Visiting in January, it had warm moments during the day. However, it gets much colder at night, so bring layers! I want to share the sights we saw during our time there and hope you find it helpful when planning your next trip! With that, here are five sights to see in Joshua Tree National Park.
The first stop I always make is the visitors’ centre. There are free Wi-Fi, restrooms and park rangers to answer all of your questions. The visitors’ centre also has a lot of useful and historical information regarding the park, which is pretty neat. I always get a map, and when talking to the rangers, I share how long I’m staying and get their recommendations of what works within my time frame.
The visitor centre located 3 miles away from the park entrance, and it is there you will pay the entrance fee. It is USD 35 to enter the park for seven days and, you can decide later if you want to upgrade to an annual pass, which is USD 80. We ended up upgrading to a yearly pass as we plan to visit more national parks this year!
5 Best Sights in Joshua Tree National Park
Ryan Mountain
In my opinion, the views from above are not as pretty as when you are ground level. However, this moderate hike is a great way to get your steps in and get an idea of how vast the park is.
Distance: 4.8km
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Pro Tip: Bring adequate water as there is no water station, this is a day-use trail only
Cholla Cactus Gardens
This garden is full of life-size cactuses! With that, keep children close to you and enjoy the exotic plants!
Distance: 0.4km
Time: 30-45 minutes
Pro Tip: While the trail is well-groomed, there are little clusters of cacti on the ground that you may not notice. I recommend wearing close-toed shoes and avoid shoes with fabric; the plants will stick to the material!
Skull Rock
It’s an easy trail to a formation that indeed does looks like a skull. Easy path with cool rock formations surrounding.
Distance: 2.7km
Time: 1-2 hours
Pro Tip: Bring your tripod for neat jumbo rock photos
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
The landscape of this moderately flat trail changes every few hundred steps! Everywhere in the park has a beautiful backdrop and great for photos, this trail offers a variety in a condensed spot.
Distance: 1.6km
Time: 1 hour
Pro Tip: Limited Parking, check with the park ranger for parking overflow
Barker Dam
There was barely any water in the dam when we visited in January. However, this trail, just like Hidden Nature Valley, is suitable for all fitness levels and offers just as beautiful views.
Distance: 1.8 km
Time: 1 hour
Safety Tips
Keep in mind that you are in a DESERT.
Here are some reminders to keep yourself safe while exploring:
- Wear sunscreen
- In most of the park there is no cell coverage, load your google maps before entering the park
- Stay hydrated, carry at least one gallon of water per person per day, and have snacks available
- Stay away from abandoned mines
- Snacks are active in the Spring and Summer, watch where you put your hands and feet
- Supervise children, especially around cacti
Where is Water in the Park?
Water is available here:
- Oasis Visitor Centre
- Black Rock Campground
- Cottonwood Campground
- West Entrance
- Indian Cove Ranger Station
I hope you found this post useful if you are planning a trip! These were the 5 sights in Joshua Tree National Park that we saw and we loved them all. I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
Michelle
