The Perfect 2-Day Joshua Tree Itinerary

Rock climbing initially caught my interest in Joshua Tree National Park. I had heard that climbing was a unique and fun experience at the park. But when I arrived, I soon realized that this park had so much more to offer. This national park has some of the best sunsets I have ever seen, with pink bubblegum colors across the sky. I was also in awe of the spectacular stars when the sun finally settled down. Stargazing here is out of this world and should not be missed. Lastly, the ubiquitous boulders spread across the park were majestic and massive, especially at the Hidden Valley Campground. Being only two hours away from LA, Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to visit on the weekend. If you are planning a fun weekend getaway to Joshua Tree, keep reading on for the perfect 2-3 day Joshua Tree itinerary. Enjoy 🙂

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Joshua Tree National Park Hotels

There are no hotels inside the park but here are some of the best hotels near Joshua Tree. Please note that you won’t find any 5-star hotels in this area:

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms: This is probably one of the best places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park. The hotel has free breakfast, a modern interior, and a pool to lay out during the hot days!  >Check Prices and Availability Here
• Sure Stay Plus by Best Western Twentynine Palms at Joshua Tree National Park: This hotel is close to Joshua Tree National Park and has a hot tub, pool, and complimentary breakfast! >Check Prices and Availability Here
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms: Holiday Inn Express Hotels are usually reasonably priced, and they have done a great job renovating their hotels. This hotel is near the national park as well and has free breakfast. >Check Prices and Availability Here

Read More: Where to Stay in Joshua Tree | 8 Stunning Places to Stay

The Best Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds

• Hidden Valley Campground (first come first serve): This is the BEST campground in Joshua Tree. Most of the climbing is in this area, and the boulders surrounding it are fantastic. It is difficult to snag a spot on the weekend, but you might have a shot if you get there early Friday morning.
• White Tank Campground (first come, first serve): This is the smallest campground in Joshua Tree, so it is an excellent choice for some peace. It is also next to one of the most popular hikes in the park, the Arch Rock Nature Trail.
• Indian Cove Campground (Reservable): It is located close to town and is nestled among boulders. It is a favorite place for rock climbers. The downside is that it is far away from the principal attractions.

Where To Eat In Joshua Tree National Park

There are no choices inside the national park. Your best bet is to pack some food or drive out of the park to get some grub:

• The Natural Sisters Cafe: Has fantastic vegetarian wraps, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.
• Pappy and Harriet’s: Great place for live music and BBQ.
• JT Country Kitchen: Has great breakfast.

Maps Of Joshua Tree National Park California

One of the closest airports is the LA International Airport. It takes about 2 1/2 hours (152 miles) to get to the North side of Joshua Tree National Park. Please note that LA traffic is some of the worse traffic I have ever seen before, so it might take longer than two and a half hours.

Palm Springs International Airport is another airport close by, and it is only 50 minutes away. It is less hectic, and you can probably avoid a lot of traffic.

Also, note there are two sides to Joshua Tree. The north and the south side. For some reason, our google maps took us through the southern area of Joshua Tree, and there is not much on that side, so make sure you enter the park from the north.

Best Time To Visit Joshua Tree National Park

• Spring in Joshua Tree National Park: One of the best times to visit Joshua Tree National Park. The temperatures are mild, and the wildflowers are blooming. Keep in mind that it does get crowded because of the cool temperatures.
• Summer in Joshua Tree National Park: The least crowded time of year due to the scorching hot temperatures. It is easier to score a great campsite, which is the best time to view the stars.
• Fall in Joshua Tree National Park: October and November are the best months to visit Joshua Tree National Park. The weather is perfect, and it is less crowded than in the Springtime.
• Winter in Joshua Tree National Park: The cold temperatures keep most visitors away, but that doesn’t stop rock climbers from enjoying the park. It does snow every once in a while, and when it does, it is a great way to get some fantastic photography.

Read More: Best Time To Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree Tours

What To Pack For A Joshua Tree 2 Day Itinerary

For Day Trip Or Staying At A Hotel

1. Sunscreen: This is a no brainer. You need this if you are hiking or climbing. >Buy Sunscreen
2. Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me I have done it so many times before). >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
3. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there 🙂 >Buy My Hiking Socks
4. Refillable water bottle: I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know for a fact they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before. >Check Prices Now
5. Water: Bring water everywhere. Joshua Tree is pretty hot!
6. Sunglasses: It is the desert, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. >Check Out These Sunglasses
7. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, energy bars. >Cliff Bars are great for hiking
8. Camera: I have linked the camera I used to take pictures of the Joshua Tree. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
9. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
10. Day Pack to carry all your things: The REI bag I have linked, we have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
11. Leggings or shorts: Leggings are my go-to when it comes to hiking but shorts are great in this hot climate. >Check Out My Leggings Here
12. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts: I love how breathable the Patagonia hiking shirts are >Check Out Here
13. Sports Bra: For women.
14. Jacket: I went in October, and it was very chilly at night. Bring a Jacket! >Buy My Favorite Jacket
15. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. We used this Tripod to get our bubblegum pink sunset pictures >Check out this tripod
16. Headlamp: This is part of the ten essentials and important to have when you hike. You never know if a hike will take a lot longer then you thought. >Check Out Headlamp Here

If You Are Climbing

1. Climbing Shoes: These were my first climbing shoes when I started rock climbing. >Buy Beginner Rock Climbing Shoes
2. Harness: This is only needed if you are sport climbing >Buy A Womens Harness Here
3. Bouldering Crash Pad: >Buy The Best Crash Pad Here
4. Chalk Bag: I love when Chalk Bags are adorable like this one. >But This Purple Fluffy Chalk Bag
5. Chalk: Climbing without chalk is the worst! This brand has always been my favorite. The chalk feels silky. >Buy Some Soft Chalk
6. Rope: This is the rope we used for years. >Buy Climbing Rope
7. Belay: I have always been a Gri Gri type of girl. >Buy My Fav Belay Device
8. Quickdraws: These are pretty awesome. We got them as a wedding present. >Buy Quickdraws Here
9. Carabiners: Always useful to have more than one. >Buy Your Carabiner Pack Here

If You Are Camping

1. Everything in the Day Hike List Above and,
2. Tent: REI’s tents are one of my favorite tents. Love the excellent quality and how packable they are. >Buy The REI Half Dome Tent
3. Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad is pretty much a small, packable inflatable mattress. I have tried many types of sleeping pads (cheap ones, light ones, comfortable ones), and the one I have linked is probably the best one in the market for comfort. It is my husbands sleeping pad, and it can be used all year long. >Check Out My All-Time Favorite Sleeping Pad
4. Spork: A spoon and fork in one. >Buy A Spork Now
5. Pillows: Pillows can take a lot of room, so I recommend buying an inflatable one. The one I have linked, I just bought it and I love how comfy it is. >Buy The EXTREMELY Packable Inflatable Pillows
6. Sleeping Bag: One of the most critical aspects of getting a good nights sleep! Bringing a sleeping bag is a must. >Look At Prices
7. Sandals: I hate wearing my hiking shoes when I am hanging around the campsite, so bringing some sandals for leisure is a must for me. >Check Out These Sandals
8. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Medicine & Toiletries
9. Stove: Love this stove that we got for Christmas. Don’t forget to buy propane. (Note: Do not bring this on a plane with you, as it can get confiscated). >Buy Stove Here
10. Cookware Set: Love how packable my cookware set is. I can easily take it anywhere with me. We have used this countless times. >Buy My Cute Cookware Set

How Many Days In Joshua Tree

You only need 1-2 days to explore most Joshua Tree National Park. The trails are pretty straightforward in this park, and the views are effortless to get to. Joshua Tree National Park is a very easy weekend trip from Los Angeles.

2 Day Joshua Tree Itinerary

Day 1

Cholla Cactus Garden

• Distance: 0.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 9 ft.
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

The cutest cacti we have ever seen are located in the central area of Joshua Tree National Park! These are called Cholla Cacti or AKA Teddy Bear Cacti. I loved seeing these wonderful Teddy Bears. No one was there, so we were able to take a million pictures to add to our collection of Joshua Tree photography! Please note that it is a long drive to get to this area but so worth it!

I have seen the garden twice, once at 8 am and another time around sunrise. I prefer how they looked during sunrise. The sky turned bright pink and then orange. The sun beams made the cacti look as though they were glowing. I highly recommend experiencing sunrise here. Above I have pictures of both experiences just so you can pick which time is best for you to start your day.

Hike Arch Rock Trail

• Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 88 ft.
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

One of the best things to see in Joshua Tree National Park is Arch Rock. The trail is a 1.2-mile loop, and it is located next to the White Tank Campground. It is an excellent hike for people of all skill levels. You can also take a detour and see the famous heart rock nearby! There are now signs of getting to Heart Rock(before there was not).

Skull Rock Nature Trail

• Distance: 1.7 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 180 ft.
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

One of the best Joshua Tree attractions is the Skull Rock. There is a 1.7-mile loop trail, and you can also view the skull from the main road without even getting out of your car! I recommend hiking it and adding Split Rock and Face Rock.

Read More: Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

Keys View

• Distance: 0.1 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 13 ft.
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Perched on Little San Bernardino Mountains, the Keys View gives panoramic scenery of Coachella Valley. The lookout is wheelchair accessible, and the trail loop is only 0.2 miles. Since this is a pretty straightforward activity, then it has to be added to your to-do list!

To add to this viewpoint, you can hike to Inspiration Peak, which is a moderate hike at 1.9 miles round trip.

Barker Dam

• Distance: 1.3 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 62 ft.
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Barker Dam can be a popular hike, so parking can be a pain. But if you can get to the dam, make sure you watch out for petroglyphs. There are many ancient petroglyphs throughout the hike. It is also best to hike this trail after a rainstorm when the dam is filled with water as there is a chance of the dam being dried up.

Stargazing

One of my favorite things to do in Joshua Tree National Park is to stargaze. There is little light pollution, so you have a high chance of seeing the sky full of diamonds. Since the moon was out during the early night, I set the alarm for 2 am to take the pictures. It was my first attempt at astrophotography, and I enjoyed it.

If you aren’t staying at a campsite, you can use a roadside pullout to get safely off the road. Or you can go to some favorite spots like Skull Rock and Arch Rock. Please note that the best time to see the Milky Way is in the Summer.

Day 2

Climbing Hidden Valley Or Hike The Hidden Valley Trail

• Distance: 1.0 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 114 ft.
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

One of the best Joshua Tree activities is rock climbing, and the best spot to climb is Hidden Valley. We loved rock climbing at Hidden Valley, and we spent the whole day bouldering. We walked back to the campsite to take a break if it got too hot. Whether it is sport climbing or bouldering, Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent choice for enjoying this sport. People from all over the world come to Joshua Tree to experience the world-class climbing walls.

If you aren’t a rock climber, I highly recommend checking out this area. The tall boulders and trees are stunning, and there is even a trail called Hidden Valley Nature Trail. The views are breathtaking, and it is filled with many boulders of all sizes. It was fun exploring and climbing some of the rocks on the trail (you don’t need to climb to finish the trail, we just did it to have some fun). This is a popular trail for families, and we saw many kids on this trail.

Hall Of Horrors

• Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 26 ft.
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

A Joshua Tree must-see activity is the Hall of Horrors. This place is like a jungle gym for adults. People love to explore this area for hours. It is amazing for climbing, scrambling, exploring crevices and caves. There are also many trees in this area. This was probably my favorite part in the park to get lost in.

Ryan Mountain Hike

• Distance: 3.0 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1062 ft.
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

There are incredible panoramic views of the whole park from the top, and it is pretty much a Stairmaster climb. Ryan Mountain Trail is probably one of the best hikes in the national park and is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. If you are going in the Winter, Fall, or Spring, you might want to bring a jacket because it can get pretty windy and chilly.

Take Joshua Tree Sunset Pictures

I don’t know why but Joshua Tree has some of the best sunsets I have ever seen in my life. I highly recommend driving before sunset and picking an area to take photos of the Joshua Trees. In the photos above and below I can not tell you where we were for those photos. All I know is that we drove around, found an area with no crowds, brought our camping chairs, and sat and watched the sunset.

The Joshua Trees look pretty incredible as a silhouette during colorful sunsets, as you can see in the pictures above. We were pretty impressed with the pink bubble gum-colored sky, and these sunset pictures are still some of my favorite images to date.

Joshua Tree One Day Itinerary

If you only have one day at the park, then this is probably the best Joshua Tree National Park 1 day itinerary:

Final Thoughts On Day Trip To Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park blew all expectations out of the water. I wished we lived 2 hours away from this one-of-a-kind park. The Joshua Trees are splendid and marvelous, and the colors of the sunset bring out the beauty of the trees. Make sure to check out some of my other favorite national parks in California:

• The Ultimate Guide To Death Valley National Park
• Best Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes, California
• Where To Find Fall Colors In Mammoth Lakes
• The Perfect Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary
• 8 Fun Things To Do In Visalia, California
• The Perfect Weekend In Palm Springs Itinerary

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