Top 15 Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Welcome to Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, between the cities of Palm Springs and Twentynine Palms. It is approximately 750,000 acres of land that serves as a haven for desert wildlife and an oasis for people looking to get away from it all. 

The Joshua Tree has taken on almost spiritual meaning with people who visit the joshua trees, standing like silent sentinels over centuries.

A fun fact about joshua trees is that they are not actually trees; they are types of yucca plants that grow in clusters of branches that look like trees. These joshua trees can live up to 150 years old! Many joshua trees grow nowhere else except Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park’s Joshua trees are not the only things people come here to see, though Joshua trees are certainly a big draw for visitors.

Many rock climbers have made Joshua Tree National Park their playground because of the huge Joshua tree formations that can be found in many different areas of the park.

The park itself is so large it is able to house two deserts: Mojave desert and Colorado desert

The desert landscape of Joshua Tree makes it one of the most unique parks in America. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or just some quiet time outside – here are the top 15 things to do when visiting Joshua Tree! 

 1) Go Bouldering! Climb Giant Rock formations like “Skull Rock” and “Old Woman”.   

Joshua Tree is one of America’s best bouldering destinations because it offers both indoor climbing and outdoor climbing. You can climb on more than 8,000 individual joshua tree formations that range from easy climbs to very difficult climbs.

If bouldering is not your thing, then take photos of old tree branches in the area. Skull Rock is located 2 miles away from Joshua Tree National Park’s Indian Cove campground on the Wonderland of Rocks Loop Trail.

The story began eons ago, when raindrops gathered in tiny pits and started to wear away the granite. As more rock was worn away, water levels rose, resulting in more erosion until two hollowed-out eye sockets formed and the rock acquired a skull-shaped appearance as time passed.

Skull Rock is a must-see for park visitors. A parking space is just across the street from the rock, which is located along the main east-west park road.

For those who want to walk a little, a 1.7-mile nature trail starts either near the entrance to Jumbo Rocks Campground or inside the campground, across from the amphitheater.

The hike is just under 2 miles, but it’s steep in some spots, so you’ll want to bring lots of water. Bring a camera for this joshua trees national park photo op! Skull Rock is best photographed on an overcast day when diffused light brings out the texture of the rocks on which it sits.

 2) Explore Lost Horse Mine Trail 

This hike is a 3-mile scenic trail that takes you through Joshua trees, yuccas, and creosote bushes where wildflowers bloom every spring. The Lost Horse Mine hike also offers views of jumbo rock formations as well as the Joshua tree valley. 

Lost Horse Mine Trail is located in the north end of Joshua Tree National Park. This hike is especially great to do at the end of March while wildflowers are still in bloom. Along the trail to Lost Horse Mine there are also old mines which you can explore (carefully). It typically takes around 3 hours for most people to complete.

3) Watch as the sun sets over Joshua Tree from Keys View lookout

Take California State Route 62 west past 29 Palms until you reach Utah trail on your right-hand side. Follow the road to Keys View.

The view of the sky is incredible, and it’s an excellent location for stargazing. The skies over Joshua Tree National Park are so clear you can see for miles! The desert has some of the very best stargazing opportunities in America because it doesn’t have light pollution at night. 

 4) Hike Ryan Mountain 

Hiking Ryan Mountain is a moderate hike, unlike most Joshua Tree hiking trails which are usually strenuous hikes. Head up to the summit of Ryan mountain for spectacular 360-degree views of Joshua trees! 

You’ll feel as though you’re on top of the world. It takes about 2 hours round-trip to hike the Ryan Mountain trail. 

The hike is steep, but the path is clearly marked and easy to follow. You can also drive up Ryan Mountain for a shorter experience if you don’t feel like hiking a long trail. 

For more of a challenge, go on a strenuous 14-mile hike from Joshua tree national park’s west entrance past Cap Rock to Ryan Mountain. The return trip back to your car will take you about 6 hours. 

5) Tour Jumbo Rocks Campground  

Jumbo Rocks Campground within the park is a joshua tree camping haven! Arrive early enough and you’ll get to pick from the various sites, all with great joshua trees, of course. 

The campground is located right off of California State Route 62. You can also hike from Ryan Mountain trail which takes about an hour to reach the campground. 

To see Joshua trees and boulders piled on top of each other, you’ll want to tour Jumbo Rocks Campground early in the morning before all of the other tourists arrive. 

 6) Watch a Sunrise or Sunset

You can’t beat a sunrise or sunset over Joshua trees national park. Head out of your Joshua tree camping spot or hotel before sunrise and watch as the Joshua trees turn on their golden glow. Then head back out at dusk for the most gorgeous desert sunsets you’ll ever witness. 

Joshua Tree National Park has endless views to take in. Whether you’re hiking on one of the trails or just driving through the desert, your eyes will constantly be on the lookout for something new and amazing. 

Can you ever get enough of this desert? Explore more of Joshua Tree National Park’s most rugged landscapes with the windows down and the music up. Off-road adventures are available during certain months so be sure to check out what off-roading tours are open during your visit. 

At night, you’ll be able to see the stars better than ever before. If you’re lucky, you might even see a shooting star! 

Can you ever get enough of this desert? Explore more of joshua tree national park’s most rugged landscapes with the windows down and the music up. Off-road adventures are available during certain months so be sure to check out what off-roading tours are open during your visit.    

 7 ) See Ancient Ruins at Wonderland Ranch and Wall Street Mill

Wonderland ranch and Wall Street Mill are two abandoned joshua trees national park attractions. Only a short time before Joshua Tree National Park became the hiking destination it is today, it attracted a different sort of desert explorer. 

Miners, drawn west by the prospect of gold buried beneath the parched earth, descended on the region. Today, remnants of their mills and farms dot the arid ground throughout the park. The Wall Street Mill and Wonderland Ranch are two such locations. They’re linked together by a walking route and serve as reminders of past pioneers. 

The Wonderland Ranch ruins, which now amount to just a few crumbling pink walls, provide an unanticipated burst of color to a landscape otherwise dominated by earthy tones of tan and green. The family that built the house is largely unknown. They, like the gold mining industry that drew them to the region, have faded from memory. To reach it, follow the Wall Street Mill Trail.

8) Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden during sunset.

The Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is a 0.2-mile heavily used loop trail in Desert Hot Springs, California that has stunning wild flowers and is suitable for beginner to expert hikers. The route is primarily utilized for walking, hiking, running, and bird watching throughout the year. 

It is considered an easy hike because of the distance and elevation gain. The garden is popular with photographers, birders, wildflower enthusiasts, families, and people who are seeking refuge from the desert heat.

Interpretive signs describing the different types of cholla cacti are found throughout this Joshua Tree National Park area. It’s an excellent place to learn about these interesting desert plants. 

Originally named “choyas”, the cholla cactus garden is home to hundreds of species of Joshua trees as well as desert dandelions and other wildflowers. 

The Giant Cholla Cactus Garden is a perfect – if a bit prickly – way to start your Joshua tree national park adventure. These towering succulents are native to this region and can grow up to 13 feet tall . They look like big pom poms from a distance, but their beauty is best appreciated up close. 

That being said, don’t touch these prickly guys even if you think you can handle the pain! I (Shafeen) got pricked one time and that was enough to set the record straight! Don’t mess with the Cholla. 

These little guys can be hazardous since they’re covered in needles and barbed bristles. They have been known to cause blindness when they poke into people’s eyes. If they do end up in your clothing or hair, just let them be unless you’re like me and have a tweezer on hand. They’re not going anywhere and neither are you until they dry out. WATCH my Cholla demise in Joshua Tree.

9) Take a Scenic 4-mile drive to Pioneertown

Scenic drives are definitely one of the top things to do in joshua tree national park. Take a 4-mile drive out of Yucca Valley along California State Route 62 through Joshua Tree National Park on your way to Pioneertown City. 

On the route, you’ll pass by beautiful rock formations and panoramas that will make you forget that you are still within California’s borders. You’ll see sweeping vistas up close and personal without leaving your car so it makes for a great traveling alternative to the regular sights offered by Joshua Tree National Park tours. 

10) See Star Trails at Arch Rock Entrance 

Night hikes are one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, especially during the summer. 

When the sun sets, head out to Arch Rock Entrance at Joshua Tree National Park for some of the best night sky views anywhere. The granite rocks framing the door frame are perfect for admiring star trails as they rotate around Polaris, also known as the North Star. 

Arch Rock Entrance is a great spot to catch the Milky Way as well – it’s said to be one of the darkest places in Joshua Tree National Park and was once used as a Hollywood backdrop for westerns. For a little added adventure, bring a sleeping bag and spend the night under the stars here. 

11) Spot a Desert Tortoise 

Climb around on some of the rocks at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree National Park for a rare up-close encounter with a desert tortoise. These guys have thrived in this inhospitable climate for millennia and they’re most active during the cooler months of winter and spring when it ‘s easier for them to find food. 

Desert tortoises are curious animals and they’re quite friendly provided that you don’t try to touch them. They can move surprisingly fast once they start so it’s best not to chase them around if you see one. Instead, let them come to you and take a selfie with the little guy.

12) Stargaze at ancient petroglyphs found throughout the park. 

The ancient petroglyphs were carved by the native people who used to live in this region. They’re still being studied today for clues about the cultures that lived in joshua tree national park thousands of years ago. There are several spots with petroglyphs including Barker Dam, Skull Rock, and Ryan Campground . 

Some of the most interesting rock carvings can be found at the Geology Tour Road in Joshua Tree National Park. 

Your best bet for finding them is to head out on this scenic drive in late afternoon. You’ll see the sun’s rays projecting through cracks in the rocks – this helps bring out some of the finer details in the carving. 

13 ) Experience Joshua tree backcountry camping

Discover the most thrilling backcountry camping possible in one of Joshua tree’s 7 designated campgrounds overnight – just make sure to reserve a permit first! 

There are over 40 sites available in these stunning places with up to 3 vehicles allowed per site. You’ll see some of the darkest skies in Joshua trees when you camp nearly anywhere in this national park. 

Of course, it’s important to keep your food under lock and key when camping overnight in Joshua tree. You don’t want to find that it’s gone in the morning. 

14) Take a photo with the Desert Bighorn Sheep

Take a minute to snap an Instagram-worthy picture of yourself next to some of the adorable desert bighorn sheep that live in Joshua Tree National Park. These guys are usually found on rocky cliffs above the Joshua Tree Desert, so you’ll likely have to hike around a little bit to find one. 

They’re most active during the morning hours, so plan your trip accordingly if you want an encounter with the desert bighorn sheep. They’re very shy creatures and tend to stay away from areas where they can be easily seen by people. 

14) Explore the Hidden Valley

Going for a quick hike through hidden valley in Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. This area contains some of the oldest rock formations in the park, dating back over one billion years.

The elevated ground around these ancient rocks has eroded away over time, creating deep canyons in the valley. The walls of these canyons help shelter the area from wind and the desert sun, creating an oasis in Joshua tree where you can find shade all year round. 

This is a great place to take a break from the desert heat and have a picnic underneath some of these old natural structures. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, this is also a great place to set up camp for the night. 

15) Take in the sunset at Barker Dam

Barker Dam, Joshua Tree’s only only natural rock dam, was built by Joshua Tree pioneers in 1900. View the beautiful desert sunset over Barker Dam Viewpoint where you’ll see the rock formations beautifully reflecting off the water.

It’s also possible to take a short hike down into the canyon to see the remaining portion of the original dam. Be sure to bring plenty of water if you plan on doing any hiking here because it can get very hot during summertime. 

16) Get some Joshua tree souvenirs at the traditional artisan market. 

Every Saturday, local artists and craftspeople gather together in Yucca Valley to sell their hand-made items to visitors who come to see the desert. If you’re looking for more than just a simple t-shirt or coffee mug at the Joshua Tree National Park gift shop, this is a great place to find gifts that are truly unique. We got two beautiful hats and it definitely shielded us from the hot summer heat.

The Yucca Valley traditional artisan market usually has over 100 different vendors selling everything from paintings and sculptures to pottery and Native American jewelry . Keep an eye out for demonstrations by the artisans themselves! This is a unique opportunity for visitors to see how these beautiful joshua tree souvenirs are made and perhaps purchase a special holiday gift. 

Where To Stay in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to go camping in the desert, but it’s important for visitors to know where they can stay inside Joshua Tree that won’t interfere with their experience.

There are many campgrounds throughout the park . These campsites tend to be more popular and fill up faster than the Joshua Tree National Park backcountry camping areas. Joshua Tree is a pristine wilderness area, so it’s important that visitors respect the environment and leave no trace of their visit here.

All Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds ban campfires except campsites at Jumbo Rocks and Black Rock campgrounds.

If camping isn’t really your style, there are also a few nearby homes where you can rest up after a long day exploring joshua tree national park.

We stayed in an epic airstream out in a remote area of Yucca Valley with plenty of privacy and there are plenty of incredible options other than hotels if you’re looking for a home away from home while exploring Joshua Tree.

Luxury Stays: If you love luxury stays as much as we do, then you’ll love these one-of-a-kind homes!

• Rubble Mountain is surrounded by the most incredible rock formations all around and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you to enjoy the scenery from every angle. Joshua Tree National Park in only a 3-minute drive from the home which makes it incredibly convenient. After exploring JTNP, you can come back to bathing in the great outdoors, unwinding by the fire pit and listening to crickets under the beautiful stars. Learn More.

• Shadow Stone is special in that it offers great access to JTNP as well as other routes. The home itself is so unique that you may find it hard to leave. There are no shortage of pools, hot tubs, and fire pits in Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas, but this home has a unique flair that is uncommon.The home also offers incredible amenities with a dedicated hospitality concierge to help with all your needs. Learn More.

• The Invisible House is a skyscraper with an indoor pool to marvel at. Along with all the amenities, there’s also free wifi. The villa has a beautiful terrace where you can relax and take in the desert escape. Learn More.

• Desert Skies is a remote hideaway with a private saltwater pool/spa and outdoor shower. It’s a sweet escape from society with no one around – just you and nature. The distinctions between the indoors and outdoors are blurred by the floor-to-ceiling moving glass walls, allowing you to take advantage of the environment at all times. Local artists and renowned designers’ works combine inside, while the kitchen provides a backdrop for delectable meals. Learn More.

Mid-Range Stays:

Marbella Lane is a two-bedroom vacation home great for a family getaway. The air-conditioned vacation home has 2 separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, and 2 bathrooms.

Desert Home with patio less than 5 minutes away from Joshua Tree National Park. This vacation home has three bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, fridge, and oven.

The Bungalows by Homestead has air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and free WiFi.
The vacation home includes a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, as well as a coffee machine.

Budget- Friendly Stays:

The following budget-friendly hotels in Joshua Tree are great if you’re looking to spend most of your time outdoors exploring. These stays provide all the basic necessities as well as provide coupons to restaurants, organize tours to JTNP, windmills, and the surrounding areas. Casa De Frank is special because you can bring your furry little friends for no extra fee. High Desert Motel JTNP and Safari Motor Inn both have a swimming pool to cool down after those long day hikes.