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Joshua Tree National Park spans the meeting point of two deserts in Southern California: the higher, cooler Mojave, home to the spiky Joshua trees that give the park its name, and the lower, hotter Colorado Desert. Piles of rounded granite boulders, formed underground and exposed by erosion, give the landscape its distinctive look, and the park's dark skies are prized by stargazers.
Hidden Valley, a boulder-ringed basin once rumored to shelter cattle rustlers, is a short loop and a major rock-climbing area. Barker Dam holds a small reservoir after rains, and guided tours visit Keys Ranch, a homestead preserved much as it was left. Keys View looks across the Coachella Valley toward the San Andreas Fault, while trails lead to the ruins of Lost Horse Mine and up Ryan Mountain for broad views. Skull Rock and the formations around Jumbo Rocks are easy roadside stops, and Arch Rock is a short walk from the White Tank campground. The Geology Tour Road passes through dramatic terrain near the Wonderland of Rocks. Farther south, the Cholla Cactus Garden has a dense stand of fuzzy-looking but spiny cholla.
The park suits climbers, campers, photographers and day hikers. There are few services inside, so bringing plenty of water is essential. The towns of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley serve as bases, and spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons.
WiserMap travel guideJoshua Tree National Park California Boulders and StarsExplore Joshua Tree National Park: Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Keys View, Skull Rock, the Cholla Cactus Garden, palm oases, stargazing and the best seasons.Read the guide
A valley enclosed by giant boulder piles, said to have been used by cattle rustlers. An easy one-mile loop trail winds among the rocks and Joshua trees, and rock climbers are often seen on the walls. It has a picnic area and is one of the best first stops from the west entrance.
Skull Rock is a granite boulder with eroded hollows that look like eye sockets, right beside Park Boulevard. It sits next to the Jumbo Rocks campground, where huge rounded boulders are fun to scramble on. A 1.7-mile loop trail links the two areas.
A natural granite arch near White Tank campground in the center of the park, reached by a short, easy loop trail. Nearby Heart Rock is another popular photo spot. The arch is a favorite for night sky photography, and parking is at the Twin Tanks lot.
An easy 1.1-mile loop to a small reservoir built by cattle ranchers around 1900, which sometimes holds water after rain and draws birds and bighorn sheep. The return path passes a rock with painted petroglyphs. Go early or late in the day for wildlife and cooler air.
A hike of about four miles round trip on an old mining road to one of the most productive gold mines in the area, with a well-preserved ten-stamp mill. A longer loop adds views and more mine ruins. There is little shade, so carry plenty of water.
A steady three-mile round-trip climb of about 1,000 feet to a 5,457-foot summit with 360-degree views over the park's valleys and rock formations. Many stone steps make up the trail. It is one of the most rewarding short hikes, and sunrise or late afternoon is best.
A three-mile round-trip trail over a rocky ridge to a fan palm oasis in a canyon, reached from a separate trailhead off Highway 62 near Twentynine Palms. The climb back out is steep. Bring water, and do not use the oasis pools, which are vital for wildlife.
A paved viewpoint at about 5,185 feet on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. It looks over the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto and, on clear days, the Salton Sea. It is a short walk from the parking lot and popular at sunset.
The ranch of homesteader Bill Keys, who lived here for about 60 years and left behind a house, workshops, a schoolhouse, orchards and old cars and machinery. It can only be visited on ranger-led tours. Tours are limited and seasonal, so book ahead.
A dense stand of teddybear cholla cactus in the transition zone between the Mojave and Colorado deserts, with a quarter-mile loop trail. The cactus glows in morning and evening light. Wear closed shoes and keep your distance, as the spines detach easily and hurt.
Cottonwood Spring near the south entrance is a small palm oasis and birding spot. From there a trail of about 7.5 miles round trip leads to Lost Palms Oasis, the park's largest fan palm grove, in a deep canyon. Start early in the warmer months and carry extra water.
An 18-mile dirt road loop south from Park Boulevard with numbered stops explaining the park's granite, faults and erosion, using a free guide from the park. The first part is fine for most cars, but the far loop needs high clearance. Avoid it after rain.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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