2025 Joshua Tree National Park Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

#naturalbeauty Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a vast and mesmerizing landscape known for its rugged rock formations and stark desert beauty. Named after the twisted, bristled Joshua trees that dot the landscape, the park offers a unique combination of flora and geology that makes it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers. Stunning Natural Features The park is renowned for its otherworldly scenery that feels like stepping onto another planet. The stark contrast between the Mojave and Colorado deserts, each with distinct ecosystems, offers a diverse range of sights within a single park. Visitors can explore iconic rock formations such as Skull Rock and the Arch Rock, which provide excellent opportunities for climbing and photography. The starry night skies, free from light pollution, make Joshua Tree one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing. Flora and Fauna Joshua Tree’s diverse habitat supports a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, numerous bird species, and the occasional desert tortoise. The park's signature Joshua trees, with their twisted limbs and spiky leaves, add a mystical quality to the landscape. Spring brings a brief but beautiful display of wildflowers that blanket the desert floor in vibrant colors. Outdoor Activities Joshua Tree is a haven for climbers, hikers, and nature seekers. With over 8,000 climbing routes, 400 unique rock formations, and countless hiking trails, it caters to adventurers of all skill levels. Popular hikes include the Hidden Valley, which offers a quick loop through stunning rock enclosures, and the more challenging Ryan Mountain, known for its panoramic views. Visitor Tips - Best Times to Visit: The best times to visit Joshua Tree are during the cooler months from October to April. Summer temperatures can be extremely high, making daytime activities strenuous. - Preparation is Key: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing to protect from the sun and variable temperatures. - Respect the Environment: The park’s ecosystem is fragile. Stick to marked paths, don’t disturb the wildlife, and carry out all trash. Joshua Tree National Park is not just a place to see; it’s an experience to be had. Its unique landscape inspires awe and appreciation for nature’s artistry, making every visit memorable. Whether you're climbing its rugged rocks or simply enjoying the quiet solitude under a vast desert sky, Joshua Tree offers a profound connection with the wild. #JoshuaTreeNationalPark #DesertWonderland #RockClimbing #NaturePhotography #Stargazing

I spent a night in a camper van that looked like something out of an American Western movie. A night in the desert! 🌵 It was a camper van with a retro feel. From the curtains to the cushions, lights, pictures, wardrobe, and LPs, everything was just like the old days, so I really felt like I was the main character in an American movie! I was also crazy happy listening to the music of artists I love, from the Beatles to Bob Dylan, on an LP player in the US! Of course, it was so cold because it was a camper van.. The daily temperature difference was so great that I put a hot pack on my whole body at night and fell asleep wearing a padded jacket.. The last photo is of the three sisters in the Joshua Tree Desert, which I took during the day. ♡ A place where the embroidered stars cover the sky at night. A must-see course for travelers to the US!!!! It's worth visiting to see the stars!!!!!!! #USA travel #USA #Joshua tree #Joshua tree national park #Retro sensibility #Camping car #Camping #Photo zone #Overseas travel destination recommendation @gyungmn

Love this place 3 hour drive and it feels like Your in another state totally recommend!#travel #joshuatree

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique place where the distinctive Joshua trees and majestic rock formations come together, making it an ideal spot for hiking and stargazing. The scenery turns golden during sunrise and sunset, adding to its beauty and creating a serene and mysterious atmosphere. It is particularly popular among rock climbers and campers, offering a peaceful time to enjoy the desert's nature.

#themepark Step into the wild and immerse yourself in a desert theme park like no other at Joshua Tree National Park! With its dramatic rock formations, quirky wildlife, and surreal landscapes, this desert wonderland offers an adventure-filled escape for the whole family. 🎢 Top Attractions 🔸 Rock Climbing – Scale the iconic granite rocks for a thrill-seeking experience with panoramic views of the desert below. 🔸 Hidden Valley – Explore this nature-made playground with easy hikes and stunning rock formations that feel like a secret treasure waiting to be discovered. 🔸 Keys View – Take in breathtaking 360° views of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault—perfect for a family photo op! 🔸 Cholla Cactus Garden – Wander through this prickly, otherworldly cactus garden that feels like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. 🎡 Fun Tips & Tricks ✔️ Perfect for all ages – Whether you’re hiking with the little ones or scaling rock faces, there's something for every adventurer. ✔️ Stay hydrated – The desert heat can be intense, so make sure to stock up on water as you roam through this vast wilderness. ✔️ Stargazing at night – After the sun sets, get ready for an unforgettable stargazing experience. Joshua Tree is a certified Dark Sky Park, so the stars will put on a show. ✔️ Catch the sunrise or sunset – Watch the desert come alive with colors at Keys View or the Cholla Cactus Garden. Joshua Tree National Park isn’t just a place—it’s an unforgettable desert adventure. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or exploring, the park’s attractions will make you feel like you're part of an action-packed desert theme park!

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park in California was like stepping into another world. The park's unique desert landscape is dotted with its iconic Joshua Trees, giving the entire area a surreal, almost otherworldly feel. 🌵✨ I spent a day exploring the stunning rock formations and desert trails, each offering breathtaking views and quiet solitude. The contrast of the rugged mountains and the vast, open skies was truly spectacular. 🌅 The park is vast, with endless opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and taking in the beauty of one of California’s most incredible natural wonders. 🌟🌍 #celebrateit

Desert, boulders, and Joshua trees create a unique landscape. The park has many trails that reveal its breathtaking scenery. Be sure to bring enough water and snacks, and pay attention to trail markers, directions, and parking locations. Since there is no cell signal in the park, it's recommended to download offline maps beforehand. These maps can help you navigate back to your parking spot safely if you get lost. June is a great time to visit. Although it's sunny, the weather is cool and not too hot. It's perfect for a day trip, and each trail offers different views. If you haven't purchased a ticket in advance, you can enter the park first and buy a ticket when you leave. The fee is $30 per vehicle, and the receipt allows unlimited entry for seven days. Since it's impossible to see everything in one day, many people camp inside the park to slowly enjoy the natural wonders.

Joshua Tree National Park, located in California, USA. Just a 2-3 hour drive from LA brings you to this magnificent natural wonder. The mysterious Joshua Trees standing in the scorching desert. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, facing the harsh nature, I felt the grandeur of the Earth and the smallness of humanity. Highly recommended as a national park that is easily accessible!

#Overseas travel Joshua Tree National Park in the western United States This is a place I had been looking forward to since before I went! As expected, it was so beautiful💕 In particular, I ran to see the sunrise in the morning, and I could enjoy this beautiful pink sky before the sun rose and I could see a different view when the sun rose, so I think it would be a good idea to stop by! 📍Location - Joshua Tree National Park

One of the most accessible national parks in the US, just two hours outside Los Angeles. This stunning landscape is full of surprises, with unique rock formations, stunning desert landscapes and of course Joshua Trees. In the summer make sure you either go early in the morning or during the evening as the heat can be oppressive. Palm Springs and nearby Pioneertown are also well worth a visit if you have time.

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for desert adventurers and nature lovers. Located in California, the park is known for its iconic Joshua Trees and its beautiful and serene desert landscapes. The desert in Joshua Tree National Park is a raw beauty, with its tranquility and strange rock formations and diverse landscapes. From sandstone mountains, barren sands, to the Joshua trees that dot the park, these landscapes create a sense of vastness and complete wilderness. #DesertTravel

#100waysoftravel Introducing this hidden gem near Joshua Tree National Park for those interested in trying out some amazing Asian/ authentic Thai food after a long day of exploration! The restaurant is conveniently located near the visitor center and features a range of tasty thai food! 📍Address: Royal Siam Cuisine Thai Restaurant, 61599 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, United States

#desert

#Southeast Asia flight event #USA travel #Overseas travel #Couple Joshua Tree National Park is a rising star in the western United States. It is a national park located in the desert where you can see old trees and plants and animals in the desert. The night view is also beautiful, so be sure to visit. 📌 Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 USA

#SoutheastAsiaFlightEvent If you visit here, be sure to bring a high-quality camera :) You can even take pictures of shooting stars 📌6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 USA

📍Joshua Tree National Park🌵 Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California, and is an area that many people visit along with Los Angeles✨ There are various trails and viewpoints in the park, so you can enjoy it according to your physical strength💕 The Joshua Tree, which is also the name of the park. It's a bigger and more powerful plant than I thought🪴 I looked it up and it's a desert plant, but it's actually not a cactus, it's not a tree, it's a type of ornamental plant...👆🏽 I saw a lot of them in the park, but they're actually in danger of extinction due to climate change💦 You can see many other types of cacti and plants, and you can stroll around feeling like you're exploring a large botanical garden! #Los Angeles sightseeing #US trip #Overseas trip

Joshua tree is such an amazing place to visit! Lots of beautiful trees, cactus, and big rocks! We enjoyed our visit here and had so many fun ! Driving in Joshua Tree National Park is just like driving in a post card ! Totally recommend ppls to come visit ! Also we tried some local cafes and bought some local hand crafts, it’s such a wonderful experience ! Hope to come again !

Among the many national parks in California, this is the famous Joshua Tree National Park! It took about 2-3 hours to rent a car. They say they filmed the movie Mars here. Honestly, it's a cactus desert, far from the African desert. It's famous for its night view, so there are a lot of campsites nearby!

Joshua Tree National Park is also visited by many Koreans. We rented a car in LA instead of a separate travel package!ㅎㅎ It's not hard to drive! I highly recommend renting over a travel package! The romance of standing and taking pictures whenever we want,,,,,❤️

My friends wanted to visit Joshua tree so I went along without expecting anything. It turned out to be a pretty slow and relaxing day for all of us. There are many trails to choose and of course we’ve picked the easiest route 😂 We were able to spot Coachella at some point. Apart from Joshua trees, there were a lot of Cholla cactus at their cactus garden. Sadly we didn’t get to stay the night there, the locals told us that we could see Milky Way at night. So my #2024wish would be if I could go back there again and get to spend a night or two to see the stars and hopefully Milky Way.

Driving through the vast desert landscapes, I stumbled upon a celestial treasure hidden in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing in this mesmerizing oasis left me in awe of the wonders of the universe. Under the infinite expanse of the night sky, the stars seemed to twinkle brighter than ever before. As darkness enveloped the park, the Milky Way stretched across the heavens, painting a breathtaking backdrop for my cosmic adventure. Finding a quiet spot away from the city lights, I set up my telescope and let the tranquility of the desert soothe my soul. The evenings in Joshua Tree are remarkably clear, making it an ideal place for astronomy enthusiasts like myself. I was able to spot constellations I had only dreamed of, and even caught a glimpse of a shooting star streaking across the sky. The park's unique rock formations and Joshua trees added a touch of magic to the experience. As I gazed upwards, the silhouettes of these iconic trees blended harmoniously with the sparkling constellations, creating a surreal atmosphere that transported me into another world. For those planning a trip to Joshua Tree for stargazing, I highly recommend bringing warm clothing, as the desert nights can get chilly. It's also wise to carry a star chart or a stargazing app to help navigate the skies and identify the different celestial bodies. Additionally, patience is key - sometimes waiting for the perfect moment can lead to the most extraordinary discoveries. Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park exceeded all my expectations, leaving me with memories that will shine brighter than any star in the heavens. It's a journey that reminds us of the vastness of the universe and the beauty that lies beyond our daily lives. #falltrip#historicallandmarks#familytrip

1⃣️Day 1: Explore Joshua Tree National Park Morning: - Start your day early to beat the desert heat. ☀️ - Enter Joshua Tree National Park and stop at the Visitor Center to grab maps and get trail recommendations. 🏞️ - Begin your adventure with a relatively easy hike on the Barker Dam Trail (1.5 miles). Enjoy the scenic views and keep an eye out for wildlife. 🚶♀️🌵 Lunch: - Head back to the park entrance or nearby Joshua Tree town for a picnic lunch. Pack sandwiches and snacks for convenience. 🥪🥤 Afternoon: - Continue your exploration of the park with a visit to Hidden Valley. Take a stroll around this iconic rock-enclosed valley, which offers excellent opportunities for bouldering and rock climbing. 🧗♂️🏞️ Late Afternoon: - Drive to Keys View, one of the park's most famous viewpoints. Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault. 🌅 Dinner: - Return to your accommodation or venture into Joshua Tree town for dinner. There are several restaurants and eateries offering a variety of cuisines. 🍽️ 2⃣️Day 2: Adventure and Relaxation Morning: - Check out of your accommodation and start your day with breakfast in Joshua Tree town. Try a local café for a hearty meal. ☕🥞 Activity Options: - If you're into rock climbing, spend your morning scaling the famous Joshua Tree rock formations. 🧗♀️ - Alternatively, explore more hiking trails. The Willow Hole trail (7 miles round trip) takes you deeper into the Wonderland of Rocks, offering a unique desert landscape experience. 🚶♂️🏜️ Lunch: - Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or find a local spot to grab a bite. 🥪🌳 Afternoon: - Head to Cholla Cactus Garden and take a short walk among the unique cactus landscape. It's especially beautiful in the late afternoon light. 🌵🌅 Late Afternoon/Early Evening: - After all your adventures, unwind by visiting Joshua Tree Music Festival, if it coincides with your trip. Check their schedule for live music performances. 🎵🎶 Wrap-up: - Return to your accommodation to relax and soak in the hot tub to soothe your tired muscles. 🛁💆♂️ This 2-day itinerary will allow you to experience the natural beauty and unique landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park while also providing opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Enjoy your visit to this otherworldly desert wonderland! 🌵🌄🌟

(October 1st) After driving east from Los Angeles for three to four hours, you will arrive. The presence of this park has always been low. The films shot here not only lack fame, but also have ordinary scenes, unlike the other national parks nearby that can impress you at first sight. I made a strategy in advance and saw various travel bloggers complaining that the park's landscape is too monotonous, just the so-called "Joshua Tree" between trees and cacti. Missionaries named it because the trunk looks like a person praying with open arms to the sky. I set off early from Arizona and entered the park through the south gate (California tourists usually enter through the northwest gate). According to the weather forecast, it might snow, so I consulted the staff at the visitor center. Snow on the mountain is no joke, and tragedies of being trapped in the mountains and freezing or starving to death are not uncommon. The staff said that as long as I don't deviate from the main road, there is no danger, and snowplows pass by every hour. Park roads that cannot guarantee safety may be closed at any time. (Winter visitors must be sure to read the signs at every fork in the road. If the park doesn't allow you to enter, they usually can't save you either.) After entering the mountain, I saw perhaps the most beautiful snow scene of my life. I feel that this park has inverted its priorities from naming to positioning. The most spectacular scenery on the mountain is not the trees, but the various strange rocks, as if they were enlarged bonsai. The trees only serve as decoration. Joshua Tree National Park is especially suitable for camping and stargazing in the summer. However, the strange rocks and trees in the snow resemble the artistic conception in ancient Chinese paintings, fully displaying the art of blank space.

Joshua Tree, a desert with a variety of wild animals! If you're lucky, you can see fennec foxes and coyotes🦊 The trekking course is so well-made, and it's shady in the afternoon, so it's not too hot when trekking, which was great👍🏻 There's a sunset spot called Kiss View around Hidden Valley, so please go with us for the afternoon course~ 📍 Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 USA #USATravel #LATravel #California #JoshuaTreeNationalPark

Unlike our country where it's hard to see stars, in Joshua Tree, California, the night sky is full of stars at night🌟 I waited for night to fall and ate ramen, but when it got dark, the desert night atmosphere was really great ㅠㅠ🌙 When I visited, it was a full moon and the moon was really bright, so they said that the stars might not be visible.. 🌝 I was surprised that I couldn't see this much even though I saw so many in the world ㅎㅎ 🌚 Joshua Tree National Park #USATravel #LATravel #California #JoshuaTreeNationalPark

There are several trekking courses in Joshua Tree National Park. I will recommend you a place that is shaded in the afternoon and not too hot to trek👍🏻 Hidden Valley has many shaded places after 5pm, so you can walk comfortably without it being too hot, so I highly recommend it🖤 📍 Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 USA #USATravel #LATravel #California #Joshua #JoshuaNationalPark

Is there something you always buy when you travel? I always buy and collect magnets, and I always found a magnet at Joshua Tree National Park. I recommend the magnet I bought at the visitor center because it's the prettiest👍🏻 It's expensive at almost $10, but it's a genuine(?) official national park product, so it's pretty and of good quality. And since the sunlight is so strong, a hat is a must, but the cowboy hat is so pretty, so if you need a hat, I think it would be good to buy it here🤠 📍Joshua Tree Visitor Center 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 USA #USATravel #LATravel #California #JoshuaTreeNationalPark

It would be a shame to miss this photo on a road trip in the western United States, right? A photo taken while sitting in the middle of the road!⚠️ I was able to take it at a pretty photo spot that the Joshua Tree day tour guide told me about. And you can rest assured that I was able to take the photo safely😌 📍Joshua Tree National Park 64376–64498 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 USA #USATravel #LATravel #California #Joshua #JoshuaTreeNationalPark