A complete one-day guide to exploring Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of Southern California’s most iconic landscapes, known for its surreal rock formations, sprawling desert vistas, and the twisted silhouettes of its namesake Joshua trees. Just about an hour from Palm Springs, the park makes for an unforgettable day trip—whether you’re interested in scenic drives, easy hikes, photography, or simply experiencing the stillness of the high desert.
This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a successful day trip from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park, from when to visit and how to prepare to the best drives, short hikes, and must-see viewpoints.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Joshua Tree National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitation patterns and conditions vary by season:
- Fall: Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
- Spring: Peak season with wildflowers and ideal hiking weather
- Summer: Extremely hot, best for early-morning or sunset visits
- Winter: Cooler days, cold nights, occasional snow at higher elevations
Spring and fall offer the best balance of weather and accessibility for most visitors.
Planning Your Visit: What to Know Before You Go
Joshua Tree is a remote desert environment. Preparation is essential.
Be Prepared
There is no food, water, or gasoline available inside the park. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a full tank of gas. Weather conditions can change quickly and may include extreme heat, high winds, flash flooding, or cold temperatures.
Download the NPS App
The National Park Service app provides trail maps, campground details, ranger programs, and downloadable offline content, which is critical given the limited cell service throughout the park.
Buy Your Park Pass in Advance
Purchasing your entrance pass on recreation.gov can save time at entrance stations, especially during busy seasons.
Getting There from Palm Springs
The drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park takes approximately one hour, making it one of the most accessible national parks in Southern California.
Entrance Options
- West Entrance: Near Joshua Tree Village; the busiest and most popular entrance
- South Entrance: Near Cottonwood Spring, off Interstate 10; less crowded and ideal for scenic drives
Important: Do not rely on GPS alone. Some navigation systems may direct you onto unsafe or unmaintained backcountry roads.
Joshua Tree Visitor Centers
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
Located five miles from the West Entrance, this is an ideal first stop for maps, passes, exhibits, and ranger guidance.
Open daily: 7:30 am - 5 pm
Cottonwood Visitor Center
Convenient for visitors entering from I-10. Includes exhibits, restrooms, water refill stations, and ranger assistance.
Open daily: 8:30 am - 4 pm
Parking Tips
- Park only in designated spaces or on graded shoulders
- Never park on vegetation or near red curbs
- If a parking lot is full, move on and return later
Choosing activities based on parking availability helps reduce congestion and protects fragile desert ecosystems.
One-Day Joshua Tree Itinerary
Start your day early with a one-hour drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park’s West Entrance. Pick up maps and updates at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, then explore iconic stops along Park Boulevard, including Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Cap Rock. Take a short detour to Keys View for panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. Enjoy easy hikes like Barker Dam or Arch Rock, then drive south via Pinto Basin Road to experience the park’s changing desert landscapes. End the day with sunset views or stargazing before returning to Palm Springs.
Scenic Drives in Joshua Tree National Park
One of the best ways to experience Joshua Tree is from the road, with frequent pullouts and short walks.
Park Boulevard (West Entrance Route)
This loop begins at the Western Entrance near Joshua Tree Village. It exits through the opposite entrance, allowing for a seamless journey along Highway 62 on the park’s northern side. This scenic drive traverses the heart of the park, connecting major highlights such as Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, Skull Rock, and Barker Dam. It’s ideal for visitors with limited time who still want a comprehensive overview of the park’s landscapes.
Keys View Road
This is 10 miles from the West Entrance on Park Boulevard at Cap Rock. You'll turn right and see the parking lot and public restrooms. Drive 20 minutes down Keys View Road, and you will come to Keys View, offering panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. This winding road leads to an overlook at 5,185 feet (1,580 meters), offering an unparalleled vantage point over the surrounding desert landscape. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Salton Sea and the San Jacinto Mountains.
Pinto Basin Road (South Entrance Route)
Take the Cottonwood Springs Road off I-10 (exit 168) toward the South Entrance and head toward the Cottonwood Springs Visitor Center. Here, you will connect to the Pinto Basin Road. After a 30-mile drive, it will run into Park Boulevard. It offers a unique perspective of the park's diverse landscape. As you drive along this route, you'll witness the transition from the high desert terrain to the lower elevation Pinto Basin, where the vegetation changes and the vast expanse of the desert opens up before your eyes.
Short Hikes & Nature Trails
For those looking to stretch their legs and venture into the heart of the park, Joshua Tree National Park offers an extensive network of hiking trails. Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and Ryan Mountain are popular trails that showcase the park's unique flora, fauna, and stunning geological formations.
Pets are not permitted on any trails in the park except the Oasis of Mara Trail.
Arch Rock: Twin Tanks Parking lot, aka the Arch Rock Trailhead. A lollipop trail through sandy and rocky terrain. A .6-mile trail leads to a .2-mile loop. The arch is located halfway along the loop—1 hour.
Bajada: South of Cottonwood Visitor Center. Loop. Walk on a bajada and discover plants of the Colorado Desert on this easy path—1 hour.
Barker Dam: Barker Dam parking area. Loop. Explore cultural history and view a water tank built by early cattle ranchers. Watch for bighorn sheep—1 hour.
Cap Rock: Cap Rock parking area at the junction of Park Boulevard and Keys View Road. Loop. View boulder piles, Joshua trees, and other desert plants on this easy path. 30 - 45 minutes.
Cottonwood Spring: 1 mile east of Cottonwood Visitor Center. Short walk to fan palm oasis with cottonwood trees. It is a fantastic birding location with plentiful shade—10 minutes.
Discovery Trail: Skull Rock parking area east of Jumbo Rocks Campground. Loop. Connects Skull Rock and Split Rock Loop trails at Face Rock. Easy hike through boulder piles and desert washes. 30 - 45 minutes.
Hidden Valley: Hidden Valley picnic area. Loop. Discover a rock-enclosed valley once rumored to have been used by cattle rustlers—1 hour.
Indian Cove: West end of Indian Cove campground. Loop. Walk on a gently rolling path with a few steps. Take a closer look at desert plants and learn about their traditional uses by Native Americans. 30 - 45 minutes.
Keys View: Short, paved loop path is steep. Breathtaking views of the San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, and the Salton Sea. 30 minutes.
Ryan Ranch: The Ryan Ranch trailhead is about half a mile east of Ryan Campground. Out and back. Enjoy a leisurely hike along an old ranch road and see a historic adobe structure—1 hour.
Skull Rock: The parking area is east of Jumbo Rocks Campground. Loop. Take a leisurely hike and explore boulder piles, desert washes, and the namesake Skull Rock—1 to 2 hours.
Joshua Tree Tours
Other Fun Things
Sunset Spectacles
As the sun sets over Joshua Tree National Park, the desert landscape transforms into a magical display of colors. Finding a prime spot to witness this natural spectacle is a must during your day trip. Head to Keys View, Jumbo Rocks, or any high point in the park for an unforgettable sunset experience that will leave you in awe.
Joshua Tree Stargazing
With its remote location far from major city lights, Joshua Tree National Park offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. As night falls, the vast expanse of the Milky Way reveals itself, captivating astronomers and casual observers alike. Bring a blanket, lie back, and marvel at the countless stars illuminating the desert sky in this International Dark Sky Park.
Why Joshua Tree Makes the Perfect Day Trip from Palm Springs
A day trip from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park immerses you in an otherworldly desert landscape, featuring awe-inspiring rock formations, distinctive vegetation, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you hike, climb, drive, or soak in the enchanting ambiance, this national park offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. So, pack your camera, grab some snacks, and embark on a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park for a memorable encounter with the desert's wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far is Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Springs?
Joshua Tree National Park is approximately a one-hour drive from Palm Springs, depending on which entrance you use.
Is one day enough to visit Joshua Tree National Park?
Yes. A full day allows time for scenic drives, short hikes, and major viewpoints, though longer stays offer deeper exploration.
What should I bring for a day trip to Joshua Tree?
Bring plenty of water, food, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a map, and layers for changing temperatures.
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park?
Spring and fall offer the best weather. Summer can be dangerously hot, while winter nights can be very cold.
Can you stargaze in Joshua Tree National Park?
Yes. The park is renowned for stargazing and is designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
Other Adventures:
