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Piles and stacks of huge boulders dominate a landscape dotted with iconic Joshua trees. Barren hills make up the backdrop while blue skies create a vibrant contrast with the yellows and browns of the Southern Californian deserts.
A park filled with life and seemingly made for adventurers, there’s a myriad of Joshua Tree National Park highlights.
In this post, I wanted to share my favorite places in the park, as well as what to do in Joshua Tree National Park.
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8 Top Joshua Tree National Park Attractions
If you’re wondering what to do in Joshua Tree National Park, I suggest that you start with the following list. These eight places are basically the main Joshua Tree National Park highlights.
What’s so wonderful is that you can cover them all in just two full, fun-filled days. And this does include a few scenic hikes as well.
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is the perfect introduction to Joshua Tree National Park.
In fact, if for some crazy reason you’re rushing through the park and only have about an hour to spend, this should be the one place you go to. It’s one of the absolute top places to see in Joshua Tree.
It has everything that makes the park worth visiting, from boulder fields to stands of Joshua trees and occasional wildlife sightings.
A 1-mile loop trail takes you through this wonderful area in the Mojave Desert. Feel free to try some rock scrambling while you’re there.
Keys View
Arguably the greatest viewpoint in Joshua Tree National Park, Keys View is one of the star attractions in Joshua Tree National Park.
Located at the end of a side road of Park Boulevard, which, by the way, is one of the greatest drives in national parks in the USA, it’s one of the best spots for sunset-watching.
The lookout faces west and offers a view over almost the entire Coachella Valley. You can see the Salton Sea to the southwest and a part of the San Andreas Fault as well.
Barker Dam
Barker Dam is a historic water reservoir built decades ago by cattle ranchers. A pleasant 1.1-mile-long circuit hike takes you past the park’s iconic boulders and namesake Joshua trees.
This is also one of the best places to visit in Joshua Tree National Park if you want to see bighorn sheep. However, as this is a rather busy area, consider going there early in the morning if you want to see them.
Additionally, the trail also leads past a rock covered in Native American petroglyphs, adding a dash of culture to this wonderful natural landscape. It’s one of the main cultural things to see in Joshua Tree.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Located along the Pinto Basin Road, which runs from the higher, cooler Mojave Desert to the lower, hotter Colorado Desert, this patch of beautiful—but prickly—cacti is one of my favorite Joshua Tree National Park attractions.
It’s also by far the easiest hike in the entire park, a quarter-mile loop through thousands of cholla cacti. Don’t walk the trail with open shoes, though, and stay on the trail.
There’s plenty of puncture potential there.
If you’re looking for casual but cool things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, the Cholla Cactus Garden should definitely be on your itinerary.
Lost Horse Mine
During the California gold rush, countless fortune-seekers flocked to the state. Some of them explored the Joshua Tree area, eventually striking gold at only a handful of places.
The Lost Horse Mine is one of the very few mines within the park’s borders that was actually lucrative for a while.
Now, it reminds hikers of this important part of the region’s history. The hike itself is moderate, running through some remote desert. So, make sure to wear a hat and drink plenty of water.
Lost Palms Oasis
One of the longest hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, the Lost Palms Oasis lies at the end of a 4-mile trail through the scorching Colorado Desert. This is, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park.
As its name suggests, this is an oasis home to dozens of California fan palms. In fact, Lost Palms Oasis has the biggest number of these iconic trees in the park.
When you do this awesome Joshua Tree National Park desert hike, make absolutely sure to bring plenty of water, wear a hat and take regular breaks. There’s no shade whatsoever, except underneath the palm trees a trail’s end.
Jumbo Rocks
Jumbo Rocks is among the most fun places in the park. An area characterized by boulder piles, sandy flats and countless Joshua trees, I personally think it’s the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park.
All sites are first-come, first-served, so make sure to arrive early in the morning to score a spot.
As far as Joshua Tree activities go, spending a night or two at the Jumbo Rock Campground is right at the top. I still have fond memories of my time at this particular campground.
Jumbo Rocks itself is a gorgeous place to explore, but its proximity to places like Skull Rock and various climbing areas makes it even better.
On top of that, at night Joshua Tree is one of the darkest national parks in America. Sleeping under a sparkling Milky Way is incredible.
5 Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
Almost all the Joshua Tree National Park attractions above require some hiking. Whether it’s a short desert stroll or a trek to a remote oasis, hiking is necessary to fully experience and explore the park.
However, there are a few other popular things to do in Joshua Tree National Park besides hiking, too.
Note that you don’t need to have professional skill levels to do these things. Everyone with a basic fitness level can do them, which is exactly why Joshua Tree is such a popular destination and one of the greatest national parks in America.
Stargazing
A desert park in Southern California, Joshua Tree enjoys gloriously dark nights. This is one of the top places for stargazing in this part of the country, the absence of light pollution bringing out thousands of stars.
If you’ve never seen the Milky Way before, this park guarantees that first experience. You can go for night hikes or simply sit at your campsite and look up.
Hiking
Arguably the most popular activity in Joshua Tree National Park is hiking. Numerous trails—long and short, challenging and easy—crisscross the park’s greatest areas. Note that pets are not allowed on any trail in the park, though.
No matter what you’re after, from desert oases at the 49 Palms Oasis Trail to abandoned gold mines, the spring wildflower spectacle or epic mountain views, Joshua Tree has you covered.
Additionally, the park lies at the meeting point of two deserts, the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, and can be ruthlessly hot.
Always bring water, food, sunscreen, a map and a hat. Don’t go beyond your physical boundaries. Also, don’t forget your camera. Hiking in Joshua Tree is sensational.
Mountain Biking / Cycling
A network of backcountry roads offers adventurers access to some of the park’s remotest corners. These roads are ideal for both 4-wheel-drive vehicles and mountain bikes.
Popular mountain biking roads include the Queen Valley Roads, Geology Tour Road and Covington Flat with its tall Joshua trees, pinyon pines and junipers.
Additionally, you can also explore Joshua Tree on its paved roads. Particularly Park Boulevard, which runs between the park’s two northern entrance, is a phenomenal stretch of road for cycling.
Rock Climbing / Bouldering
Joshua Tree National Park is one of America’s best national parks for rock climbing. This truly is a rock climber’s, boulderer’s and slackliner’s mecca, attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe.
There are no fewer than 8,000 climbing routes in the park’s boulder fields and mountains.
Camping
The park is home to eight designated campgrounds, most of which are situated in its northern, Joshua tree-dotted part.
Six of them are first-come, first-served: Belle, Cottonwood, Hidden Valley, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan and White Tank. If you want to book a site in advance, you can do so at Black Rock and Indian Cove.
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park is nothing short of brilliant. For me personally, the three days spent at Jumbo Rocks was the best camping experience of my life. Seriously.
Visiting Joshua Tree FAQs
All of the above should have answered the question ‘what is there to do in Joshua Tree National Park?’ Below, I’ll answer some other other often-asked questions about visiting Joshua Tree, California.
What Are the Joshua Tree National Park Hours?
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24/7 and can be visited year round. The nature center and three visitor centers are also open all year, but they do close in the late-afternoon, typically at either 4 or 5 p.m.
You can check current opening hours here.
How Many Days Do You Need in Joshua Tree?
Although you can get a feel of what this park is about in just one day, I strongly recommend spending at least one night and two full days here.
Camping and stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park is an unforgettable experience, while two days allows you to explore both parts of the park, the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.
Ideally, you should spend three days in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a great weekend trip destination from San Diego, for example.
Can You Drive Through Joshua Tree National Park?
Yes! Joshua Tree is an amazing national park to explore on wheels, whether it’s on a scenic drive or on a bicycle.
Park Boulevard, one of America’s most awesome national park roads, swings through the Mojave Desert in the north of the park. It connects the West and North Entrances and runs past many of the park’s campground and most popular hiking trails.
The Pinto Basin Road, on the other hand, cuts through the Colorado Desert part of the park toward the South Entrance.
Are There Rattlesnakes in Joshua Tree National Park?
Oh yes! Besides scorpions and black widow spiders, rattlesnakes are other venomous animals that live in Joshua Tree. In fact, there are no fewer than seven rattlesnake species in the park.
- Western diamond-backed rattlesnake
- Mojave Desert sidewinder
- Colorado Desert sidewinder
- Southwestern speckled rattlesnake
- Southern Pacific rattlesnake
- Red diamond rattlesnake
- Northern Mojave rattlesnake
They are rarely seen, though. Simply be aware of their presence and never put your hands or feet in places you can’t see.
That being said, you should definitely know what to do when you encounter a rattlesnake.
Is There Cell Phone Service in Joshua Tree?
There is excellent cell phone service in the towns surrounding Joshua Tree National Park, such as Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree. Within the park, however, reception is sketchy and unreliable due to the rugged and remote terrain.
Don’t count on having service in Joshua Tree. Instead, use this as an opportunity to disconnect and unplug.
Additionally, it’s important to know that other services may also not be available in the park. There is, for example, no gas, food or lodging in Joshua Tree. Water is only available at a few locations, so bring extra water with you into the park.
Can You Bring Your Dog to Joshua Tree National Park?
Short answer: yes, dogs are allowed in Joshua Tree National Park.
Slightly longer answer: the things to do in Joshua Tree National Park with your dog are pretty limited. To protect this fragile desert environment, including its wildlife, there are several rules that apply to dogs and pets.
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times. The leash can’t be longer than 6 feet .
- Dogs are not allowed further than 100 feet from any picnic area, road or campground.
- They’re not allowed on any trail in the park.
- Dog owners have to pick up any dog waste, according to Leave No Trace principles.
You can find everything you need to know about pets in Joshua Tree here.
While Joshua Tree might not be perfect for trips with your dogs, there are other national parks that are dog-friendly.
Other California & Southwest National Parks to Explore
- Death Valley National Park Attractions
- Petrified Forest National Park Attractions
- Canyonlands National Park Attractions
- Capitol Reef National Park Attractions
- Great Sand Dunes National Park Attractions
- Grand Canyon National Park Attractions
- Mesa Verde National Park Attractions
- Arches National Park Attractions
- Pinnacles National Park Attractions
- Saguaro National Park Attractions