When you think of a typical and standard Halloween, images might come to mind of fall foliage, spooky forests, and a constant chill in the air—but there’s an entirely different way to experience Halloween at Joshua Tree! Trade the dreary daytime temperatures of fall for a breezy 80-degree average, literally the perfect temperature to enjoy the warmth of the desert without the scorching heat, giving you an ideal environment for exploring some of the most iconic sights of Joshua Tree National Park. Even better, you don’t have to sacrifice the chilly crisp of fall, as the temperature lowers in the evenings to the low 50s–dare we say, ideal stargazing from the hot tub weather?
No matter your Halloween style, you’ll find lots to do when you visit Joshua Tree for Halloween! Attend a local Halloween event, shop for handmade fall décor, and stop by the town farmers market to whip up your own fall treats—the Halloween fun is endless in Joshua Tree, making it a uniquely delightful destination for a Halloween vacation!
Halloween at Joshua Tree National Park
Of course, the major attraction on your vacation is likely to be our famed Joshua Tree National Park, home to stunning sights such as the otherworldly Joshua Tree, the Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, and so much more! In fact, Halloween is an ideal time to visit the park and explore it in all its glory, with comfortable weather and great stargazing opportunities. Spy Bighorn sheep at Barker Dam, traverse the hidden Valley and visit the Hall of Horrors—aptly named for a Halloween excursion to the park, the Hall of Horrors is not all that spooky but includes narrow rock passages on the 30-minute trail. Whatever you put on your Joshua Tree Halloween itinerary, you’re sure to see plenty of natural wonders on the way!
Visit a Local Farmers Market in Joshua Tree
To get into the fall spirit with seasonal treats, or pick up a pumpkin to carve, stop by the Joshua Tree Farmers Market. In addition to local fruits and vegetables, you’ll find lots of vendors selling handmade goods, from jewelry to candles to organic lotions. It’s a place that brings all the best of farm-to-table, and it’s never a bad idea to pick up a few fresh ingredients for a home-cooked meal either! You can find the Joshua Tree Farmers Market every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in Downtown Joshua Tree at Turtle Island.
Shop for Spooky Desert Antiques
In Joshua Tree, we’re somewhat well-known for our rustic southwestern antique shops, where you can find everything from new front yard décor to vintage glassware and desert-themed artwork. Ideal for finding something original to remember your trip by, the antique shops are worth stopping by in search of a Halloween souvenir—you might even find the perfect piece or accessory to complete your costume! Our antique shops are spread over the town and in our neighbor, Yucca Valley, only a short drive away. Popular stores include Pioneer Crossing Antiques, Route 62 Arts and Antiques, and Desert Curios.
Check Out a Joshua Tree Halloween Event
When visiting on Halloween or near Halloween, you might want to stop by a local fall event! Typically, the second weekend in October brings the Joshua Tree Music Festival, a family-friendly event to put you in the seasonal mood. At our local community center, there’s a Halloween Haunt event, offering spooky décor and treats for the kids. On Halloween is also a great time to visit Skull Rock in the park, perhaps for some evening stargazing!
Enjoy a Festive Halloween Night Out in Joshua Tree
Of course, sometimes on Halloween, you’ll want to get dressed in your best costume and go out to explore the town. Joshua Tree definitely offers more of a small-town vibe, but you’ll still be able to find a few places where you can celebrate Halloween in style, with a cocktail of your choosing! Local watering holes with live music on Halloween weekend include AWE Bar, Joshua Tree Saloon, and The Red Dog Saloon. Don’t forget to bring your costume for a festive night of Halloween thrills!
Book Your Joshua Tree Halloween Vacation Rental Today!
When you’re vacationing in Joshua Tree, forget about booking a standard hotel room—it’s no way to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth, and definitely not on Halloween! We offer a wide array of boutique vacation rentals, with well-thought-out designs that make each home an entirely unique experience. With amenities like hot tubs, dipping pools, mountain views, outdoor firepits, and so much more, we have homes that are perfect for a Halloween escape to Joshua Tree. Give our friendly local team a call today, and we’ll help you pick your Halloween Joshua Tree rental!
