25 Things To Do In Joshua Tree With Map, Easy Hikes, Food, And Unique Stays

If you’ve been around here long, you know I have a soft spot for the desert. Joshua Tree National Park is where two deserts meet, quirky art pops up in the middle of nowhere, and nights are so starry it feels like the sky is winking at you.

I have spent multiple weekends in Joshua Tree with friends or with my husband. I finally pulled everything I know into one updated guide.

This is my complete guide to the best things to do in Joshua Tree and the surrounding towns of Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, with my exact tips, where I actually eat, and how I plan my days so you can copy the vibe.

Respect For The Land

Joshua Tree sits on the traditional homelands of the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Serrano, and Mojave peoples. Please tread lightly, stay on established trails, and pack out everything you bring in.

How Joshua Tree Works

Joshua Tree the town sits near the West Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. The park itself is big, and many popular trailheads are 30 to 45 minutes inside the park from the entrance, along with a visitor center.

The broader area includes Yucca Valley to the west and Twentynine Palms to the east. Everything is spread out, so a car is essential.

I think of this area as a choose your own adventure. You can hike Ryan Mountain at sunrise, go rock climbing, shop vintage all afternoon, then catch live music in Pioneertown at night. I have done all three in one day and slept like a rock.

When To Visit Joshua Tree

Spring and fall are the sweet spot with warm days and cool nights. Summer is very hot and not great for mid-day hiking. Winter can be magical but nights are cold. I’m aiming to visit the park one day when it snows so I can see all the Joshua Trees covered in snow! Such a sharp departure from the scorching summer heat. 

If you care about restaurants and shops as I do, plan Wednesday through Sunday since many spots close early in the week.

Getting There And Getting Around

• Closest airport:Palm Springs International (PSP), about 1 hour from the West Entrance.
• From Los Angeles: Plan 2.5 to 3.5 hours by car depending on traffic.
• You will need a car: Trailheads, restaurants, and shops are scattered along California’s Highway 62 and inside the park. I always rent with full coverage and book a midsize SUV for desert roads. Once I took my tiny Kia and were fine with the main roads of the park but I wish I had something better for some of the trails. 

Where I Stay In Joshua Tree

Cabin Cabin Cabin Airbnb In Joshua Tree

This Airbnb is my top pick for an easy, comfortable base. It has tons of cute decor, it’s a little bit boho a little bit whimsical, plus I love the outdoor soaking tub. I would book here again, it’s one of my favorite Airbnbs in California. 

Other Places I Love

• Sacred Sands for a luxe, romantic desert retreat near the park entrance.
• The Bungalows by Homestead Modern for design-forward suites in a quiet setting.
• Field Station Yucca Valley for a modern lodge vibe.
• Unique rentals with hot tubs or a cowboy tub stock tank for stargazing soaks. I have stayed in everything from a dome house to a bright orange outdoor tub situation where I sipped wine under the Milky Way. Heaven. Here’s my list of the top Joshua Tree Airbnb! 

Where I Actually Eat And Drink In Joshua Tree

Pappy & Harriet’s (Pioneertown)

Pappys is all barbecue, big portions, and a legendary live-music scene. I always book ahead when I can, even for lunch on weekends.

Joshua Tree Saloon

The saloon is a cool, casual place for cold beers after a long hike. There aren’t many things to do in Joshua Tree at night but this is a vibe. 

The Big Dez + The Dez Fine Food

Dez is my go-to for takeaway sandwiches, charcuterie plates, and espresso since I need a pull every morning. If we are heading into the park, I grab sandwiches and extra water here.

JT Country Kitchen

JT Country Kitchen is a classic breakfast with a line on weekends. I come early for eggs and coffee. 

Crossroads Cafe

Crossroads Cafe is always my first stop after the long drive from San Francisco. The diner-with-a-twist menu is huge. I order one of the big sandwiches and it brought me back to life.

Más o Menos

Coffee by day, cocktails by night, and occasional food pop-ups. I like it as a pre-dinner stop on the way to Twentynine Palms.

Yucca Valley Outpost Café

Omg, the vegan flatbread here changed my life. It’s the perfect stop for a post-hike lunch. 

La Copine (Yucca Valley)

La Copine serves creative, seasonal plates in a chic space. Book ahead. The housemade ricotta with figs is dreamy, I honestly still think about it today. 

Joshua Tree Coffee Company

I am loyal to the Joshua Tree Coffee Company. I buy a hot coffee here every trip, sometimes twice a day. It is that good.

Kitchen In The Desert (Twentynine Palms)

Kitchen In The Desert is great for post-hike fuel with fresh juices, smoothies, and New American dishes.

The Best Things To Do In Joshua Tree

Skull Rock

Skull Rock is right off the main park road. I like it at golden hour when the sky turns lavender and the rock actually looks like it is staring back at you.

This is my favorite stop in all of Joshua Tree and I visit every time, it just brings me so much joy. Visiting a rock shaped like a face is one of the most unique things to do in Joshua Tree that you can’t find anywhere else. 

Cactus Mart “Dig Your Own”

Yes, you can literally dig your own tiny cactus for pocket change at the Cactus Mart. I took home five and talk to them nicely so they thrive. 

But, my favorite thing about the Cactus Mart? THEY HAVE CATS HERE! That’s right, two chubby kitties that slink around all day and will let you pet them if you can catch them.

Keys View For Golden Hour

Panoramic views of the Coachella Valley from the ridge of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Popular and worth it, just make sure to bring a jacket since the desert night temps drop suddenly. 

Joshua Tree Crochet Museum

Tiny, free, and delightfully odd. Find it at Art Queen on Highway 62. I always leave wanting to learn a new craft and it’s one of the cutest free things to do in Joshua Tree on the main road. 

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Short, scenic, and near the West Entrance. I have seen four-year-olds tackle this with a little help. Expect boulders to scramble and classic Joshua Tree views. A perfect first hike.

Barker Dam

A one mile loop with big boulders and desert flora. It is often my late-afternoon walk before sunset.

Ryan Mountain

Three miles out and back with 1,050 feet of elevation gain. The summit views sweep across the high desert. Start early, bring water, and wear grippy shoes.

49 Palms Oasis

Three miles roundtrip to a natural palm oasis, sort of like the one in Anza Borrego. It feels like a mirage. I pack snacks and sit in the shade for a bit.

Arch Rock

A short trail to a photogenic 30-foot arch. 

Cholla Cactus Garden At Sunset

A sea of teddybear cholla glowing gold. Arrive an hour before sunset to watch the light show. Be careful not to brush up against them since the cactus balls will attach to you and it hurts. 

Stargazing

There are four designated stargazing areas inside the park, but honestly, I love turning off every light at my rental and soaking in a hot tub or cowboy tub while counting constellations.

Pioneertown Wander

Pioneertown is an 1880s-style Western town built for old movies that now hides cool shops and artists. I like weekends when more storefronts are open. I always end at Pappy & Harriet’s.

Vintage And Local Shopping

My favorites:

• Pioneer Crossing Station for well-priced treasures
• The Station with the giant ranger out front
• Ricochet Vintage Wears for clothing and funky home goods
• Sun of the Desert for stylish local finds

Farmer’s Market Saturday

Local produce, baked goods, and a coffee stand. I pop in for road snacks and high-desert products.

Transmission Sculpture By Daniel Popper

A 26-foot statue you view from an observation deck. Striking against the desert backdrop.

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum

Noah Purifoy is a self-guided outdoor installations that are quirky, raw, and thought-provoking. One of my favorite non-park experiences.

Geocaching

If you like scavenger hunts, this area is packed with caches. We discovered geocaching in Arizona and now do a few every trip.

Day Trip To Palm Springs

You are close, so why not if you have the extra time? I bounce between colorful doors, modernist architecture, lunch, and sometimes the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. If Desert X is on between February and April, I carve out a half day to chase installations.

Safety In The Desert

• Water: Bring more than you think. I carry a large insulated bottle plus backups in the car.
• Sun: SPF, hat, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes for trails, especially anywhere near cholla.
• Cholla Cactus: They are called jumping cholla for a reason. Do not touch loose balls on the ground. If you get spines, tweezers and a comb help. I once brushed one and had to use duct tape to literally ripe the needles out. Learn from me.
• Cell Service: Spotty inside the park and Pioneertown. Download offline maps.

Quick Joshua Tree Trip Blueprint You Can Copy

1. Joshua Tree Day 1: Coffee at Joshua Tree Coffee Company, Hidden Valley loop, lunch at Crossroads Cafe, bouldering and photos near Skull Rock, sunset at Keys View, beers at Joshua Tree Saloon.
2. Joshua Tree Day 2: Bakery stop, Ryan Mountain or Barker Dam, charcuterie from Dez for a park picnic,  Cholla Cactus Garden at sunset, stargaze from your hot tub or cowboy tub.
3. Joshua Tree Day 3: shop The Station and Pioneer Crossing Station, and Cactus Mart, Pioneertown and late lunch at Pappy & Harriet’s, Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum, Más o Menos for espresso or a nightcap. Option to extend to Landers for the Alien Rock. 

What To Pack To Joshua Tree

You can find my full post on what I wore to Joshua Tree here but here’s a shortlist.

• Breathable layers year round and a warm jacket for nights
• Grippy closed-toe shoes for trails
• Wide-brim hat, SPF, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF
• Reusable water bottles and a small cooler for the car
• Portable charger for your phone and downloaded offline maps
• Swimsuit for hot tubs, pools, or a cowboy tub

Joshua Tree National Park FAQs

When Is The Best Time To Visit Joshua Tree?

I love doing my Joshua Tree weekend trips in the late autumn – early spring before the crazy heat sets. I’m not willing to hike in 120 degrees so I skip summer. 

Is Summer A Bad Time To Visit?

I can’t stress this enough! Joshua Tree in the summer means extreme heat. If summer is your only option, plan sunrise and sunset activities, build in naps, and avoid mid-day hiking.

Is Joshua Tree Worth Visiting?

Not only is Joshua Tree National Park one of California’s best national parks, the town itself is really cool. It has this unique hippie, fringe vibe that I haven’t found anywhere else. Paired with all the unique Airbnbs you can rent there, it’s worth a visit. 

Is One Day Enough For Joshua Tree?

You can see a few highlights in a day if you want to do a day trip from Palm Springs, but a weekend gives you time for sunrise hikes, sunset views, and stargazing without rushing.

What Is The Best Easy Hike For First Timers?

Hidden Valley Nature Trail is the perfect warm-up. Add Barker Dam if you have time.

Can I Visit Without A Car?

Not realistically. Rideshares are unreliable and everything is spread out. Rent a car at PSP or LAX.

Where Can I See Art Without A Ticket?

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum, World Famous Crochet Museum, and the Transmission sculpture are both free!! In my opinion, the Noah Purify is one of the coolest things to do in Joshua Tree without hiking and it’s even better since it’s free. 

Do You Need Reservations Or Permits For Joshua Tree?

No. Unlike Yosemite National Park which is on a reservation system for the summer months, you can enter Joshua Tree National Park anytime with a pass which can be bought at the gate. 

Just Plan Your Joshua Tree National Park Trip Already! 

I love exploring Joshua Tree because it lets me move at my own pace. Some trips I hike at sunrise and crash early. Other trips I shop vintage all day and dance at Pappy & Harriet’s at night.