5 Epic Joshua Tree Sunset Spots
There is not much natural beauty that can compare to a desert sunset. I can close my eyes and effortlessly picture those cotton candy Joshua Tree sunsets we watched every night for two weeks on top of our RV.
We explored sunsets in Joshua Tree right at our campground just outside the south entrance to the national park most nights, but also caught a few sunsets inside the national park and on top nearby mountains.
While sunsets are usually the preferred choice, probably because most of us don’t like to wake up before the sun, I highly recommend getting up for at least one sunrise to capture a completely unique energy and color combo than the sunset.
Common FAQs
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Joshua Tree National Park entry fee is $30 per vehicle and is valid up to 7 days or you can use your American the Beautiful national parks pass.
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The best time to visit Joshua Tree is during fall and winter to avoid crowds and hot summer temps, additionally, late September is perfect for viewing the Milky Way without many crowds.
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The Milky Way in Joshua Tree is a must see during the summer and our favorite viewing spot is at Arch Rock (details below).
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Yes, the park entrance and exit gates are open 24/7 in Joshua Tree National Park.
Best Places for Sunset in Joshua Tree
Always check the current conditions. Park entrances, trails, and weather can change daily.
Whether you are a lover of sunrise or sunsets, Joshua Tree National Park will not disappoint to make some magical experiences.
1) Joshua Tree South Dispersed Campground
We camped in our RV for free at the Joshua Tree South Dispersed Campground for two weeks in November and every night we were gifted with the most magical sunsets.
It’s only 5 miles south of the Cottonwood entrance to Joshua Tree National Park and there is plenty of space to capture the sun as it sets so effortlessly behind the mountains of Coachella Valley.
Because of the remote location and minimal distractions, this is also a great spot to get a time-lapse as well.
This location is also where you will have the best chance at finding artists painting their vision of this vast desert and its colorful night sky.
The only thing you won’t find here is the iconic Joshua Tree, but if you want a unique view and somewhere to camp for free then I highly recommend adding Joshua Tree South Dispersed to your list of sunset locations.
2) Cholla Cactus Garden
While most (including yours truly) will attest that this location is breathtaking for sunrise, the Cholla Cactus Garden is also perfect to view a particularly spectacular sunset.
With the needles of these “teddy bear” cacti glowing yellow and orange from the flaming crimson sun, you can’t go wrong with any angle you shoot.
I suggest getting to the parking lot an hour before the sun sets as it is a popular place to for photographers and visitors alike.
There is a quarter mile of trail that meanders through the large garden of Cholla Cacti so you can choose the perfect spot to shoot, just make sure not to touch any of them.
While the Cholla Cacti are probably the cutest cactus on the planet, they have a legit defense mechanism that allows for their needles to wrap around your skin for a brutal experience from the slightest of touch.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Read next: 7 Must-See Places in Joshua Tree
3) Hidden Valley Campground
At Hidden Valley campground, you can plan to capture the insanely unique jumbo rocks and Dr. Seuss-like trees of Joshua Tree National Park amongst the golden lit sky.
Hidden Valley Campground is a very central location inside Joshua Tree National Park with a lot to explore around the camp.
Whether you get the chance to snag one of the 44 first-come, first-reserve campsites at the most popular campground in Joshua Tree, you should still plan to visit this campground for a jaw-dropping sunset.
Even if you don’t get a campsite here, there is plenty enough space to explore without impeding on anyone’s site.
I would also suggest staying longer at Hidden Valley after the sun goes down to see the Milky Way.
Whether you are a photographer or not, there is something magical that happens when viewing the VERY dark night sky in Joshua Tree.
Some even say it’s the best time to take photos in Joshua Tree National Park.
Keep reading to discover our favorite spot to view the Milky Way.
4) Keys View to Inspiration Peak Trail
Probably the most popular place for sunset in Joshua Tree National Park is at Keys View.
Pro tip- if you park at Keys View and hike the moderate1.9 miles (roundtrip) to Inspiration Peak, there will be half the crowd and the same views, if not better!
Whether you find a great spot at Keys View or an overlook along your hike up to Inspiration Peak, you will be getting stunning photos with panoramic views of Joshua Tree National Park, the Coachella Valley, surrounding mountains, and on a clear day, a view of the Saltan Sea.
Use the AllTrails listing to find the trailhead and to make sure you are staying on the right trail.
I also suggest reading the reviews posted on All Trails to see what the most recent hikers comments are and if there are any new trail disruptions.
5) Willow Hole (Wonderland of Rocks)
Willow Hole trail is actually one of our favorite hikes inside the park because it is not as crowded as some of the other popular trails in the park.
Here you can count on capturing endless rows of varying Joshua Trees surrounded by towering jumbo rocks.
Not to mention the trail ends at one overly-sized magical Willow Tree.
The trail is nearly flat, but it is a total of 7.2 miles roundtrip. While you don’t need to complete the entire hike, I at least suggest walking 2.25 miles down the Boy Scout Trail to the start of the Wonderland of Rocks.
If you feel confident in your footing, you can boulder up any of these wondrous rocks for even more spectacular sunset views.
Since this can be a longer hike don’t forget to bring a headlamp to get you safely back down the trail to your car and extra water, as even at night the air is so dry you’ll easily start to feel dehydrated.
bonus - Arch Rock for Night Sky Photography
If you ever wanted to capture the Milky Way, Joshua Tree is one epic place to do it!
Joshua Tree is actually a dedicated Dark Sky Park and has endless places to view the painted night sky.
One of the most beautiful places to capture the Milky Way in Joshua Tree is at Arch Rock.
Arch Rock is an actual 30 foot tall arch located closely beside White Tank Campground, near site 13.
Ideally, the best time to view the Milky Way is during summer and when the moon is new, so make sure to plan beforehand.
It also helps to have a good sky map app like Star Walk so you can see exactly where the Milky Way will be.
To get to Arch Rock, park at the Arch Rock Trailhead that is just West of White Tank Campground. The parking area is on the south side of the road. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the base of the arch.
It may be a little tricky to find the right spot to setup your tripod and get a good angle, but it is possible! Don’t forget your headlamp too!
Best hike near Joshua Tree - Painted Canyon Trail.
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