Day Trip to Joshua Tree - Top Activities for a One Day Itinerary

Desert, cacti, funny looking trees, giant round boulders, and an indescribable feeling of mystic magic in the air - this basically describes Joshua Tree National Park in a nutshell. Named after the uniquely shaped trees (which actually aren't trees at all), Joshua Tree is located inland in Southern California and offers a popular wilderness destination for hikers, rock climbers, photographers and nature lovers.

The Joshua Tree park is comprised of over 795,000 acres of land, which is bigger than the state of Rhode Island! So you may be asking, how could I possibly see this enormous park in one day? While you can’t see everything in such a short period of time, you can definitely hit up some highlights and get the overall feeling of the park.

In this guide I will give you all kinds of options for your one day trip to Joshua Tree, giving you plenty of activities to fill up your itinerary. They will range and vary as far as how physically strenuous they are, from leisurely park walks to ambitious hiking trails. In short, there’s something for everyone!

Best Times of the Year to Visit Joshua Tree

When looking for the best month to plan your trip to Joshua Tree, keep in mind that the summer and winter seasons have some extreme temperatures with heat over 100˚F and then freezing cold temperatures in the winter. However, you will find positive points to visiting the park at any time of the year.

The Spring Season in Joshua Tree

Visiting the park during the months of March, April, and May you can expect to experience a rainbow of colors with all the blooming wildflowers. Spring signals the start of flowering native plants such as Desert Indian Paintbrush, Mariposa Lily, Birdcage Evening Primrose and Beavertail Cactus.

Therefore, leisurely walks amidst all the natural beauty is worth some time in your itinerary. Shutterbugs with cameras will also find colorful backdrops for landscape photos. In addition, the daytime air temperature at this time rarely exceeds 85˚F, which will allow you to avoid the peak heat.

Keep in mind that during the spring season the park can get busy with many visitors. With the pleasant weather comes the crowds.

The Summertime Season in Joshua Tree

In June, July, August, and September, summertime means the onset of the hotter days. With temperatures as high as 105˚F, desert heat can become a deterrent for some visitors. If you plan to visit during the summer time make sure to avoid overexposure to the sun and heat because heatstroke is a real concern. However, with the right preparation, you can enjoy a great trip with possibly less crowds.

Fall Autumn Season in Joshua Tree

By October and November the summer sweltering heat has subsided and we enter the true autumn season. Temperatures drop with averages in the 80's and 70's which provides outstanding opportunities for comfortable hiking. It can get quite cold at night, so I don’t recommend camping during the late autumn months unless you're prepared to bundle up.

The Winter Season in Joshua Tree

December, January, and February bring the coldest temperatures which can fluctuate between the comfortable 60’s to very cold freezing temperatures in the 20’s. While it does snow in Joshua Tree, this doesn’t happen every year and it can be difficult to predict what kind of winter weather you will be facing if you plan a few months in advance. To be safe, you should be prepared for possible snow and ice during your visit.

Road Trip Driving Guide to Joshua Tree

Road tripping to Joshua Tree is a fairly easy, the park is within driving distance of Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

Day Trip from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree

When I went to Joshua Tree, it was a day trip from my extended stay in Palm Springs. It will take you between 35 and 50 minutes to get to the park, depending on the entrance you choose. The distance to the west entrance is 37 miles, and to the south entrance is 49 miles. On the way to the park, you will enjoy the cosmic landscape of the Californian desert.

Day Trip or 2-Day Stay from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree

Starting from Los Angeles, you're looking at a bit more of a lengthy drive. The 130-mile-long trip will take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes without stops. If you're ambitious you can do a day trip, but for a more leisurely stay I would recommend spending the night.

Overnight 2-Day Road Trip from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree

The 190-mile-long route from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree will take you through the Mojave National Preserve and the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area. A one-way journey will last about 3 hours, and you just might want to stop and do some sightseeing along the way. Pick up 4x4 rental in Las Vegas and get ready for an exciting adventure, and you should definitely plan on spending the night because 6 hours of driving is too much in one day.

The nearest north entrance will take you to Skull Rock and Arch Rock. For an overnight stay, book a night at the uber cool hotel The Castle House Estate.

Overnight 2-Day Road Trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree

The 3 hour drive from San Diego to Joshua Tree covers 165 miles. I would recommend staying at one of the fun experience hotels I have listed below. Choose from an airstream, a tiny house made from a shipping container or Sacred Sands ultra lux guesthouse with an outdoor soaking tub.

How to Enter Joshua Tree Park

The choice of entrance depends on the route and driving starting point, but also what top spots you want to explore inside the park.

West Entrance: Take Hwy 62 and then turn onto Park Blvd. Continue onto Quail Springs Rd to the Visitor Center.
North Entrance: Take Hwy 62 and turn left onto Utah Trail near Twentynine Palms. After 4 miles you will reach the Oasis Visitor Center.
South Entrance: Drive on I-10 and take exit 168 for Cottonwood Springs Rd towards Twentynine Palms/Mecca. Continue to Cottonwood Visitor Center.

Top Things to Do in Joshua Tree

The unique ecosystem of Joshua Tree Park with odd-looking trees and spherical rock formations makes for a memorable trip with fun change of scenery. I can best equate it to a real-life trip to a Dr. Seuss book like The Lorax.

Below I’ve outlined some of the most popular past times in Joshua Tree to help you decide what to put on your one day itinerary. Make sure to always pack plenty of water and avoid too much exposure to heat and sun while on hikes in the desert.

Hiking Trails in Joshua Tree

You can find both easy and more difficult hiking routes in Joshua Tree. In each of these trails you will find scenic views and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the unique landscape. Below I've listed the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree and included important facts and info.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Rated Easy
Round Trip Loop Trail Length - 1.1 miles

The road will take you through a wide valley full of large rocks and unique rock formations. With a vertical drop of 52 feet, this easy trail is suitable for almost all ages. Several types of trees and cactus along the way make a great backdrop for photos.

Barker Dam Trail / Big Horn Dam

Rated Easy
Round Trip Loop Trail Length - Just over one mile.

The Barker Dam Trail is an easy loop trail that runs for just over a mile. You'll see plenty of Joshua Trees, rock formations, colorful wildflowers and desert scenery. Along the trail you'll see a water reservoir with rock formations reflecting in the water - makes a great photography spot!

Warren Peak Hiking Trail

Rated Moderately Challenging

Out and Back Trail - 6.3 miles total

You can expect to be out hiking for 3 hours on this trail and it requires good physical condition. The road leads through the picturesque Black Rock Spring, and a few miles later ends at Warren Peak. This point offers breathtaking views of the mountainous surroundings.

Wonderland Wash Trail

Rated Moderately Challenging
Round Trip Loop Trail Length - 2.5 miles

While this trail is short and takes less than an hour, you will get a workout. This trail is lesser known but has some really cool old relics and ruins along the trail. You’ll find abandoned vintage cars, ruins of old brick buildings, and of course many boulders and desert scenery.

Quail Mountain Trail

Rated Hard

Out and Back Trail - 11.6 miles total

For those looking for a super hard challenge, Quail Mountain has a height of 5,820 ft and is the highest point in the park. The mountain offers enchanting views of desert landscapes. You can expect to be hiking for about 6 hours total.

Top Attractions to See in Joshua Tree

A trip to the park would not be complete without visiting these local highlights. I've compiled a list of the top places you shouldn't miss, even if you're staying for just one day.

Skull Rock

Exactly how the name describes it, Skull Rock is a giant boulder that looks like a human skull. Erosion has created 2 holes for the eyes and one for the nose.

Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus Garden

The Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus Garden is a loop-shaped trail full of cholla cacti. This place looks fantastic in spring bloom. While these cacti look cute and cuddly, be vary careful to stay on the trail and don't brush up against the cactus. They have spines that will latch in to your skin - ouch!

Arch Rock

Arch Rock is a unique arch-shaped rock formation easily accessible via the Arch Rock Trail. This is a great spot for photos!

Ryan Mountain

Ryan Mountain is a favorite photographers’ spot with panoramic views of Queen Valley, Lost Horse Valley, Pinto Basin, and Pleasant Valley. The trail to the top is moderate until you get to the last stretch to the peak, which is more strenuous. This out and back trail is about 3 miles and takes on average 2 hours to complete.

Lost Horse Mine

Lost Horse Mine is a historical landmark dating back to the gold rush era. The place allows you to explore the secrets and technologies of silver and gold mining from the early 20th century. See authentic ruins and artifacts from a century ago.

Cottonwood Spring

Cottonwood Spring is a scenic spot with a large concentration of Cottonwood Palms. This is also the trail head to several charming trails leading deeper into the park.

Fortynine Palms Oasis

Fortynine Palms Oasis is one of the park's main water sources. It collects many local animals and birds that come there to drink. In the middle of a vast desert you’ll find many lush green palm trees at this oasis.

Because of the summer drought in 2022, this trail has been temporarily closed to allow Bighorn Sheep and other wildlife access to water without being disturbed by humans.

Places to Eat Near Joshua Tree National Park

Wandering around the park and exploring local attractions will surely fuel your wanderlust, and after a few hours of nature activities, you will probably get hungry. Unfortunately, you won’t find culinary establishments inside the park. However, dozens of foodie fueled cafes, restaurants, and bars are within the driving distance.

Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

This American diner offers a large selection of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, steaks, and desserts. Drinks are also available for a post hike cheers. Prices start at $5 for a burger.

Located 15 miles outside the park, a 25 minute drive.

Address: 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown, CA 92268.

Crossroads Cafe

The establishment serves traditional American cuisine with sandwiches, burgers, and extensive breakfast/brunch options. The popular local dish Breakfast Burrito costs $8.50.

Located 5 miles outside the park, a 8 minute drive.

Address: 61715 Twentynine Palms Highway, J Tree, CA 92252.

The Natural Sisters Cafe

This healthy cafe specializes in salads, sandwiches, organic juices, and coffee, among other vegetarian and vegan options. Menu prices start at $9.

Located 6 miles outside the park, a 9 minute drive.

Address: 61695 Twentynine Palms Highway, J Tree, CA 92252.

JT Country Kitchen

Juicy steaks, crispy sandwiches, huge burgers, as well as Asian fusion dishes, await you in this old west style establishment. Breakfast options start at $8 per serving.

Located 5 miles from the park, a 7 minute drive.

Address: 61768 Twentynine Palms Highway, J Tree, CA 92252.

La Copine

The trendy, modern and minimalist dining experience at La Copine is a much more sophisticated way to enjoy a meal outside the park. The menu includes a large selection of salads, sandwiches, sides, and desserts. Try the local specialty - fried eggplant tomato chutney available for $9 a serving.

Located 18 miles outside the park, a 25 minute drive.

Address: 848 Old Woman Springs Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 9228.