Located about an hour outside of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is one of California's most visited national parks — and for good reason. Bounded by the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, it's teeming with picture-perfect natural gems, from unique rock formations to the region's iconic twisted, bushy trees of the same name.
But, the protected area is more than just a pretty place to hike — it's a critical component of the surrounding ecosystem, providing habitats for the area's most precious wildlife. Designated as a national monument in 1936, the area was granted national park status nearly six decades later. Today, visitors can explore its vast 800,000 acres of rugged desert terrain, making it one of the best national parks for a bucket list California adventure. And, for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, there's much to explore beyond the park too, from historic ranches and museums to art sculptures and hot springs.
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Joshua Tree National Park is filled to the brim with hiking opportunities. Let us be your guide to the ever-famous Skull Rock hike.
Here are some of the best things to do near Joshua Tree National Park for the ultimate desert adventure.
1 Soak In The Desert Hot Springs
Desert oasis before sunset
Surprisingly, many hot springs can be found in the sweltering desert. In fact, there's even a city called Desert Hot Springs. Dubbed "California's Spa City," it's located about 31 miles outside the park and is, naturally, home to natural hot and cold mineral springs. For a mineral water experience, tourists can enjoy a wellness getaway in Palm Springs, too.
2 See The Stars At Sky’s The Limit Observatory And Nature Center
Twentynine Palms at night
Seeing the stars is one of the best things to do near Joshua Tree National Park. From nature walks to exploring a model of the Solar System, the sky's the limit at this California observatory, which is located in Twentynine Palms where the North Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is located.
3 Hike The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a perfect side trip for any visit to Joshua Tree National Park. Perfect for bird watching, the nature preserve spans 31,000 acres and features a backdrop of the surrounding Little San Bernardino Mountains.
4 Take A Guided Tour Of The Cabot's Pueblo Museum
5 Experience The Old West In Pioneertown
There's no better way to experience the Old West than by visiting Pioneertown. Located just outside of Yucca Valley, the unincorporated community was founded by Hollywood investors as a 1940s movie set. Grab a bite to eat at Pappy + Harriet's, get a drink at The Red Dog Saloon, or take a stroll along Mane Street.
6 See Unique Sculptures At The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum
Marvel at fascinating art sculptures in the desert at this eclectic open-air art museum, which is located in Joshua Tree. Grab a brochure at the welcome kiosk and take a guided tour of the museum's Assemblage Art, or Junk Art as it used to be called.
This is one of the best things to do near Joshua Tree National Park that is free and educational.
7 Go Wildlife Watching In The Sheephole Valley Wilderness
This sprawling 188,169-acre wilderness area is home to countless species, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, kangaroo rats, roadrunners, rattlesnakes, and more — making it the perfect spot for an afternoon of wildlife watching.
8 See The Art At Bombay Beach
Perched along the Salton Sea, Bombay Beach sounds like a popular coastal resort spot. However, the toxic waters and resulting stench of dead fish drove many residents away leaving an all but deserted ghost town in their wake. In any case, the area is still popular among tourists for its uncanny art installations.
9 Visit The Mojave Trail National Monument
Famed for its sweeping sand dunes and rugged mountains, and for containing the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66, the Mojave Trail National Monument is a must-see.
10 Spend A Day In The Mojave National Preserve
While in the desert, be sure to spend a day in the Mojave National Preserve, which is partially surrounded by the Mojave Trail National Monument. This hidden gem features many natural treasures like the Kelso Dunes, the Mojave Memorial Cross, and the Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation, which can be accessed via a moderately challenging 1.3-mile loop trail.
11 Best Time To Visit The Mojave Desert
Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding Mojave Desert are some of the most beautiful U.S. destinations — and they're certainly majestic any time of year. However, since the desert can get very hot during the summer months, the best time to visit the area is in the spring and fall.
The winter can be quite cool, with temperatures dipping substantially. However, for those who enjoy the colder temps, the winter months do see fewer crowds.
12 Best Ways To Get Around
Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding desert are incredibly expansive. The Mojave National Preserve alone encompasses 1.6 million acres, which means a vehicle is necessary for getting around.
But, for those who do choose to visit Joshua Tree National Park (which does charge an admission fee of $30 per vehicle), Park Boulevard is a great option for a scenic drive.
13 Where To Eat
Joshua Tree offers plenty of spots to grab a meal before heading out on an adventure.
Crossroads Cafe
JT Country Kitchen
Natural Sisters Cafe
Joshua Tree Saloon
Kitchen in the Desert
La Casita Azul
The Copper Room
14 Where To Stay
Looking to stay near Joshua Tree for longer than a day trip? There are hotels to suit every price point and need.
High Desert Motel Joshua Tree
Motel 6 Twentynine Palms
Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms - Joshua Tree National Park
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms, An IHG Hotel
The Bungalows by Homestead Modern at The Joshua Tree Retreat Center
Starlight Boutique Hotel Pioneertown
15 Tips To Know When Visiting
When it comes to exploring the Mojave, there are a few tips for visiting America's hottest desert. Namely, it can get very, very hot — so be sure to dress accordingly (hat, sunblock, etc.) and have ample water, especially if visiting in the warmer months.
Due to the heat, it's also advised against hiking between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Cell phone service can also be spotty out in the desert, so be sure to download routes and trails prior to visiting the area.
And, last but not least, don't touch the trees at Joshua Tree National Park.
16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In California's Rugged Desert
With so many breathtaking things to see, it's easy to spend the perfect 24 hours around Joshua Tree National Park. Of course, since the area is so expansive, a visitor must first choose which areas they'd like to explore. For example, one could spend a day seeing the Mojave National Preserve or the Mojave Trail National Monument.
A desert goer could also spend the day exploring Desert Hot Springs and surrounding attractions, such as Cabot's Pueblo Museum, Pioneertown, which is located about 30 minutes away, and the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, which is also located nearby in Joshua Tree.
Overall, no matter how a tourist decides to spend the day, it's guaranteed to be a thrilling time.