Joshua Tree National Park in 1 or 2 Days
I’ve wanted to visit Joshua Tree National Park for a decade but for some reason or another we couldn’t visit the park on our previous trips to Palm Springs and Southern California. I was so excited when we included it in our plan this time, I couldn’t wait to get there. Joshua Tree National Park is a great 1-day trip from Palm Springs area. If you have 2-3 days you can do so much more. The park has something for everyone – photographer, casual hiker, non-hiker, backpacker, rock climber, history buff, geologist, botanist, wildlife enthusiast, adventurer, athlete, and really anyone.
Joshua Tree National Park may be one of the smaller national parks I’ve visited in the US but I definitely recommend you visit if you’re in Southern California, especially if you’re in Palm Springs Area. If you’re driving from the Bay Area to Palm Springs, there are some beautiful towns to make day or overnight stop. For a small town, there are many things to do in Los Alamos California. Joshua Tree NP is about 800,000 acres. While much of it is inaccessible by cars, it is accessible by hiking, 4WD and jeeps tours.
Contents
- What to expect in a National Park during a Government shutdown?
- Entering and Orienting to Joshua Tree National Park
- Sunrise in Cholla Cactus Garden
- Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park
- Hidden Valley Hike and Picnic Areas
- Sunset in Barker Dam
- Keys View Drive
- Ryan Peak Hike
- Milky way in the Night Sky
- 1 Day Itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park
- Picture Gallery from Palm Springs and Joshua Tree NP
- 2 Day Itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park
- Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
- Related Articles
- Story
- Pin It
Winter is a great time to visit Joshua Tree National Park because it gets very hot in summer. Here is a great list of national parks to visit in winter.
What to expect in a National Park during a Government shutdown?
Update: The government shutdown ended in Jan 2019 and things are normal again.
We visited Joshua Tree NP over 2018 Christmas, a time when our federal government had been shut down. The employees were given 4 hours to shut down everything – set out of office replies, voice messages, websites etc for an indefinite amount of time.
All we knew before going was that there will be no federal employee on site – so no check-in, no rangers, no guided hikes, no bathrooms, no food, no cleaning etc. etc. We didn’t even know if Joshua Tree National park would be open during the federal government shutdown. But we went anyway.
The park was open and free but there were no services. Our plan to bring our own food helped. A few bathrooms were open. I hope the federal government reopens before our parks are littered or damaged.
Entering and Orienting to Joshua Tree National Park
Most of the developed parts of Joshua Tree National Park are concentrated in one general area in the north-west area of the park, along one main road. All along the road there are marked exhibits and short walks explaining various features of the park.
Here is an itinerary for a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, plus additional sites to visit if you have the time.
We entered the park through the Cottonwood entrance on the south end of the park. It was the closest entrance to our rental house in Palm Springs Area. Most people enter from the towns of Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms, which are located right outside the national park entrances on the north-west side.
Sunrise in Cholla Cactus Garden
Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park has thousands of cacti dominating the landscape for miles. It is grander than any cactus garden I’ve seen. The whole cactus garden lights up with breathtaking morning colors at sunrise. But it’s fascinating to visit at any time.
The Cholla Cactus Garden walk is very easy and right off the parking lot. There are many walking paths, bridges and some fenced areas for visitors. One can walk for 2min or an hour.
Warning – Beware, of the cactus thorns as they are extremely sharp and clingy. Stay on the paths and watch your steps and all your movements, or the thorny balls lodge into the skin through any number of layers. The effect is painful and can last for hours or days.
Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park
Arch Rock Hike
Rock Arch structure is synonymous with Arches National park. But this one is in Joshua Tree National Park.
A few minutes after the White tank camping area is a small parking lot for Twin Tanks, backcountry hiking and Arch Rock trail.
The Arch Rock trail is a flat hike for about 30min followed by an easy climb over boulders and steps. The hike is through the flat desert land with a variety of vegetation. It’s fairly easy to wander off into the desert. So it’s best to stay on the path marked by signs and rocks. But it would be really hard to actually get lost in an open desert with only one main road.
Following a few pictures from our walk to Joshua Tree Arch. But this site has much more information.
The bush in the foreground in the above-center picture has huge thorns to be wary of. 
These Joshua Trees look like dancers to me.
Mysterious blobs on otherwise dry shrubs 
The blobs turned out to be young branches and berries.
This bush was once packed with blooms. On this winter morning, only their dead buds remain. 
A thorny cactus! 
A rare desert plant with winter bloom. Joshua Tree NP is famous for spring blooms. If the weather conditions were right, the entire desert blooms with cacti flowers in stunning colors.
Geology of Joshua Tree National Park
The geology of Joshua Tree National Park is fascinating. I’m sure the Rangers do a fabulous job of explaining the geology on normal days. There are also 4WD geology tours in the park. We’ll plan to explore the geology on another trip. But in a nutshell – most of the boulders thrusting out of the land are Monzogranite granite representing 85million years of geological activity. Joshua Tree National Park has two prominent varieties of granite rock – Monzogranite and Pinto Gneiss. The Pinto Gneiss are even older. They are 1.6 billion years old, about half the age of the earth.
Skull Rock
Some of the prominent features in Joshua Tree National Park are the massive boulders that were once thrust up from the within the earth by volcanoes and then eroded by weather. Unlike smooth granite like igneous rocks in other parts of the earth, these Monzogranite granite rocks are somewhat porous and offer traction to the shoes, making them easy to walk on.
With ages of weathering, the rocks have assumed a variety of shapes. Visitors imagine all kinds of shapes in the rock formations. But, the skull shape is so clear, it needs no imagination. The rock is located a few steps from the road and is staring down at the road. If you have time, climbing the rocks and imagining shapes is a fun activity for kids and grownups alike.
Hidden Valley Hike and Picnic Areas
The hidden valley hike and picnic area are located off of the same parking loop but they are far enough that you might want to decide where to park. The first part of the parking loop is by the valley entrance and the later part is by the picnic areas with a short hike around the tall rocks.
Hidden Valley Hike
Hidden Valley has a unique ecosystem concealed within the tall rocks that surround the nearly circular basin filled with vegetation. In the early to mid-1900s the hidden valley basin was used to conceal cattle stolen from Arizona and horses from California. Cattle grazed on the then plentiful grasses in the safety of the rock walls, hidden from law enforcement and other ranchers. They were beefed up and sold for handsome profit across the state. With the gradual decline in rainwater and increasing pressure from law enforcement, the cattle grazing diminished. A small opening was created for hikers to enter when cattle concealing was no longer a need.
Today, Hidden Valley is an easy one-mile hiking loop in a unique ecosystem. The granite is very popular for rock climbers.
Just look up around the sheer cliffs, you’re sure to spot some climbers making their way up the rocks. Or better yet, bring your climbing gear, climb the rocks and share your experience in the comments below.
The ecosystem here has an unusual blend of coniferous trees, cacti, and grasses. The coniferous trees along the rock faces are reminders from decades ago when this was a thriving green valley. Even today, rainwater channels through cracks in the granite rock and collects in the granite erosion soil bowls beneath the rocks to provide water for the trees. The rocks also provide shelter from the dry desert winds.
Cracks in the rocks provide great footholds for rock climbers. But, the rock crevices are also a preferred shelter for snakes and lizards. A little factoid – the chuckwalla lizard in Joshua Tree National Park can live up to 40 years!
The Pinyon Pine was of utmost importance for the native people of the desert. They roasted the nuts and ate the nutritious seeds. The Pinyon Pinewood was used for construction and cooking. The pine pitch made excellent glue for repairing baskets and pot.
A Mini Mouse cactus with heart-shaped ears 
Yucca flowers were an important source of food for the native people.
This phrase in Hidden Valley of Joshua Tree NP applies to all ecosystems. While an ecosystem seems in perfect harmony, the balance is delicate and important let it be.
Sunset in Barker Dam
Barker Dam, a Desert Oasis
If you have time to visit just one place in Joshua Tree National Park, I highly recommend making Barker dam that one stop. I hope some of the pictures will inspire you.
To reach Barker Dam, we used Big Horn Pass, a scenic dirt road. It’s quite comfortable for SUVs. The alternate but longer tar road would be better for cars.
Barker dam is set in the mountains that make a reservoir when closed in one small section. There is a short hike to get to the dam. Along the hike are interesting plants and wildlife such as wild sheep.
Beautify Joshua trees everywhere. 
The dried leaves are so soft. 
A cactus in Barker Dam.
The dam was built by Barker and Shay Cattle company to provide water for cattle raising in 1902. Also, it put a stop to fights between rangers and miner for the precious water resource.
The Keys family made improvements in 1949-50 and raised the dam wall for more water collection from the river and rains.
But once water started to run dry, the cattle companies moved to greener pastures. For perspective, this area used to get 10 inches of rain a year at that time compared to 2-5 inches now.
Now Barker Area is a quiet place of serene beauty and Barker Dam is the precious water source for wildlife like wild sheep and birds of Joshua Tree National Park.
Wall Street Mills
The trail to Wall Street Mill starts from the same parking lot as the Barker Dam. It’s the finest example of a gold processing mill of the early and mid-1900s. Bill Keys bought the land in 1930 and built the mill for the small mine operators. Once processed here, the gold would be sent to the smelter in Mohave or US Mint in San Francisco.
We ran out of time and skipped the Wall Street Mill hike on this trip.
Keys Ranch
Keys Ranch is only open for ranger-led programs. It was closed during our visit due to the federal government shutdown.
Keys View Drive
Keys Viewpoint is a drive to a high peak over Joshua Tree National park. It is surrounded by amazing sights for 360degrees around the peak. Both sunset and sunrise are worth watching from the peak.
Ryan Peak Hike
Ryan peak hike is supposedly a short and very steep uphill climb. It is also said to be very memorable and scenic. We would do the climb if we had another day in the park.
Milky way in the Night Sky
The night sky is absolutely stunning in Joshua Tree National Park. With the higher altitude, clear desert sky and no light pollution, the Milky Way pops out of the sky.
Unfortunately the day we visited Joshua Tree, it was a full moon night and we had made Christmas dinner reservations in Palm Springs, so we didn’t stay to watch the night sky. If you’re there, be sure to incorporate stargazing into your schedule and share a link you pictures in the comments below.
1 Day Itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park
Time needed: 1 day.
This is a pretty hectic 1 day itinerary but it is feasible. We did this in 2 half days as described below
- Enter at Cottonwood Visitor Center
This is located on the south side of the park and closer to Palm Springs area
- Sunrise in Cholla Cactus Garden
The morning light reflects from the thorns and scatters in million directions to create an amazing effect. Try to arive when the sun is rising to catch the best lighting.
- Jumbo Rocks, Arch Rock and Skull Rock
Climb the fascinating rocks. Let your creatives juices flow and imagine shapes on the rocks.
- Hidden Valley Hike
Hike in the unique eco-system protected within the hidden valley that once hid thieves and their secrets.
- Hidden Valley Picnic Areas
Across the parking lot from Hidden Valley is a large picnic area and more hikes. Its great to stop for a meal and pictures of the Joshua trees.
- Wall Street Mills, Keys Ranch and Sunset on Barker Dam
Barker dam offers one of the most gorgeous sunsets ever.
- Stargazing under the Phenomenal Milky Way
Up in the high desert, the milky way, galaxies, planets come alive in the dark night sky.
- Stops
All along the way are many exhibits and stops with mini hikes. Make the most of them, time permitting.
Picture Gallery from Palm Springs and Joshua Tree NP
2 Day Itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park
This is the 2 day itinerary we followed. It’s more relaxed and practical with our teenagers.
Day 1 – Afternoon
1.1: Relaxing morning – The adults woke up in the morning and went for a swim in the backyard. But the kids woke up late on Christmas morning and had a late breakfast of pancakes, smoothies, fruit and more. Then, we opened presents, had a lot of laughter and fun.
1.2: Enter at Cottonwood Visitor Center
1.3: Walk at in Cholla Cactus Garden
1.4: Lunch & Gas: We forgot to get gas on the way in, we had to find a gas station Joshua Tree town, on the other side of the national park. While
1.5:Relaxed Sunset to Barker Dam
1.6: Christmas Dinner: We need to leave the national park in time to get to the restaurant where we had reservations for a lovely Christmas dinner. Despite the reservations, the restaurant was packed and we waited for an hour before getting seated. Lesson
Day 2 – Morning Hikes
2.1: An Early morning start: Nirmal and I woke bright and early, hours before the kids. We packed some avocado, bread, seasoning, knife,
2.2: Sunrise in Cholla Cactus Garden
2.3: Jumbo Rocks, Arch Rock and Skull Rock
2.4: Picnic breakfast
2.5: Hidden Valley Hike
2.6: Hidden Valley Picnic Areas
2.7: We were back in the house as everyone was finishing swim and breakfast. After our showers, we all headed to downtown Palm Springs to get lunch, walk, shop, get coffee and hang out the rest of the lovely day.
Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Before heading out, here are some tips, FAQs and what to bring to Joshua Tree National Park for a day trip (or longer) –
Food and Water: Carry all the food and water you’ll need through your visit. During the
Clothing: Take layers of clothing because the weather can change quickly in the high desert. Plan to carry at least one sweater, jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves.
Footwear: Wear good walking shoes for the flat hikes.
Pants: Wear long pants because almost all the shrubs are thorny. It’s safer to have a layer of protection.
Sun Protection: Take sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to protect from the clear sunny days of California. The desert offers little sun cover.
Safety: Bring first aid kit just in case.
This list above is good for a day trip with light hikes. If you’re going for more rough hiking, rock climbing or camping, prepare for all the gear for safety and comfort.
Yes, there is one major road that goes through the entire park. The road is very well marked and has exhibits every few miles with displays and hiking paths. All the attractions listed in this article are along the road.
There are three entrances to Joshua Tree NP
1: Cottonwood entrance on the South is closest for eastern parts of Palm Springs area, New Mexico and Pheonix. The road from Cottonwood entrance goes all the way through the park.
2: Joshua Tree Visitor Center is the main entrance on Hwy 62. its located to the North West end of the park. It’s closest to eastern parts of Palm Springs, LA and San Diego.
3: Twentynine Palms entrance is on the North side, on Hwy 62 not too far from the main entrance. It is closest to Las Vegas.
The best time visit Joshua Tree NP is spring for the spectacular floral blooms; fall for soft autumn lighting and summer for warm nights. Every season offers something unique and memorable in
In any season try to visit when the moon is tiny and when stargazing is most spectacular. For more details read this.
Major attractions of the national park are well marked along the main road. If you have just a day or two, I highly recommend the following spots. But, there is so much more if you have time.
– Cholla Cactus Garden
– Arch Rock
– Skull Rock
– Hidden Valley
– Barker Dam
– Wall Street Mills
– Keys View Drive
– Ryan Peak Hike
– Keys Ranch
– Milky way in the Night Sky
– Geology tour
– Rock climbing etc
There is no cellular signal in Joshua Tree National Park.
Walkie-Talkies are the best way to stay in touch with your group.
Download Google offline maps for navigation or use a GPS system that doesn’t rely on a cellular connection.
No. Be sure to fill gas before entering the park. The closest gas station is in Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree towns on the north end the park.
If you’re planning to do a multi-day trip or if the main attraction is Joshua Tree National Park, plan to stay in the town of Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms.
If you’d like to enjoy the national park and other attractions in the Palm Springs area, there are many resorts,
The drive from Palm Springs Area is about 1.5hour each way (depending on where you’re staying).
Take your sense of curiosity and wonder. Have fun and do share your experiences in the comments below.
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Story
Cynthia Mackintosh
January 2, 2019 @ 7:36 am
You have great photos & info. We were in Palm Springs, but will definitely need to visit here next time.
Jyoti
January 2, 2019 @ 8:17 am
Thanks Cynthia!
Good thing there is a next time 🙂 This was our fourth trip to Palm Springs and we finally made it to Joshua Tree NP. So glad we did.
Soumya Gayatri
January 2, 2019 @ 11:55 pm
This looks so beautiful. I agree this is a great opportunity for photographers. Love the hues of orange. Beautiful picture spots.
Jyoti
January 3, 2019 @ 3:02 pm
Thanks Soumya!
Sinjana
January 4, 2019 @ 5:40 am
Wow joshua national park is such an amazing place to visit. I love the rocky landscape apart from the exitic vegetation. Your photography is awesome as usual
Jyoti
January 4, 2019 @ 9:09 pm
Thanks, Sinjana!
National parks are my favorite places to visit, they are such an important heritage for us to preserve for future generations.I’d love to visit Joshua Tree National Park in spring and see all the exotic flowers in full bloom. I’ve heard that some years are spectacular.
Bea
January 11, 2019 @ 11:16 pm
Ever since I got on Instagram a couple of years ago, I’ve wanted to visit Joshua Tree. We haven’t made it there yet, but it sits very high on our bucket list. I am saving your post as our guide for when we go. Thanks for this great article!
Jyoti
January 12, 2019 @ 9:02 am
Thanks Bea!! I’ve had it on my list for over 10 years! All the best and I hope you’ll visit Joshua Tree National Park and fall in love. I hope the vandalism stops and the federal government shutdown doesnt impact Joshua Tree and other national parks around the country.
Laura
January 11, 2019 @ 11:40 pm
This post is so detailed, it’ll definitely be helpful if I decide to visit! Thank you x
Jyoti
January 12, 2019 @ 9:00 am
Hi Laura, I’m glad you find the information useful in your planning, especially because there is so much confusion with the federal government shutdown.
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays
January 12, 2019 @ 3:08 am
Inspirational post, I really want to visit now and great photos
Jyoti
January 12, 2019 @ 8:59 am
Thanks Catherine! Please do visit and share your experience.
Michelle
January 12, 2019 @ 8:09 am
Such an amazing post! I really love Joshua Tree. It has a special place in my heart. One of my favorite things to do there was to watch the sunsets. They always seem so magical there.
Jyoti
January 12, 2019 @ 8:58 am
Its my favorite too now! The sunsets and sunrises in the Joshua Tree National Park and the desert are amazing! If I lived in Palm Springs I’d go up every week.
My favorite sunset was at Barker dam, it was gorgeous everywhere we looked.
Sapna
January 12, 2019 @ 8:49 am
You have some beautiful pictures. I love the Joshua trees shapes, they attract me. Very detailed and informative post.
Jyoti
January 12, 2019 @ 8:56 am
Thanks Sapna.
The Joshua trees have such a unique shape! They are unline any tree I know. I hope they survive the federal government shutdown.
April
January 12, 2019 @ 8:58 am
I LOVE Joshua Tree! Living in SoCal, I’ve been there 6 times now and it never gets old. There’s always something new to discover, new rock piles to climb, and I fall head over heels for the Joshua Trees every time! Looks like we were there around the same time. I was there the 1st day of the government shutdown. It saddens me to hear about all the destruction that has happened in this park. Hopefully all be soon put right so that visitors can enjoy everything about this incredible park. thanks for sharing!
Jyoti
January 12, 2019 @ 1:37 pm
Hi April, you’re sooo lucky to be able to go there so often!! I can totally relate to how you feel about visiting over and over again. I want to return and go rock climbing in Hidden Valley.
I do hope the Joshua Tree National Park, our national treasure is not damaged without our wonderful rangers caring for it.
Emese
January 12, 2019 @ 9:11 am
Love your photos! We’ve visited Joshua Tree NP a few times, but I don’t think we ever explored it as much as you did. Such a beautiful place! Great post!
Jyoti
January 12, 2019 @ 9:21 am
Thanks Emese, there are so many things to see and do in Joshua Tree National Park. I’m sure your found things we didnt. I’d love to hear your experience.
Emily
January 12, 2019 @ 9:47 am
I haven’t been to Joshua Tree but it’s on my list! So many cool things to do. Very helpful info for visiting during a shutdown. Thanks for sharing!
Mayi
January 12, 2019 @ 1:13 pm
Your pictures are amazing. I have never thought about visiting this place before but thanks to your thorough post and incredible pictures, Joshua Tree is now on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing such an incredible place.
Jen
January 12, 2019 @ 2:40 pm
I’ve always wanted to visit here! Was worried about this place with the shutdown when I heard people were cutting down trees. Would love to see it get back to business as usual soon.
Anisa
January 12, 2019 @ 2:48 pm
Gorgeous photos! I have been wanting to go to Joshua Tree for awhile, I need to get there. Looks like there is lots to see and some nice hiking.
Christine
January 12, 2019 @ 7:00 pm
I haven’t been to Joshua Tree since college (and only for a few hours then), but we are actually thinking about going again in March! Saving this to remember for our trip – thank you for all the maps and pictures and details!
Jyoti
January 13, 2019 @ 5:30 pm
Hi Christine, have a great time and share your experience. I hope the park will be in good condition and the government is operational again.
Amanda
January 12, 2019 @ 7:56 pm
Skull Rock looks so freaky cool! I haven’t made it to Joshua Tree yet, but it’s definitely high on my list on national parks I need to visit. Let’s hope this shutdown ends soon!
Jyoti
January 13, 2019 @ 5:31 pm
I do hope so too. I hope you’ll make it to Joshua Tree NP. Also, keep some time to enjoy SoCal and Palm Springs area.
Lindz
January 13, 2019 @ 10:28 pm
I was just talking with someone this weekend who said Joshua Tree was incredible – I have to agree! WOW! Especially your photos from Barker Dam. I hope to visit one day!
Kit Stanwood
February 20, 2019 @ 6:47 pm
Ahhh I love your day itinerary! I was there glamping this last October and wrote about my California roadtrip on my blog! This place is magical! I want to go back and explore more as I just stayed around where I was staying. Thanks for sharing all your amazing photos,
Jyoti
February 21, 2019 @ 8:05 am
Hi Kit, where did you go glamping? I’d love to check it out too.