Best Joshua National Park Hikes and Tours

Joshua Tree National Park Overview

Named after the wild Joshua trees that dot the park and famous for its vast desert oasis and dramatic rock formations, Joshua Tree National Park is one of Northern America's best spots for hiking and camping. The alluring landscape is where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet. Its challenging trails, clear night skies, massive boulders, and rich history make Joshua Tree National Park an unparalleled getaway. 

This adventurers’ paradise offers ample opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, stargazing, and wildlife spotting in the heart of the wilderness. Undoubtedly, Joshua Tree National Park hikes and tours are perfect for those seeking an escape into nature.

Joshua Tree National Park Location

Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California, straddling the boundary between the Mojave and Colorado deserts. The nearest city is Twentynine Palms, which is a short drive from the park's northern entrance. Twentynine Palms is also the park’s Visitor and Cultural Center. Palm Springs, about 37 miles (59 km) away is another convenient gateway to begin the Joshua National Park tour.

Joshua Tree National Park Attractions

Unique Rock Formations: Joshua Tree is known for its stunning rock formations, each with names reflecting what they resemble like Intersection Rock, Skull Rock, Cap Rock, Heart Rock, and Penguin Rock.

Cholla Cactus Garden: A must-see on your Joshua Tree National Park tour, especially during the flowering season. This expansive field is filled with Cholla cacti.

Hidden Valley: Enclosed by towering rock formations, Hidden Valley is a beautiful spot for hiking and rock climbing. It’s a must-add to your Joshua Tree National Park itinerary.

Keys View: Situated at 5,000 feet (1,524 mt), this viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert. It’s the perfect spot for stunning sunset photography.

Ryan Mountain: This popular hike in the center of the park offers a bird's-eye view of Joshua Tree’s landscape.

Barker Dam: This historic dam fills with water in the spring and reflects the surrounding rocks with etched petroglyphs.

Mastodon Peak: Close to the park’s southern entrance, the Mastodon Peak hike offers a challenging climb along with rewarding 360-degree panoramic views of the park and the Salton Sea.

Lost Horse Mine: One of California's best-preserved stamp mills, this historic gold mine is surrounded by unique desert plants.

Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park

The best time to hike in Joshua Tree National Park is in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During this period, the weather is quite pleasant with the average high temperature of around 84°F (29°C). Spring also brings clear skies and wildflower blooms, adding to the vibrancy of a Joshua Tree National Park tour.

The chilly winter (December to February) is perfect for activities like rock climbing. The summer months (June to August), although less crowded, are best avoided due to the intense heat in the valley with maximum temperatures reaching 102°F (39°C).

Things to do on Joshua Tree National Park Tour

Hiking: Hike along popular Joshua Tree National Park trails including Arch Rock Trail, Ryan Ranch Trail, Cap Rock Nature Trail, Skull Rock Trail, Warren Peak, and others. 

Camping: Joshua Tree boasts several campsites amid the wilderness like Joshua Tree Campground near the main entrance, Black Rock Campground in the northwest, Hidden Valley Campground, and Jumbo Rocks Campground.

Rock Climbing: Thanks to its unique geological formations, Joshua Tree is a favorite spot for climbers. Popular areas like Ryan Campground, Jumbo Rocks, and Hidden Valley are known for their massive boulders and challenging climbing routes.

Stargazing: Joshua Tree National Park boasts some of the darkest night skies in Northern America. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way, countless stars, passing planes, and even meteors. 

Essential Tips for Joshua Tree National Park Tour

Pack Right: Bring enough food and supplies as no restaurants and grocery stores are within the park. Also carry sunscreen, a hat, sturdy hiking shoes, and layered clothing. 

Carry Enough Water: The park is literally a desert. So, you should carry more than enough water (at least one gallon), even in winter.

Avoid Hiking in Summer: The park gets extremely hot in summer. If you are planning your trip from June to September, avoid hiking as temperatures can soar high above 39°C.

Carry an Offline Map: Phone reception can be limited in the park. So, it’s best to carry an offline map or a GPS device.

Fill Up Your Tank: There are no gas stations within the park. Make sure your tank is full before heading into the park in your car.

Check the Weather: The park often experiences significant temperature fluctuations. So it’s advisable to check the weather updates on NPS before you begin your Joshua Tree National Park hike. 

Joshua Tree National Park Tour Cost

The best Joshua Tree National tour packages can cost around $300 to $600, depending on the services and itinerary you choose. At AdventureTripr, we offer affordable self-guided Joshua Tree National Park tours that are customizable according to your budget and preferences. 

Joshua Tree National Park Tour Accommodation

The best accommodation option available on your Joshua Tree National Park trip is camping within the park. For a more authentic and thrilling experience, camp in the park backcountry with a permit. 

More accommodation options are available outside the park including luxury and budget-friendly hotels or motels in Twentynine Palms. The type of accommodation you choose will depend on the tour package you select.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How long does it take to explore Joshua Tree National Park?

Answer 1: For the best Joshua Tree National Park tour experience, you should plan on spending at least 2 days, allowing you to visit key attractions and hike along some popular trails. If you want to explore more remote areas in the park, consider extending your stay to 3 or 4 days.

Question 2: Do I need a permit to visit Joshua Tree National Park?

Answer 2: No special permits are required to visit Joshua Tree National Park for sightseeing and hiking. However, if you plan to go camping and backpacking in the backcountry, you will need to obtain specific permits.

Question 3: What time does the park close? Answer 3: Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, Visitor Centers are open for specific hours, usually from 8 am to 5 pm.