Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
A desert park where Mojave Joshua tree woodlands meet Colorado Desert basins, granite boulder fields, fan palm oases, and dark skies.
Best months: February, March, April, November
What is worth your time in Joshua Tree National Park
Cholla Cactus GardenDo not miss
A short path winds through a dense stand of glowing teddy-bear cholla, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Hike · 45 min4.8
Hidden Valley Nature TrailDo not miss
A short loop through enclosed boulder walls and Joshua trees is the park’s best first walk.
Hike · 1 hr4.8
Barker DamDo not miss
The easy loop combines desert history, seasonal water, boulders, petroglyphs, and dense Joshua tree scenery.
Hike · 1.3 hr4.6
Keys ViewDo not miss
The drive-up overlook spans the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, Salton Sea haze, and mountain ridges.
Viewpoint · 53 min
Arch Rock Nature Trail
A short loop visits a photogenic natural arch and boulder maze near White Tank.
Hike · 1 hr5
Lost Horse Mine Trail
A desert hike leads to one of the park’s best-preserved historic gold mines with broad high-desert views.
Hike · 4 hr5
Wonderland of Rocks
The maze of granite formations is the heart of Joshua Tree’s climbing culture and a striking landscape even from nearby roads.
Climbing · 3 hr5
Cap Rock Nature Trail
A short interpretive loop gives an easy low-effort sample of Joshua trees, boulders, and desert plants.
Hike · 45 min4.9
Lost Palms Oasis Trail
A longer Colorado Desert hike crosses washes and ridges to a remote palm oasis.
Hike · 6 hr4.8
Ryan Mountain Trail
A steady climb reaches one of the park’s best 360-degree summit views over boulder basins and desert ranges.
Hike · 3.3 hr4.8
Cottonwood Spring
A short walk reaches a fan palm oasis and historic water source on the quieter southern side.
Hike · 53 min4.7
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
The gateway visitor center is the best indoor stop for maps, safety advice, exhibits, and a bad-weather reset.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Keys Ranch
The guided historic ranch tour reveals homesteading, mining, and family life in the desert.
Ranger Program · 1.8 hr4.7
Skull Rock
The roadside skull-shaped boulder is a playful quick stop surrounded by classic granite formations.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.5
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Joshua Tree is famous for surreal Joshua tree landscapes, world-class rock climbing, boulder piles, spring wildflowers, and stargazing in an International Dark Sky Park.