Joshua Tree is one of those places that feels like another planet. About 3 hours from San Diego, this desert landscape of twisted trees, massive boulders, and endless sky is one of the most unique destinations in California. Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, or just taking incredible photos, here’s everything you need to know.
Best Hikes
Skull Rock Trail (1.7 miles) is the park’s most iconic short hike — a massive rock formation that looks exactly like a skull. It’s easy, well-marked, and great for photos. For something more challenging, Ryan Mountain (3 miles round trip) rewards you with panoramic views of the entire park from the summit. 49 Palms Oasis (3 miles) takes you to a hidden palm oasis that feels completely surreal in the middle of the desert.
Rock Climbing
Joshua Tree is one of the top climbing destinations in the world, with over 8,000 routes ranging from beginner to expert. If you’ve never climbed before, book a guide through Joshua Tree Uprising or Cliffhanger Guides — they’ll set you up with gear and take you on routes matched to your experience level. Even watching the climbers from below is entertaining.
Stargazing
Joshua Tree is a designated Dark Sky Park, and the stargazing here is genuinely life-changing. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way with your naked eye. The park occasionally hosts Night Sky programs with telescopes, but even just lying on a blanket and looking up is incredible. Best viewing is during new moon phases — check the lunar calendar before planning your trip.
Where to Stay & Eat
The town of Joshua Tree and nearby Twentynine Palms have a growing collection of Airbnbs, many designed with the desert aesthetic in mind. For food, Crossroads Cafe in Joshua Tree village is the go-to for breakfast burritos and coffee. La Copine (when open) serves some of the best brunch in the entire desert region. Bring groceries for campsite cooking — there aren’t many restaurants close to the park itself.
