Joshua Tree, CA, is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, forming a landscape that feels like it belongs on another planet. If you visit, you’ll see thousands of twisted trees and piles of giant boulders that outline the horizon. This unique geography is a playground for many activities, from rock climbing to quiet nature walks.
The town itself sits right outside the park entrance and has its own unique and complex energy. You’ll find a mix of vintage stores, art galleries and local music venues along the main road. It serves as the perfect base camp to explore the whole area. Below, we detail 16 fun things to do in Joshua Tree, as well as planning tips for your visit.
1. Hike the Hidden Valley Nature Trail
The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park for nature lovers. Massive rock walls encircle this loop, blocking the wind to create a distinct microclimate — a great escape from the direct heat of the open desert. Legend has it that cattle rustlers used these steep rocks to hide their stolen herds from the law.
The trail is a flat 1-mile loop that you can finish in about an hour. You will see pinyon pines, junipers and oak trees that look different from the rest of the desert. Rock climbers often scale the granite walls, which hikers can watch from the path below. Try to arrive at sunrise or near sunset to watch the rocks glow red and avoid the midday crowds.
2. See the Iconic Skull Rock
You can see the park’s famous geology without a long hike at Skull Rock. This massive granite formation sits right off the main park road and looks exactly like a human skull. Raindrops accumulated in small depressions over thousands of years to erode the rock and carve out two hollow eye sockets.
You can also explore the 1.7-mile nature trail that loops through the boulder piles if you have time. Skull Rock draws large crowds of people who want to snap a photo from the roadside, which is why parking spots right in front of the rock fill up quickly during peak hours. You might need to leave your car in a turnout further down the road and walk back.
3. Watch the Sunset at Keys View
Keys View has one of the best panoramic lookouts in the entire park, with views of the entire Coachella Valley and the shimmering Salton Sea on a clear day. The overlook sits at over 5,000 feet — high enough to let you see the San Andreas Fault line down below. It gives you a sweeping perspective that differs greatly from the flat desert floor.
The wind often whips across the ridge and makes the air feel much colder than the valley below. Bring a warm jacket and try to arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good spot for sunsets, since crowds flock here to watch the sun dip behind the mountains. You will need to drive about 20 minutes from the main park road to reach the paved path.
4. Unwind with a Sound Bath at The Integratron
Visiting The Integratron in nearby Landers is a unique thing to do in Joshua Tree. It’s an all-white wooden dome that sits in the middle of the desert, resembling a spaceship. George Van Tassel built the structure after he claimed extraterrestrials gave him the design instructions. He originally intended it to be a machine for rejuvenation and time travel.
Visitors now go there for sound baths, where you lie on mats while a healer plays quartz crystal bowls. The perfect acoustics of the wood chamber amplify the sound to create deep relaxation. Tickets for these sessions sell out months in advance, so you must book your spot online well before your trip.
5. Stroll Through the Cholla Cactus Garden
The Cholla Cactus Garden features thousands of “Teddy Bear” chollas that cover the desert floor of the Pinto Basin. While the cacti look soft and fuzzy from a distance, you will quickly realize they are actually covered in thousands of razor-sharp spines. The spines glow with a golden halo when the sun hits them at the right angle, which is why sunrise is the best time to visit to see this light effect and avoid the heat.
Locals often call these plants “jumping chollas” because the segments detach easily and latch onto anything that brushes past. For your safety, you must stay strictly on the designated path, keep a close eye on children and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.
6. Stop by The World Famous Crochet Museum
The World Famous Crochet Museum is one of the quirkiest roadside attractions in Joshua Tree. It is a tiny, lime-green, refurbished photo booth that sits behind the Art Queen complex, which features an impressive collection of crocheted animals. You will find poodles, bears and other yarn creatures designed by artist Shari Elf.
The museum is barely big enough for two people to stand in at once. It can be found in downtown Joshua Tree, surrounded by other recycled art sculptures. Admission is free for everyone, but donations help keep the lights on. It serves as a fun, quick detour if you need a break between hikes.
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7. Snap a Photo at Arch Rock and Heart Rock
Arch Rock stands out among Joshua Tree National Park attractions for its massive natural granite bridge. You reach this formation on a short and flat trail near the White Tank Campground. The rock spans roughly 30 feet and creates a natural frame for the sky behind it. Visit during golden hour to see the stone glow orange or stay late for star photos.
A quick 0.3-mile detour takes you to Heart Rock on the same hike. Day visitors can’t park inside the campground and must use the Twin Tanks lot across the road instead. The trail involves walking through loose sand, so you should wear decent hiking shoes. Follow the signs carefully to stay on the designated path.
8. Go Stargazing in a Dark Sky Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park where you can see the Milky Way with your naked eye. To see the stars best, you should drive away from the busy campgrounds to find the darkest spots. Pinto Basin Road has plenty of quiet roadside pullouts where you can park and look up. It feels like you can reach out and touch the sky out there.
You’ll see the most stars if you visit during a new moon phase. The sky is pitch black then and the stars shine the brightest. The desert temperature drops quickly at night, so bring a heavy coat and a warm hat. You also need a headlamp with a red light setting to get around safely.
9. Dig Your Own Cactus at Cactus Mart
Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley is a classic roadside stop where you can dig up your own souvenir. This quirky shop has a special bar in the back filled with small cacti. You use the tongs to pull the cactus from the dirt and place it in a small pot. The staff will help you wrap it in a newspaper so it travels safely in your car.
The prices are unbeatable, usually starting at 50 cents for a small plant. It sits right on the main highway, making it an easy pit stop on your drive. You can also wander through the larger outdoor nursery to see massive agave and potted succulents.
10. Explore the Park on Horseback
Seeing the desert from a saddle gives you a connection to the landscape that is hard to match. It’s also one of the most traditional Joshua Tree activities available to visitors. You’ll move slowly through the Joshua tree forests and see the terrain just like the early pioneers did.
You don’t need to own a horse to enjoy the trails. Several private ranches near the park entrances have horseback guided tours for riders of all skill levels. You should book a sunset ride to watch the colors change across the valley and avoid the brutal midday heat. The park system maintains 253 miles of equestrian trails specifically for riders to explore the wilderness.
11. Walk Through a Historic Movie Set at Pioneertown’s Mane Street
Stepping onto Mane Street feels like walking straight into a classic Western, making it one of the most unique things to do in Joshua Tree town. Founded in 1946 by Hollywood legends like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, Pioneertown was designed as a permanent 1880s film set. Today, the dusty, pedestrian-only strip is lined with mock saloons, jails and bathhouses that house shops for local artists and potters.
While the town is open daily, the energy picks up on weekends when the “Gunfighters for Hire” stage free mock shootouts in the street. Once you’ve toured the set, take the short drive down to Yucca Valley for dinner at Mojave Gold, where you can enjoy some fresh Californian cuisine to cap off the visit.
12. See Art Made Of Junk at Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
If you are looking for things to do in Joshua Tree other than hiking, the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum is a must-see. The artist spent his final years filling 10 acres of the desert floor with massive sculptures made entirely from trash. You will walk among towering structures built from old tires, toilets, bowling balls and television sets. The open-air gallery has no velvet ropes or guards and feels like a walk through a post-apocalyptic world.
Admission is free for all visitors, though a donation box at the entrance helps fund maintenance. You will need to drive down Blair Lane to reach the site. The road is unpaved and often washboarded, so be prepared for a bumpy ride even in a non-4X4 car. If navigating dirt roads inspires you to see more rugged terrain, consider booking a Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour, which takes you deep into the backcountry that most visitors never see.
13. Visit an Abandoned Goldmine
Gold prospectors once scoured these hills for riches and the Lost Horse Mine stands as the best-preserved remnant of that era. A four-mile round-trip hike takes you to a wooden stamp mill that produced thousands of ounces of gold and silver in the late 1800s. The rusty machinery and timber frame still stand tall against the blue sky.
The National Park Service fenced off the actual mine shafts for safety reasons. The ground around the mill is riddled with sinkholes and unstable earth. You can view the structure from the safety of the perimeter fence while enjoying a sweeping view of Pleasant Valley below. When you are done with the trail, drive approximately 25 miles to AAA Approved Fairfield Inn & Suites and unwind in the heated outdoor pool to unwind after hiking.
14. Watch a Live Show at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
You can find the High Desert’s best nightlife tucked away in the old movie set of Pioneertown at Pappy & Harriet’s. The legendary roadhouse serves mesquite-grilled barbecue and hosts bands ranging from local indie acts to massive stars like Paul McCartney. The wooden building vibrates with energy, loud music and the smell of smoke.
Because the secret is long out, getting a table for dinner requires a reservation made weeks in advance. You might be able to squeeze in at the bar if you arrive early enough. Expect long wait times for food on nights when a show is scheduled.
15. Go Rock Climbing
Joshua Tree is famous for its rough quartz monzonite rock that sticks to your shoes like Velcro. That high friction makes it a fantastic place to learn how to climb, even if you have zero experience. It is also one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree with kids. You can book a private family rock climbing trip to learn safety knots and movement techniques in a controlled setting.
You do not always need ropes to enjoy the granite. Bouldering involves climbing shorter rock faces with a crash pad on the ground for safety. Areas like Cap Rock and Hidden Valley have plenty of easy scrambles where you can use your hands and feet to get up high. Watch where you put your hands to avoid sharp cactus spines hiding in the crevices.
16. Take an Electric Motorbike Tour
You can cover more ground than a hiker and see the backcountry without the noise of a gas engine on an electric motorbike. A guided motorbike tour takes you deep into the park to see old mines and distant mountain views, making it one of the most adventurous things to do in Joshua Tree.
Most tours require a standard driver’s license and give a quick lesson before you head out. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to protect your legs from brush and rocks.
Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Visiting the high desert requires more preparation than your average road trip. You’ll need to be ready for extreme weather shifts and vast distances between sights. To help you plan a smooth trip, here’s a breakdown of the best times to go, how to get there and where to stay.
Time of Year
The desert environment experiences drastic temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which influences what you do in Joshua Tree. It’s best to plan your travels around the times that suit your interests:
- Winter: You’ll experience cold days and freezing nights during these months. It’s a quiet time to visit if you want to avoid crowds. You might even see snow dusting the tops of the Joshua trees.
- Spring: It’s the most popular season because the wildflowers are in bloom. The temperatures are perfect for hiking all day long. However, you’ll need to book campsites and hotels months in advance.
- Summer: The heat becomes dangerous, often exceeding 100 degrees. You should limit your outdoor activities to the early morning or after sunset. Most visitors stay in air-conditioned spaces during the middle of the day.
- Fall: The scorching summer heat fades and the weather becomes pleasant again. It’s a prime time for rock climbing and camping under the stars. Plus, the park is less crowded than in spring.
How to Get There
You need a car to visit Joshua Tree National Park because there’s no shuttle system inside the park. Plus, the park is massive and the sights are spread far apart. Most visitors fly into Palm Springs and rent a vehicle there. You can also drive from major cities in Southern California.
Here are the typical driving times and distances to the main entrance in Joshua Tree:
- Palm Springs: 38 miles, 50 minutes by car
- Los Angeles: 130 miles, 2.5 hours by car
- San Diego: 165 miles, 3 hours by car
- Las Vegas: 215 miles, 3.5 hours by car
Where to Stay and Eat
Your accommodation choice completely changes the vibe of your trip. AutoCamp Joshua Tree has a fun glamping experience where you sleep in modern Airstream trailers. The AAA Three Diamond-designated Holiday Inn Express & Suites Twentynine Palms/Joshua Tree is a solid choice for a reliable room and a standard breakfast. RESET Hotel Joshua Tree is a new boutique option that feels like a private desert retreat with stylish, minimalist rooms.
You’ll find most of the dining options in Joshua Tree down the hill in the Coachella Valley. AAA Four Diamond-designated Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage is famous for its fine dining and old-school service. AAA Three Diamond-designated Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant in La Quinta serves classic American food in a historic setting. AAA Three Diamond-designated Pacifica Seafood Restaurant in Palm Desert is the place to go if you want fresh fish in the middle of the desert.
Visit Joshua Tree with AAA
Things to do in Joshua Tree range from adrenaline-pumping climbs to quiet sunset walks. It’s easy to combine this desert escape with a city break, where you enjoy the top things to do in LA on your drive back to the coast.
AAA Travel can help you lock in the best rates on rental cars and hotels for your desert road trip. Speak with a AAA Travel Agent today to sort out the logistics so you can focus on the hiking. You just need to pack your bags and hit the road.