Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, about 40 miles north east of Palm Springs. The park spans the Mojave and the Colorado Desert (which is part of the larger Sonoran Desert), so you get a unique chance to see vegetation native to both regions.
Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorite parks in the park system. I first visited it over 20 years ago and fell in love with the trees and the boulders. The park offers wonderful hiking and opportunities for great pictures abound. You can easily spend many days in the park. However, if you only have one day, here are some recommendations on how to spend a memorable day in Joshua Tree National Park.
How to spend a memorable day in Joshua Tree National Park
There are two main roads in the park: the Park Boulevard Road and Pinto Basin Road. The Park Boulevard Road is entirely on the Mohave Desert, at an elevation of 3,000 feet or more. Here, you will have great opportunities to see Joshua trees and the huge boulders. The Pinto Basin Road, on the other hand, is mostly on the Colorado Desert and at a lower elevation. Here, you will experience warmer temperatures, and you won’t see any Joshua trees. Instead, you will find lots of creosote bushes, cholla cactus, and an occasional ocotillo. I recommend driving both roads to truly experience the diversity of the park.
1. Stroll among the amazing Joshua trees
As you drive along Park Boulevard Road, you will see “forests” of Joshua trees. Pull over when you can and walk around the trees. I love checking out their twisted arms and funny shapes. They’re beautiful plants and make for great pictures.
2. Take a few hikes
There are a lot of hiking opportunities in the park. Some trails are short and easy, others are longer and moderate to strenuous in nature. If you only have a day, here are some memorable hikes I recommend:
The Hidden Valley Trail: This is a popular and easy 1 mile loop with a slight elevation gain. The trail meanders among massive boulders into an enclosed valley. The rock formations are pretty cool and it’s fun to climb the boulders. It’s definitely a scenic hike which will give you a good introduction into the park. The Barker Dam Trail is another scenic 1 mile loop, even easier than Hidden Valley. Unfortunately, when we visited (April 2021), there was no water in the dam, which would have been great to see. Nevertheless, the hike is beautiful and totally worth doing.
3. Have a picnic
I feel like it’s always fun to stop and eat a meal in a park. We always have food in the cooler and frequently look for quiet places to eat and enjoy the scenery without other tourists. This time, however, we stopped at Quail Springs for a late breakfast. There are several picnic tables near the parking lot and the views of Joshua trees and the boulders are fantastic.
4. Admire the views from a high point
For interesting views of the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and the San Jacinto Mountains, head to Keys View Point. The drive to the view point is also beautiful and the Joshua trees are fantastic on this road.
5. Check out Skull Rock
Skull Rock is a popular spot and lots of people stop here to photograph this interesting sight. There is also an easy hike you can do from here. The trail will take you past the Jumbo Rock campground and will expose you to pretty cool boulder piles.
6. Visit a cholla garden
Once you get to the Colorado Desert, you will start seeing a different type of vegetation. Joshua trees will now be gone and the scenery may not seem that pretty. Wait with your judgement, however, till you get to the Cholla Cactus Garden. The chollas are fantastic and look more like little trees. It’s certainly a lot of fun to meander among them.
7. See blooming ocotillos
Ocotillos blossom in the spring and since we were visiting the park in April, we were fortunate to see them in bloom. There isn’t a huge ocotillo patch in the park but the several ocotillos you see along the road are really nice and large. They are definitely worth checking out.
8. Enjoy a palm oasis
Your day wouldn’t be complete without visiting a palm oasis. There are several palm oases at Joshua Tree National Park. Both Lost Palms and Fortynine Palms require a hike. However, if you just want to explore one within a short walk from the parking lot, you can do it at the Cottonwood Spring, which is at the south end of Pinto Basin Road. If you have never seen an oasis before, you’ll be blown away. I was, at least. The California fan palms are an amazing species, the only native palm tree to California. Visiting an oasis is an absolute must do!
Want more ideas on how to spend a memorable day in Joshua Tree NP?
If you want more ideas on how to spend a memorable day in Joshua Tree National Park, take a look at the park’s map and additional recommendations here. The park has lots to offer and whatever you do, you will have a wonderful time. Enjoy!
