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- English
Joshua Tree National Park Trip Planner guides you through the park's must-see spots, including Skull Rock, Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Keys View, and Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail. Explore the historic Keys Ranch, hike the Cottonwood Spring Trail, and enjoy scenic views from Quail Mountain. With essential info on the best times to visit, key attractions, and navigation tips, this planner ensures a seamless adventure through Joshua Tree’s unique desert landscapes.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Start on Joshua Tree Visitor Center, 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, USA. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the Visitor Center or nearby businesses. Check your email.
Itinerary
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1
Before you enter the park, you'll pass through the town of Joshua Tree. It's full of quaint little shops and restaurants and is the perfect place to pick up a snack or a souvenir before or after your trip through the park.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Your tour of Joshua Tree begins at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. From here, you'll drive through this weird, one-of-a-kind park where two deserts meet. Along the way, get ready to marvel at the bizarre Joshua trees for which the park is named, embark on awe-inspiring hikes, and catch a sunset you'll never forget.
Admission ticket free -
2
This peculiar landmark can be accessed via a moderate, 3.3-mile trail. Almost 100 years ago, an enigmatic man named John Samuelson etched various musings and declarations onto these rocks. They remain to this day as a strange, almost mystical sight.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
A 7-mile trail leads straight to Willow Hole, a seemingly miraculous oasis in the middle of the desert. The oasis is surrounded by willow trees and just has to be seen to be believed. Many visitors at first think it's a mirage!
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The Hemingway Buttress is one of the most popular climbing spots in the park. It juts up dramatically from the earth, seeming to dare visitors to scale it. The buttress features a huge pile of boulders which are lots of fun to scramble up, and climbers of all skill levels can find something to enjoy here.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Ever wanted to see the hideout of a Wild West gang? You'll find it on this trail, as well as some seriously stunning desert scenery to boot. The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is an easy trek and only goes for about a mile, making it one of Joshua Tree's must-see hikes. As a bonus, this package also includes a tour through Hidden Valley Nature Trail!
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Intersection Rock is considered to be a sort of hub within Joshua Tree. Thanks to its towering size, it can be seen from a great distance and casts a striking silhouette against the blazing desert sky. It's also a hugely popular climbing spot, featuring numerous different climbing routes with names like Knuckle Cracker, Ignorant Photons from Pluto, and Sympathy to the Devil.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Cap Rock is a strange sight, featuring a small boulder almost impossibly perched atop a larger rock formation. Here, you'll find a quick quarter-mile trail chock full of information about the local flora.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Lost Horse Valley is a sweeping desert valley that gets its name from some of the McHaney Gang's misdeeds back in the days of the Wild West. You'll hear all about that as you drive through this valley, including what one overconfident miner did to try to get his stolen horses back!
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Another abandoned mine waits in Queen Valley. The gold found in this mine was the motive behind at least one murder and a whole lot else.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This iconic desert granite formation looks uncannily like a human skull. It's easily accessible from the roadside, and is also the trailhead for an easy 2-mile trail that's among the most popular hiking trails in the whole park.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center is a phenomenal spot to learn not just about the flora and fauna of Joshua Tree, but also about the stars above. As a dark sky area, Joshua Tree makes for some seriously impressive stargazing, so try to stick around after dark if you can!
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Opening Hours: Joshua Tree’s main attractions, including Hidden Valley and Keys View, are open from sunrise to sunset. Hours may vary, so check ahead.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Joshua Tree is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are milder and crowds are fewer. Summer can be extremely hot.
- Accessibility: Most trails and attractions are accessible, but some may have limited accessibility due to the terrain. Check specific sites for details.
- Photography: Photography is permitted at most locations, but avoid using flash in specific areas to protect wildlife.
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Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Opening Hours: Joshua Tree’s main attractions, including Hidden Valley and Keys View, are open from sunrise to sunset. Hours may vary, so check ahead.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Joshua Tree is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are milder and crowds are fewer. Summer can be extremely hot.
- Accessibility: Most trails and attractions are accessible, but some may have limited accessibility due to the terrain. Check specific sites for details.
- Photography: Photography is permitted at most locations, but avoid using flash in specific areas to protect wildlife.
- Language: English is the primary language. Locals are friendly, and knowing a few phrases in English will be helpful.
- Currency: U.S. Dollars (USD) are used, and credit cards are widely accepted. Carry some cash for small purchases or as a tip.
- Safety: Joshua Tree is generally safe, but it's essential to stay hydrated and watch out for uneven terrain. Be cautious of wildlife, especially in remote areas.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore nearby attractions like the Coachella Valley Preserve, the Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, or hike the scenic Ryan Mountain Trail.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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