Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning desert oasis located in Southern California. The park is known for its unique rock formations, vast desert landscapes, and iconic Joshua trees. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. Here is the best places to see in Joshua Tree National Park.
Interesting facts about Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua trees are not actually trees, but rather a type of yucca plant.
The park covers over 790,000 acres of land.
Joshua Tree National Park is home to over 250 bird species.
The park is named after the iconic Joshua tree, which is only found in the southwestern United States.
The rocks in the park are over 1.7 billion years old.
The park is a popular location for stargazing due to its remote location and dark skies.
Joshua Tree National Park was established as a national monument in 1936 and became a national park in 1994.
The park is home to several species of desert wildlife, including coyotes, desert tortoises, and rattlesnakes.
The park has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the music video for U2’s “Where The Streets Have No Name.”
The park’s unique landscape is a result of two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, converging in the area.
How much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park
One to two days is a good amount of time to visit Joshua Tree National Park. With a couple of days, you can explore more of the park’s hiking trails, rock formations, and natural beauty. You can also take time to visit some of the park’s unique features, such as the iconic Joshua Trees, the stunning rock formations at Jumbo Rocks or Skull Rock, and the historic Keys Ranch. Additionally, if you stay overnight, you can experience the park’s beautiful night skies, which are known for stargazing.
Tips for visiting Joshua Tree National Park
- Bring plenty of water: It’s essential to stay hydrated in the desert, especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to bring enough water for everyone in your group and drink regularly throughout the day.
- Wear sunscreen and protective clothing: The sun in the desert can be intense, so it’s important to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Pack your own food: There are no food services inside the park, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food and snacks. Be sure to pack plenty of non-perishable items, as well as a cooler if you plan on bringing perishable items.
- Respect the wildlife and environment: Joshua Tree National Park is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, so it’s important to respect their habitats and avoid disturbing them.
- Follow park rules and regulations: Be sure to familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and regulations before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. This includes staying on designated trails, packing out all trash, and obeying any posted signs or warnings.
What to see in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Trees
These iconic trees are the namesake of the park and can be found throughout the park.
Rock Formations
Joshua Tree is home to a wide variety of unique rock formations, including boulders, monoliths, and arches.
Keys View
From this overlook, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and Salton Sea.
Cholla Cactus Garden
This dense field of cholla cacti is a must-see for any visitor to the park.
Barker Dam
This historic dam was built by early settlers and provides a glimpse into the park’s human history.
Hidden Valley
This sheltered valley was once a popular hideout for cattle rustlers and is now a great spot for rock climbing and hiking.
Skull Rock
This rock formation resembles a human skull and is a popular spot for taking photos.
Ryan Mountain
This strenuous hike leads to the summit of Ryan Mountain, where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the park
Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Ryan Mountain Trail: A strenuous 3-mile round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of the park from the summit.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail: A 1-mile loop trail that takes you through a boulder-filled valley with unique rock formations.
Barker Dam Trail: A 1.5-mile round-trip hike that leads to an old dam and a small reservoir.
Lost Palms Oasis Trail: A challenging 7.2-mile round-trip hike that takes you to an isolated oasis of fan palms.
Keys View Trail: A short 0.2-mile hike to a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the Coachella Valley and Salton Sea.
Wall Street Mill Trail: A 2.4-mile round-trip hike that takes you to an old mining mill and an abandoned car.
Arch Rock Nature Trail: A short 0.5-mile hike that takes you to a unique rock formation that resembles an arch.
Mastodon Peak Trail: A 3-mile round-trip hike that leads to the summit of Mastodon Peak and offers panoramic views of the park.
49 Palms Oasis Trail: A 3-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a secluded oasis of fan palms.
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail: A 0.25-mile loop trail that takes you through a garden filled with cholla cacti.
