The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree draws visitors from all over the world for its otherworldly landscapes, star-filled skies, and laid-back desert energy. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, here's a complete guide to the best things to do in and around Joshua Tree.

1. Explore Joshua Tree National Park

The park itself is the main event, and it's massive — nearly 800,000 acres spanning two distinct desert ecosystems (the Mojave and the Colorado). A few must-see spots:

• Hidden Valley — An easy one-mile loop through a natural rock enclosure that once reportedly hid cattle rustlers.
• Skull Rock — One of the park's most photographed formations, easily visited right off the main road.
• Keys View — A short drive to a viewpoint overlooking the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, and on clear days, Mexico.
• Cholla Cactus Garden — A surreal, golden-lit field of "teddy bear" cholla cactus, best visited near sunrise or sunset.

Entrance passes are required and can be purchased online or at the park entrance — arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking at popular trailheads fills up fast.

2. Go Stargazing

Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best stargazing destinations in Southern California. On a clear, moonless night, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. For the best experience:

• Head deep into the park, away from Highway 62's light pollution
• Check a moon phase calendar and aim for nights around the new moon
• Bring a red-light flashlight to preserve night vision
• Consider a guided astronomy tour if you want help identifying constellations and planets

3. Hit the Hiking Trails

Beyond the short, popular walks, Joshua Tree has serious hiking for those who want to go further:

• Ryan Mountain Trail — A steeper 3-mile round trip with panoramic 360-degree desert views from the summit.
• Lost Palms Oasis — A longer, more remote hike rewarding visitors with one of the park's largest fan palm oases.
• Barker Dam Loop — An easy, family-friendly trail past a historic water tank and Native American petroglyphs.

Always carry more water than you think you'll need — the desert's dry heat is deceptively dehydrating even in cooler months.

4. Try Rock Climbing or Bouldering

Joshua Tree is world-renowned in the climbing community, with thousands of routes across granite formations. Whether you're an experienced climber or a total beginner:

• Several local outfitters offer guided climbs and gear rentals for first-timers
• Bouldering areas near Hidden Valley and Real Hidden Valley are popular for both beginners and experienced climbers
• Fall and spring offer the best climbing temperatures

5. Visit the Town of Joshua Tree

Just outside the park, the town itself has its own quirky, artsy character worth exploring:

• World Famous Crochet Museum and other small roadside art installations
• Local galleries and vintage shops along Twentynine Palms Highway
• Pioneertown, a nearby Old West film-set-turned-town with live music venues and Western-style saloons

6. Soak in a Hot Tub Under the Stars

After a day of hiking and exploring, many visitors head back to their vacation rental to unwind in a private hot tub — one of the most popular amenities travelers search for when booking a Joshua Tree stay, and a perfect way to end a day in the desert with unbeatable stargazing right from the water.

7. Catch Live Music or a Local Event

Joshua Tree and the surrounding high desert have a surprisingly vibrant live music and arts scene, especially around Pioneertown's outdoor venues. Check local event calendars ahead of your trip, since lineups and seasonal festivals change throughout the year.

Planning Tips for Your Trip

• Best time to visit: Fall through spring (October–May) offers the most comfortable temperatures; summer can be dangerously hot.
• What to pack: Layers — desert temperatures can swing 30+ degrees between day and night.
• Where to stay: Vacation rentals near the park entrances offer easy access to trailheads while still being close to town for dining and shopping.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're drawn by the hiking, the climbing, the stargazing, or simply the stillness of the high desert, Joshua Tree has a way of leaving a lasting impression on every visitor. Plan ahead, pack layers, and give yourself enough time to slow down — this is a destination best experienced without rushing.

Looking for the perfect home base for your Joshua Tree trip? Browse our collection of desert vacation rentals, each just minutes from the park.

Published by Jessie Goldsmith
Thursday, July 9, 2026