A visit to Joshua Tree National Park is an unforgettable experience, filled with amazing landscapes, cool rock formations, and some of the most iconic desert scenery in the U.S.A. This Joshua Tree itinerary will help you make the most of your trip, whether you have just one day or an entire weekend.
Suitcase and Sunglasses includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see full disclosure on the Privacy Policy Page on suitcaseandsunglasses.com.
Day 1: Iconic Sights and Scenic Hikes
Morning: Start at the West Entrance
Begin your adventure at the West Entrance near Joshua Tree Village. Don’t forget to ask the ranger for a map! Stop once you enter the park to check trail conditions, and refill your water bottles. There are bathrooms there, too.
Next, drive along Park Boulevard and make your first stop at Hidden Valley. This short, one-mile loop is one of the best introductions to the park. It features huge rock formations and an easy trail that is perfect for hikers of all levels.
Mid-Morning: Keys View for Panoramic Vistas
After stretching your legs, drive up to Keys View, one of the best overlooks in the park. On a clear day, you’ll see the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, and even the very distant mountains. Make sure you bring some binoculars!
Lunch: Picnic at Cap Rock
Pack a lunch and stop at Cap Rock, a scenic spot with picnic tables and unique boulders. If you have extra time, take the relaxing, very easy and flat nature trail to admire the famous Joshua trees up close.
Afternoon: Skull Rock and Arch Rock
Drive east along Park Boulevard to see Skull Rock, a naturally eroded rock that looks like a human skull. Continue to the Arch Rock Trail, a 1.2-mile round-trip hike that leads to one of the most photographed rock formations in the park.
Sunset: Cholla Cactus Garden
End your day with a stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden. If you’re lucky, you’ve timed it well enough to come just before sunset. The backlit cholla cacti glow as the sun sets over the desert, making it a must-see stop for photographers.
Day 2: Adventure and Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots
Morning: Barker Dam and Wall Street Mill
Start with the Barker Dam Trail, a short and easy loop that passes through rock formations and a small water reservoir that attracts desert wildlife. Nearby, the Wall Street Mill Trail offers a peek into the park’s history with ruins of an old gold-mining operation.
Mid-Morning: Ryan Mountain Hike
For those looking for a challenge, hike up Ryan Mountain. This 3-mile round-trip trail gains elevation quickly but rewards you with great views of the park.
Lunch: Oasis Visitor Center Area
Head toward the Oasis Visitor Center near the Twentynine Palms entrance for a break. If you’re craving a restaurant meal, exit the park and grab food in Twentynine Palms before continuing your Joshua Tree itinerary.
Afternoon: Cottonwood Spring & Lost Palm Oasis
If you have extra time, explore the southern end of the park at Cottonwood Spring. This area has fewer crowds and a good mix of desert flora. If you’re up for a longer hike, the Lost Palm Oasis Trail (7.5 miles round trip) leads to a hidden palm grove deep in the park. Don’t forget your hiking poles!
Sunset: Keys Ranch Tour or Stargazing
If available, book a guided tour of Keys Ranch, a historic homestead that shows what pioneer life in the Mojave Desert was like. Otherwise, find a secluded spot to watch the stars emerge. Joshua Tree is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best stargazing destinations in the world.
Additional Tips for Your Joshua Tree Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring offers the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring.
- What to Bring: Plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and layers for cool desert nights.
- Where to Stay: Options range from campgrounds inside the park to unique VRBO stays near Joshua Tree Village.
With this Joshua Tree itinerary, you’ll experience the best of the park’s landscapes, hikes, and unique desert beauty, whether you’re visiting for just one day or making a weekend getaway out of it!
