Otherworldly rocky vistas, incredible plant life, spectacular sunsets—there’s nothing quite like the desert, and the best of it all comes together in Joshua Tree, California. Besides being home to one of the most well-known and famous national parks, our quirky desert town welcomes all visitors with art galleries, cafes, and shops with a southwestern flare. The desert offers a special kind of magic year-round, but there are ideal times to visit, as the sunshine and heat can be a bit oppressive in the summertime, and even winter in the desert can get quite chilly! If you’re searching for the perfect time to plan your Fall trip to Joshua Tree, the fall season is one of the best times to visit Joshua Tree and the national park! 

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Explore the Joshua Tree National Park in Ideal Weather

With temperatures cooling down from the intensity of the summer, you can find lots to get up to when adventuring through the national park. Visit Skull Rock, a unique rock formation that resembles a skull—you can even stargaze there in the evening! Fall is a great time to spot some bighorn sheep on the Barker Dam Nature Trail, or you can take a scenic drive along Geology Tour Road. The Wall Street Mining Trail offers visitors a glimpse into the old west, with ruins of Wonderland Ranch visible from the trail. Keys Ranch is a historic ranch in the park, and they start up guided ranger tours again in fall 2022, after their summer break. It’s an unforgettable seasonal activity that will allow you to immerse yourself in western history! 

Eat at the Best Restaurants in Joshua Tree

Whether it’s to celebrate after completing a long hike in the park or just a leisurely Sunday brunch, you’ll find that there are plenty of delicious restaurants in town. At the Crossroads Café, you’ll find expertly prepared café fare like sandwiches and salads—perfect for lunch before doing some antique shopping, or breakfast before adventuring out to see the Cholla Cactus Garden in the Joshua Tree National Park. To grab a slice of delicious pumpkin pie, stop by The Natural Sisters Café, where you can dine in for a meal and take extra pie to-go, for enjoying at your vacation home later. They also have other fall favorites available!

Nearby in Yucca Valley, you’ll discover an even wider selection of eateries, such as La Copine, a trendy restaurant with an indoor-outdoor setting serving American fusion fare. For those who can’t go without their fall-themed coffee, there are chains such as the tried-and-true Starbucks, as well as local options like the C and S Coffee Shop and the Joshua Tree Coffee Company.

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Enjoy Crisp Nights with Clear Stargazing On Your Fall Trip to Joshua Tree

It’s an unfortunate reality that many big cities in the US are not well equipped for stargazing. Whether it’s a light pollution issue or constant cloud coverage, not everyone can look up at the night sky and see what’s there very clearly. When you come to visit Joshua Tree, that’s unlikely to be the case. Light pollution poses no issues here (with the exception of a full moon, of course!), and most nights are clear of clouds, weather permitting. Depending on planetary positions, you might even be able to catch Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn—just as bright specks of light of course, but impressive, nonetheless. The real joy is being able to see more stars than you might have ever thought possible, so grab a glass of wine and sit outside to admire the cosmic show—you’re likely to even catch a shooting star or two!

Shop at Local Antique Shops in Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley

Our area is home to several unique stores and antique shops and is a great fall activity for a day when the weather isn’t optimal for the park. It’s a great fall pastime, as you might even be able to find something that can be used as seasonal fall décor back home! In Joshua Tree, you’ll find The Station, where you can pick up locally made gifts, and Ricochet Vintage Wears if you’re a fan of groovy recycled clothing. Yucca Valley is where you’ll find the most antique shops and can be a convenient stop if you’d like to visit several at once, as there are quite a few just off the local 62 highway. Route 62 Arts and Antiques is a well-known spot and sits near other shops such as Pioneer Crossing Antiques, Pope’s Antiques, Nitty Gritty, Desert Curios, and This N’ That Treasures.

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Reserve Your Joshua Tree Fall Vacation Rental Today!

If you’d like to make the most of your fall trip to Joshua Tree, it all starts with the perfect vacation rental—and we’re proud to offer a selection of trendy and unique properties that have been professionally curated for a flawless Joshua Tree vacation. Give our local team a call to learn more today!