Miles of dirt and paved roads to explore. Joshua Tree’s creative, free-spirited attitude might be why high-profile artists come here, too. With an estimated 8,000 established routes and 2,000 bouldering problems, Joshua Tree is a premier destination for climbers. Stargazing is one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree! You hear that, and you believe it, but then you go there and you really feel it. There are tons of things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, but the checking out the joshua trees is the main attraction. Case in point: Joshua Tree National Park in California's Mojave and Colorado deserts (it straddles the two ecosystems) has had a lot of attention in recent years. Erin 10/24/2020 - Such a fabulous post!! Joshua Tree’s diverse landscapes and plethora of things to do make the park a favorite among California locals and visitors alike. It’s one part nature, one part outer space, and some third indefinable part that seems to come from the dry desert air or the general hippy vibe. Spend some time walking around, popping into stores, checking out the art and murals, and appreciating the eclectic vibes (there’s a lot of that here!) Weather Joshua Tree enjoys beautiful weather year-round, though each season offers its own natural splendor. Fall in Joshua Tree National Park: October and November are the best months to visit Joshua Tree National Park. The closest airport is Palm Springs International, about a 45-minute drive to Joshua Tree Village. Information pamphlets and maps are available at the visitor centers. Joshua Tree is one of the best places for stargazing in the country (and the planet!) The East side of the park is best for stargazing. The Basics Before You Visit Joshua Tree (+ Tips) Location: The main park entrance is located about 140 miles east of Los Angeles, 175 miles northeast of San Diego, 40 miles east of Palm Springs, and 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas.It’s about an hour drive each way for a day trip to Joshua Tree from Palm Springs, about 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, and almost 3 hours from San Diego and … Joshua Tree offers outstanding stargazing. Easily one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree is to dedicate most of your time visiting the national park. One of the most famous of these was the rock group U2, who found inspiration here for their Joshua Tree album when they took a road trip out here in the 80s. Joshua Tree National Park has nine campsites available. The inside is full of wood planks and industrial decor. Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground (44 sites, $) – 40 ft max RV length. What to Do: Take a walk around Joshua Tree Village and visit the artist galleries at Art Queen. Exploring the unique nature at Joshua Tree National Park isn’t the only thing to do in the area – the town of Joshua Tree is also worthwhile to check out! Top Things to Do in Joshua Tree Town (for Weirdos, Culture Vultures and Extraterrestrials) You can do all of these artistic endeavors in one full day or two lazy days. They thought the twisted, eerie looking things resembled the biblical Joshua, with his arms stretched towards the promised land. Since 1991, Joshua tree entrance fees have been charged. Joshua Tree has somewhere in the neighborhood of 8,000 climbing routes and hundreds of climbing formations. Bring food and water as there is not any running water in the park. Summer in Joshua Tree National Park: The least crowded time of year due to the scorching hot temperatures. You can also head to private campgrounds around Joshua Tree. Exceptional photos too! From Los Angeles it’s about 2 hours. But out in the middle of the desert—despite the 3 million visitors that flock to the park annually—it is easy to feel as though you’re the only person on the planet. Since 2016 the price has been $25 for a car and $16 for a motorcycle. Joshua Tree backpackers can self-register for free at 13 different trailheads. Joshua Tree National Park is covered under the America the Beautiful National Parks and Recreational Lands Senior Pass, so if you’ve already purchased one, you can enter for free.If not, you can purchase one to gain access to more than 2,000 national parks … And that Joshua Tree sculpture is … Summers are sweltering in Joshua Tree, but you will see the least amount of crowds.I visited the park as a quick Joshua Tree day trip on a weekend in Palm Springs, and it almost felt like we had the entire park to myself!. Vessy 10/24/2020 - Thanks for stopping by, Leigh! Whether you’re looking for a sense of peace, a strenuous adventure, an Old West–inspired getaway, or the best music this side of the Sonoran, Joshua Tree National Park and its surrounding area deliver plenty of delights. The best way to get to Joshua Tree is by car, which provides the most flexibility and convenience. Joshua Tree, California: Unusual, Unique and U2, too! The entrance fee into the Park is $30 and it is good for seven days. Folk legend traces the name to Mormon settlers in these areas in the 19th century who saw the tree's gnarled branches and compared them to outstretched arms leading them forward. What Is Joshua Tree National Park . The Keys family were the only ones to make a sustainable living in this unforgiving landscape (or rather…resilient garden). Before you enter the park, stop at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center in the actual town of Joshua Tree. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, California on Tripadvisor: See 6,557 traveller reviews and photos of Joshua Tree National Park tourist attractions. It’s one of the popular cafes to eat at in Joshua Tree and I was nervous it wouldn’t live up to the hype, but I was surprised by both the food and the restaurant! Reply. According to legend, the Mormons named these trees when they passed through the area in the mid 19th-century. Joshua Tree National Park, located just 2 hours east of Los Angeles, is a treasure trove of out of this world scenery, hiking and rock scrambling, making it an ideal destination for a family day trip or weekend escape. Joshua Tree is one of 117 national parks in the United States that charges an entrance fee. World Class Climbing & Bouldering Rock Climbing. Joshua trees are pretty insane: they look more like something Dr. Seuss dreamed up than an actual tree. From the Bay Area, the drive to Joshua Tree is about 6 1/2 hours. This is a fantastic place to escape the city and the light pollution and gaze into the night skies. Joshua Tree National Park is a relatively new national park, only established in 1994. Joshua Tree is in the Mojave Desert, the only place on Earth where you'll find the giant yucca plants called "Joshua Trees." Most options are north of the park where you can conveniently get to restaurants and shops too. Follow this itinerary to see the very best of Joshua Tree in one day: Joshua Tree Visitors Center. So if you’re looking for things to do in Joshua Tree, you’re in the right place! I spent two days and nights in the area and had time for both the Joshua Tree artsy attractions as well as hiking and sightseeing in the park . Take the Key’s Ranch Tour. Some say the Joshua Trees were the inspiration for the Truffula Trees used in many of his books. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Getting To Joshua Tree By Car. The Joshua tree, also known as the "yucca palm," from its scientific name, Yucca brevifola, is found mostly in the Mojave Desert and other areas in the American West. Climbers frequent Joshua Tree National Park, particularly during the winter months when the great climbing destinations further north, like Yosemite, are out of season. There’s no other permit required for hiking or backpacking in the park. Before beginning the journey to Joshua Tree National Park, visitors can find directions using Google Maps and, upon arrival, other useful information and tips at the Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center. The two parks are only four hours away from each other, so you can see Death Valley and then make it to the Joshua Tree area to spend the night. Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day all year long. We have reviews of the best places to see in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is really a fascinating place, and I highly recommend it! The Cost to Joshua Tree National Park. North of Joshua Tree. Yes, it is hot AF and you will be sweating balls…and no, you will not do any hiking (we just drove through and made a few quick stops and then bounced). From Joshua Tree, we headed to Death Valley National Park where we also spent just one day. Discover 7 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Joshua Tree, California from The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum to Desert View Conservation Area. It is easier to score a great campsite, and this is the best time to view the stars. The reason is that the Park is located in the High Desert (3000-5000 ft above sea level) and it is located far from major cities (which create light pollution). Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorite California national parks, but unfortunately it is a little underappreciated (especially when viewed next to the California national park giants like Yosemite and Sequoia).But it’s time for this to change, because there are so many hidden gems and fun things to do in Joshua Tree…from hiking, to bouldering, to stargazing, and much more! Or if you are adventuresome and want to visit the park and do some RV camping, check out the website Your-RV-Camping. Joshua Tree is a magical place. Right when we pulled into Joshua Tree after our 9+ hour drive from San Francisco, we made a beeline to the Crossroads Cafe. With a stunningly stark, bewitching beauty, it’s easy to fall under Joshua Tree’s spell. You could also do this route in reverse, seeing Joshua Tree and then spending the night near or in Death Valley. Before visiting the park, check out your options for entering. Joshua Tree has an entrance fee of $35 per standard automobile (which is good for in-and-out entry for seven days). The Keys Ranch tour is one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree…but plan ahead. Joshua Tree, California. Joshua Tree is packed with great things to do and places to go. Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park, California: See Tripadvisor's 6,546 traveller reviews and photos of Joshua Tree National Park attractions. So many fun things to do in Joshua Tree NP! The 1.5 hour Keys Ranch tour is the best kept secret in the park. Reply. Visitor Centers are open typically from 8:00 – 5:00 although some open at 8:30 a.m. Joshua Tree camping tips. But where do you begin? They have water and electric hookups, and dump. When Joshua Tree National Park is closing temporarily, it will be publicized well in advance. Desert riding Biking. Joshua Tree National Park is a true desert wilderness that is best described as a big playground illustrated by Dr Seuss. Arrive early, ideally at 8 AM, just as the visitor center is opening, so you can spend as much time in the park as possible before the crowds and hotter temperatures arrive. They offer a free guide packed full of practical tips and advice. Famous for it’s odd looking Yucca trees that look like they are something out of a Dr. Seuss book, this is a place that has inspired creatives for decades. During the summer, many are first-come, first-serve and don’t require a reservation. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Do I need a permit to backpack in Joshua Tree?