Thanksgiving is often associated with some of the more harsh, cold weather that the colder months of the year can bring, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving getaway to Joshua Tree this year, you’ll find that the weather is temperate and hospitable, so you won’t have to worry about it getting too cold for comfort. Plenty, if not all, of the hiking trails and nature walks stay open for the entire year, and having fewer people around means you’ll really be able to experience the serene solitude of nature at your own pace. If you’re planning a trip out for Thanksgiving in Joshua Tree, you’ll find there’s plenty to do, whether it’s taking your mind off of the chaos of the holiday season or having that perfect Thanksgiving feast at your home away from home.
Everything You Need to Prepare Your Thanksgiving Dinner
Our properties come fully equipped with state-of-the-art kitchens full of every appliance you could ever need to prepare that full Thanksgiving in Joshua Tree meal for groups of all sizes. In addition to our kitchen amenities, our homes often come with plenty of dining space to accommodate everybody, regardless of if you’re planning on sitting down for a conventional dinner around the dining room table or getting creative and taking your meal outside to relax under the stars and observe the Milky Way and enjoy the cool winter air.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare your Thanksgiving dinner with locally sourced ingredients from our weekly Farmers Market. Every Saturday morning from 8 AM to 1 PM, there is a certified Farmers Market that operates under strict rules to maintain quality and protect all of its customers. Merchants can only sell locally grown items, no exceptions.
While you’re there doing your shopping, you can expect plenty of live entertainment and creative arts and crafts to be available for your enjoyment. Take your time while you’re there to really enjoy the essence of Joshua Tree, and when you take home your locally sourced ingredients, you can rest easy knowing your Thanksgiving feast directly supports local businesses.
Hike Off Your Thanksgiving Meal
After you’ve finished preparing and eating your Thanksgiving feast with friends and/or family, there’s plenty of outdoor activity out there waiting for you. The hiking is great in Joshua Tree during this time of the year, as winter hasn’t fully set in yet, and the intense heat of the summer months has been long forgotten. Here are a few choice hikes you should check out:
Barker Dam Nature Trail
This is a nice and easy hike that’s friendly for all skill levels. It’s a short one, clocking in at just 1.3 miles, and is heavily trafficked due to its appeal as a nature walk. No need to worry about overdoing it, so take a trip down this trail and see some of the beautiful wildflowers.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Another heavily trafficked loop, and for good reason, Hidden Valley Nature Trail is very beginner friendly and it’s easy on the eyes. More beautiful wildflowers can be found here, and the trail is very short at just 1 mile.
Ryan Mountain Trail
If you want to up the intensity a little bit, Ryan Mountain Trail is heavily used, and runs as an in and out trail as opposed to looping back around. The trail’s difficulty is listed as moderate and has beautiful nature views along the way. It’s also running friendly, so you can pick up the speed if you’re feeling up to the 3-mile workout.
Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
If you’re really looking for a harder hike with considerable challenge, the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail is out there waiting for you. Clocking in at 3.1 miles, the trail is often heavily trafficked and is primarily used for hiking instead of running. It’s best seen from October to May, making it the perfect post-Thanksgiving hike for someone seeking a challenge.
Visit Some of Joshua Tree’s Music Venues
Though some of them may not be open on the holiday itself, there are several venues around the area that make for a good outing. If you’re looking for something to do to help round out your Thanksgiving in Joshua Tree vacation, consider stopping by some of these venues to hear live music.
Pappy and Harriet’s
Making the trip out to Pioneertown is worth the trip if you’re planning on heading out to Pappy and Harriet’s. They have live music every weekend, with a local mainstay that often plays on Sundays. Make sure to check out their event calendar to see what’s going on right around your trip time. Even if you can’t make it out for live music, the food is great, so go check it out.
Joshua Tree Saloon
The Joshua Tree Saloon is a great spot to stop in for a couple drinks and here some seasoned local musicians showcase their passion for anyone who wants to hear. You can expect to hear live music Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so use one of those extra vacation days to experience a local treasure.
Your Vacation Home Awaits
Spend your time in Joshua Tree at whatever pace you like. Take it slow and enjoy the holiday indoors with the family, or head out and hit the trails to really see the sights in the National Park. No matter how you choose to spend your Thanksgiving, Hi-Desert Dwellings has the perfect vacation home waiting for you. Book with us now to get that holiday outing started.
