A Perfect Joshua Tree Day Trip Itinerary
A majority of Joshua Tree National Park can be seen in one full day trip, but I highly recommend staying one night near Joshua Tree to take advantage of the picturesque sunsets and sunrises that come out of this enchanted desert town.
There are so many unique things to do and see in Joshua Tree from the alien-inspired Integratron to the endless views of the Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees.
This is a magical place for everyone to experience.
Joshua Tree One Day Itinerary
Screenshot for your Joshua Tree Day Trip
Joshua Tree Day Trip Info
Always check the park’s current conditions for any road or trail closures.
There is no cell service throughout the park, download Google Maps of the area for offline use before you go.
Dogs are not allowed on any trails inside the national park.
Make sure to wear sunscreen, even in winter as the sun is very powerful and UV rays are high in the desert.
Keep plenty of water (2 gallons) on you while in the park.
One Day in Joshua Tree
From getting the perfect photos of Joshua Trees glowing in the sun, unique rock sculptures, and the most incredible sound bath at an alien-inspired structure.
This is the perfect one day itinerary when visiting Joshua Tree!
Cholla Cactus Garden
I highly recommend going to the Cholla Cactus Garden to start your day at sunrise or end your day at sunset. The way the cactus needles light up with the sun behind them is a sight that should not be missed! Also, this desert is infamous for dreamy sunrises and sunsets that will give you some of your best photos yet!
It is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the park, because of how prickly and large the cactus needles are on the Cholla Cacti. Be sure to watch your step!
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Arch Rock
Very unique to Joshua Tree is this 30’ feet high Arch Rock. It’s a fun short adventure scrambling through the rocks and it’s absolutely worth the half-mile walk to get here.
The easiest way to get here is parking at the Arch Rock Trailhead which is just West of White Tank Campground. The parking area is on the south side of the road. For those staying at White Tank Campground, the trail starts near site 13.
Time Needed: 1 hour
Skull Rock
Skull Rock is a classic site to see while visiting Joshua Tree.
It is located right off the road and is almost visible while driving past, but worth the stop if you want a picture.
There are about 10 parking spots on either side of the main road just west of Jumbo Rocks Campground.
No need to do the full nature trail as there isn’t much to see.
Time Needed: 20 minutes
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
A great nature trail that’s an easy 1-mile walk where you can walk along the quintessential Joshua Trees and climb the unique jumbo rocks.
For those of you who are big hikers, our favorite hiking trail is Willow Hole (Wonderland of Rocks) but it’s 7 miles long. You can also read our 7 favorite hikes in Joshua Tree for more ideas.
Time Needed: 1 hour
Fun at the Thrift Stores
For those of you who love thrift stores, don’t miss the hidden gems located in Joshua Tree, CA! Head towards Yucca Valley off Hwy 62 to Joshua Springs Thrift Shop, This N That Desert Treasures, and Funky and Darn Near You, just to name a few!
Time Needed: 1 hour
Integratron Sound Bath - Joshua Tree
I highly recommend making a reservation to experience Integratron. It may actually be my favorite part of visiting Joshua Tree, besides the sunrises and sunsets.
If you are into music, meditation, acoustics, aliens, sound baths, or unique experiences then this will be something you’ll love!
The Integratron experience starts with learning how the unique sound chamber was built (without any metal or screws) and then you’ll be swayed into a deep relaxation to ambient music from 20 quartz crystal singing bowls played live.
It is recommended to make a reservation at least 2-3 days in advance.
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Eat at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown
If you love great food and live music, Pappy & Harriet’s is the place to be! The bar & grill is located in “Pioneertown” and you can walk around the restaurant first to see the old western shops. Then head inside Pappy & Harriet’s for an amazing experience of great food, people, and music!
Time Needed: 2 hours
If you stay the night in Joshua Tree, read our list of best places to watch the sunset in Joshua Tree for one of the most memorable painted skies you’ll ever see.
Joshua Tree Map - Things to do
Below are the must-see places we have listed for the Day Trip Itinerary to Joshua Tree.
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree
Spring and Fall are the most popular time to visit Joshua Tree as temperatures are moderate, with an average high around 85°F/29°C and lows around 50°F/10°C.
You will also have the chance to see a desert bloom during Spring time if the rainfall has been consistent throughout winter.
Winter is a great time to go since it is a down season for tourism; highs are 60°F/15°C, and lows are around 35°F.
Summers are hot but manageable with temperatures reaching over 100°F/38°C.
Camping in Joshua Tree
There are a total of 8 campgrounds inside Joshua Tree National Park. From September to May, five out of the eight campgrounds can be reserved in advance (we highly recommend doing so).
Free Camping near Joshua Tree
There are two main places to camp free near Joshua Tree:
Joshua Tree South Dispersed: this is where we stayed for 2 weeks and loved it! It’s much warmer down here, which is best for the winter months.
It’s also only 5 miles south of the Cottonwood entrance and 30min from Indio, which has every major box store and more.Joshua Tree North Dispersed: if it wasn’t winter and Integratron was open, I would have opted to stay on the north side of the park. You are a lot closer to the major attractions of Joshua Tree (the town and the national park). There aren’t as many big box stores as in Indio, but there is a Walmart and awesome local shops.
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