Finding time to get away and enjoy a well-earned vacation is important. When your travel plans bring you to Joshua Tree, California, you know you’re in for a treat! This scenic and inviting locale is a great place to explore the great outdoors, making the most of fantastic dining and explore some off-the-beaten-path Joshua Tree tourist attractions too. Before you get too far off the road though, the following are the top five tourist hot spots that you’re going to be sure to want to check out to make it an unforgettable adventure.
Joshua Tree Tourist Attractions: Joshua Tree Certified Farmer’s Market
While observing incredible landscapes is half the fun of a trip to Joshua Tree, there’s something just as special about purchasing produce the land offers up as well. That’s exactly what visitors can do who make their way to the Joshua Tree Certified Farmer’s Market while they’re in the area. The farmer’s market is hosted between 2311 and 61705 Twentynine Palms Highway every Saturday between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. This friendly and inviting stop is a great place to browse vendor stands featuring everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers, eggs, handcrafted goods, and seafood too. Take time to enjoy these beautiful things to see in Joshua Tree National Park and if you don’t get to do everything you’d wanted to at once, not to worry, you can simply return the following Saturday!
Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center
Situated at 9697 Utah Trail in Twentynine Palms, the Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center is an amazing stop for those looking to connect with the outdoors and give their Joshua Tree adventure a cosmic touch too. Here, hands-on learning is a foundation of defining interests in the world’s many mysteries whether land-based or located in the galaxies far above. Visitors to the Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center can attend information sessions, take time to observe the cosmos using high-powered telescopes, or stop by earlier in the day and walk the nature and wilderness trails. There’s also a meditation garden on-site so if you could stand to enjoy a bit of balance, this is the place to pursue it.
Barker Dam Nature Trail
For a vast number of travelers that make their way to beautiful Joshua Tree, one of the highlights of the journey is getting to take to the many trails that wind their way through park. While there are many routes worth the trek, Barker Dam Nature Trail is one that tends to be at the top of many outdoor adventurer’s must-hike list. Just over a mile long, this loop is exceptionally scenic and can be enjoyed at anyone’s preferred pace. It’s the perfect route for those looking to make the most of the surrounding rocky desert landscape complete with monzogranite boulders and of course, those ever-incredible Joshua Trees. Much as the name indicates, this trail takes hikers past Barker Dam and will even offer up a distant glimpse of the San Gorgonio Mountain if the sky is clear. This is definitely one of the best things to see in Joshua Tree National Park.
Lost Horse Mine
Joshua Tree National Park is packed with landmarks that speak to the passage of time. Here, nature seems to carry on despite modern changes, giving visitors a glimpse into the past while keeping one foot firmly planted in the present. Lost Horse Mine is a great example of a place that many visitors check out in the modern park that speaks decidedly to a gold-rush era of the past. Lost Horse Mine sits nestled within Lost Horse Valley and is one of the most iconic silver and gold mines in the area. It functioned between 1894 and 1931 producing upwards of 10,000 ounces of gold and more than 16,000 ounces of silver. While time has taken its toll on the remaining mine structure, today, visitors can access what remains by taking the trail by the same name. It’s an enjoyable 4-mile loop that leads directly to the mine.
Pioneer Town
To really take a step back in time with a touch of Hollywood flair included, head over to Pioneer Town! This destination recreates the authentic feeling of a wild west town complete with a rustic main street to wander down dotted with saloons, general stores and more. Pioneer Town was originally a 1940s film set, but today, remains fully intact as a fun place to come and experience a little bit of what it all might have been like. This family-friendly stop is one you’ll want to be sure to have your camera on hand for!
Book Your Joshua Tree Adventure Today
There’s never been a better time to pack your suitcase and enjoy time away from the daily grind, making the most of a getaway to Joshua Tree. Whether you’re one for outdoor adventure, relaxation, or historical exploration, it’s a place with something for you! Knowing you’ve booked beautiful vacation rental accommodations makes it that much better. Reach out to Hi-Desert Dwellings today to learn more about our many property options and to start planning your next trip. Book one of our amazing 3-bedroom vacation rentals.