Planning to visit Joshua Tree National Park? One day in Joshua Tree is plenty of time to see all the highlights of this national park in the California desert. We spent one December day in Joshua Tree National Park, and here are the best things we did.
About Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet. There are thousands of Joshua trees here, just as the name suggests, as well as other desert plant and wildlife, such as cacti and rattlesnakes.
It can take at least an hour and a half to drive through the park as it’s massive — over 1,200 square miles. Some highlights include Skull Rock, Keys View, and the Cholla Cactus Garden.
What Is a Joshua Tree?
A Joshua tree is not even a tree, but a tree-like plant native to the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico. It’s a part of the agave family and has sharp, blade-like leaves. Some of the tallest Joshua trees in the park are over 40 feet tall, growing up to three inches per year.
Before You Go: Check Current Conditions
Always check current conditions before setting out in order to be aware of road closures or inclement weather.
Entry Fees
The park is open 24/7, but an entrance fee is required.
It costs $30 per vehicle to enter Joshua Tree National Park, and your entry is valid for one week.
If you plan to visit more than three national parks in a year, definitely get an America the Beautiful pass to save money.
What to Do for One Day in Joshua Tree National Park
1. Hike the Barker Dam Trail
Length: 1.1 mile loop
Elevation gain: 50 feet
The Barker Dam Trail is a great trail to start the day at Joshua Tree National Park, especially as you probably spent a few hours in the car getting here. Stretch your legs with this flat hike that goes past Barker Dam, petroglyphs, and lots of Joshua trees. There is also a bit of rock scrambling, so wear proper shoes.
2. Take in the View at Keys View
Length: 0.2 mile loop, paved and accessible
Elevation gain: 19 feet
The panoramic view at Keys View is not to be missed. Look down at the Coachella Valley and possibly even see Mexico on a clear day. It’s a short, paved walk to the top, but it can be very windy. We didn’t stay long here because of the intense wind on the day we went. It was blowing our hats off and our hair all around. But it was still an incredible view.
3. Visit Skull Rock
Skull Rock is exactly as it sounds — a rock in the shape of a skull. It’s a popular photo stop so you’ll see crowds of people here, coming and going, taking photos. Skull Rock isn’t a hike as it’s off the side of the road. You’ll just need to find a place to park and head over. Wait for a lull in the crowds to get your perfect shot.
4. Walk through the Cholla Cactus Garden
Length: 0.2 mile loop
Elevation gain: 6 feet
The Cholla Cactus Garden was our last activity of the day and the best thing we experienced in Joshua Tree National Park. When I think of Joshua Tree National Park, I think of these fuzzy little cacti (called teddybear chollas), so bright and yellow they were almost glowing. Hundreds of them, covering a field.
It was gorgeous and well worth the long drive to reach them (about 20 minutes from Skull Rock). There’s a dirt path as well as a boardwalk that goes through the 10 acres of this landscape of teddybear chollas (it seems to go on as far as the eye can see).
Don’t miss this spot! You could even get here for sunrise or sunset for incredible lighting and photos.
Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree in One Day
- Bring water and sunscreen.
- Prepare for a long drive. Joshua Tree National Park is a huge area, and you’ll be driving for hours inside the park.
- Fill up your gas tank before you arrive.
- Download a map of the park to your phone for offline viewing.
- Pack a lunch!
- Wear your hiking boots with ankle support. Many of the hikes and walks include rock scrambling.
Best Season to Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Visit in spring for wildflower viewing or fall or winter for ideal temperatures.
I would avoid summer at all costs as it is simply too hot with temperatures in the 90s ℉ and 100s ℉. Unless, that is, you are going for stargazing, then a warm summer night might be a great idea.
If you do go in summer, be sure to hike early in the morning or later in the evening, not mid-day, and bring a lot of water and sunscreen.
We visited in December, supposedly the coldest month of the year, and even then we thought it was a warm day. We only needed a light jacket.
Getting to Joshua Tree National Park
The closest airports to Joshua Tree National Park are in Palm Springs (about an hour away), San Diego, and Los Angeles (both about 3 hours away). You will need a car to get to Joshua Tree National Park as it is quite a drive into the middle of nowhere.
Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park
There are no lodgings inside Joshua Tree National Park. However, I would recommend looking for lodgings in Twentynine Palms, CA, the closest town to the park.
Recommended Hotels in Twentynine Palms, CA:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Twentynine Palms
- SureStay Plus By Best Western Twentynine Palms Joshua Tree
- Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree National Park
There are also a lot of campgrounds in the national park, if you’re interested in camping in the desert. I’ve heard the stargazing is wonderful.
This was a day trip for us as we live fairly close to Joshua Tree National Park.
Where to Eat Near Joshua Tree National Park
There are no restaurants or grocery stores in Joshua Tree National Park. For one day in the park, it’d be best to pack a picnic lunch and eat at one of the picnic areas in Joshua Tree National Park.
However, if you’d rather dine at a restaurant, there are restaurants and stores in the nearby towns of Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree. If you’re visiting Joshua Tree National Park, you can try one of these restaurants:
- Crossroads Cafe
- Natural Sisters Cafe
- Country Kitchen
- Pioneertown
- And more!
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Joshua Tree
Is Joshua Tree National Park worth visiting?
Okay, I’ll be honest that Joshua Tree National Park isn’t my favorite national park (some people humorously say it’s just rocks and dirt, and I kinda agree), but there are still things I did like about it (for example, the Cholla Cactus Garden!).
I drove less than two hours to reach Joshua Tree National Park, and I just spent a day here before heading back home. For me, it was worth that. I probably won’t return, though. And if I lived farther away, I wouldn’t buy a plane ticket, spend money on a nearby hotel, just for Joshua Tree.
If you’re combining it with other things in the area, for example Palm Springs or Los Angeles, or if you’re on a quest to visit all the U.S. national parks, then of course it’s worth it.
I feel that Joshua Tree gets way overhyped for what it is, but that’s just my personal opinion. It’s still a national park and an incredible desert — perfect for rock and dirt lovers.
What not to miss in Joshua Tree National Park?
Don’t miss the Cholla Cactus Garden! It’s truly stunning.
How much time is needed for Joshua Tree National Park?
You can see a lot of Joshua Tree in one day, hitting most of the highlights and even doing one or two hikes.
What are the hours of Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park is open daily 24 hours.
Can you stay inside Joshua Tree National Park?
Yes, you can camp inside Joshua Tree National Park. See the national park website for more information on how to make campground reservations.
What are some amazing views in Joshua Tree National Park?
Keys View is one view you can’t miss while in Joshua Tree National Park.
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