so much to observe year round! Spring visits are best if this is of interest to you!
Cycling - Bikes are allowed on all of JT’s public roads so if this is your thing, you’ve got it! Stick to the dirt roads if you’re looking to solitude! Queen Valley Road is gorgeous and often recommended for a chill ride. Plus, it leads to the Desert Queen Mine trailhead if you’re looking for more! Be sure to lock your bike up at the trail head while on the hiking adventure. Looking for more recommendations on site? The Joshua Tree Bicycle Shop is perfect for those and rentals!
Star Gazing - With little light pollution and huge, expansive skies JT is one of the best places for stargazing in the country. This is one of my favorite things to do when we visit even if I don’t know much about the constellations or what it all means. Taking some time after sun down to lay on the top of your car or just sit outside looking up is one of my favorite things in the whole wide world and I couldn’t recommend it more if you’re out here!
Camping - Snagging a campsite in JT is super competitive during peak seasons no matter the day of the week! If you plan on camping, get there early for those you can’t reserve and if you can reserve, do so as early as possible here! Some of these campsites include Indian Cove, Black Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Cottonwood, Belle and Ryan.
Airbnb - If you find yourself more into Glamping or even just a typical rental home I can’t recommend Airbnb enough. I typically use Airbnb while traveling and did so in our most recent trip! If you want to save up to $55 off your first trip, click through here! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite places below including our most recent stay just North of the NP in Yucca Valley.
Buy The Annual Pass - When you visit you can buy either the day pass or the annual pass. At most the annual pass is $80 BUT it does get you into every inter-agency park, place, etc. for the next 12 months. If you have any plans for the next year to visit a park or national monument I highly recommend buying this! It pays for its-self very quickly and is something special to add into your travel plans.
Beware of the spiky chollas (and other spiky wildlife!) - While the Jumping Cacti look cute, they truly do hurt if you get them on you. When hiking and moving around in JT be sure to be aware of your body, where you’re moving and stepping. These things are no joke and can seriously hurt you AND mother nature.
Make time for Golden Hour - Whether you’re taking photos or not, golden hour is especially beautiful and mesmerizing here. Get outside either where you’re staying, on the scenic drives or trails and take in how seriously beautiful JT is during these warm colored hours.
The Best Time to Visit - Even though people are here year round, the best (and busiest) times to visit are during the fall and spring months when the temps stay between 50 and 85 degrees. The lowest temps can be felt during the winters getting down to 35 degrees and the highest temps can be felt in the summer reaching over 100 degrees. If you do decide to visit during one of the winter or summer times be sure to prepare for the elements!
PLAN your trip here - From purchasing your annual pass to figuring out what trails you want to hit, planning your visit here will be the difference between an amazing time and a total bust. Research and plan and ensure you have a great time doing what you love!
Pick an entrance - JT alone is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island which means there is a lot of area for your to explore. Despite that, there are only three main entrances (West, North and South). Regardless of where you enter be mindful that the parking lots and camping may fill so getting in earlier than later may help you out a ton depending on when you visit!
What to bring- Beyond the normal be SURE to bring water and sunscreen. No matter when you visit these two are absolutely essential. The NPS stresses that there are NO water sources in the park so bringing extra will only benefit you (and possibly those who don’t if you’re kind). Additionally, be sure to fill up on gas BEFORE entering the park. There aren’t any gas stations within unlike other NP’s so plan ahead!
Be safe! - Every year JT sees about 60 search and rescue operations and you do not need nor want to be one of them! Whenever you find yourself exploring nature or anywhere without reliable cell service be sure to not do so alone, have scheduled check-ins with friends or family and carry enough water to avoid heat stroke.
Leave It Better Than You Found It- If you’re familiar with being outdoors you know this phrase and those similar (Leave No Trace) but seriously - be sure to clean up after yourself and leave the park as clean if not better than you found it to help preserve its magic for others for generations to come!
