https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
Near Palm Springs, California is the famous Joshua Tree National Park with its unusual landscape and desert flora. It’s a fun outdoor adventure on any trip to the region!
History
The Joshua Tree National Park began in the 1930s as a monument to protect the unique cacti and plants in the area from being removed. It became an official national park in 1994 and preserves the area’s archeological and natural artifacts in its almost 800,000 acres.
Visit
Joshua Tree is an iconic national park, but I had no real idea of what it included before our trip. It houses the famous joshua tree as well as unique rock formations that are unlike any I’ve ever seen. The park can easily be seen in a few hours while you are visiting the Palm Springs area, but for an in-depth trip that explores the many hiking paths, check out the camping facilities and special events. There are many things to do in the park – see this list for details. You can also reserve a guided tour or hike if you’d feel more comfortable exploring with a guide. Note that Joshua Tree is much cooler than Palm Springs (about a 20 degree difference!) so check the temperature before your visit.
There are two entrances to the park in the north and one in the south, and a great plan is to drive the entire loop to see the two different areas. Coming from Palm Springs, head to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center which is the northwestern-most visitor center, about an hour drive from the city. The drive is beautiful and will take you through a few wild west-feeling towns before getting to the park visitor center.
Stop at the visitor center to get your park pass and map. There is a neat museum and park store inside as well as restrooms.
Be sure to fill up with gas before entering the park as there are no facilities once you’re inside.
This upper part of the park contains the ubiquitous joshua trees which are so amazing to see in person!
This part of the park also has large rock piles that were forced up out of the earth thousands of years ago by volcanic activity. You can walk among the rocks and even climb if you’re brave!
Our favorite was Skull Rock which does look like a skull (it’s on the left in the pictures below)!
Most of the rock formations are easily seen from the road so if it’s super cold or windy (as it was for us!), you can view from the warmth of your car.
We continued on the road to the lower part of the park which consists of the transition zone between the Mojave and Colorado deserts. It’s not as picturesque as the northern part of the park, but it makes for an easy loop back down to the interstate.
After you exit the park, you will be near the famous town of Coachella. If you’re there during the music festival, I’d avoid this area!
Joshua Tree is a beautiful part of the United States that is like no other in the world. It’s a must-see while in Palm Springs!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: $30/car or use your National Park annual pass
- Recommended: all ages
- Tour time: 1-2 hours (actual park time not travel time)
- Gift shops located in visitor centers or online
- Transportation: The park is located about an hour’s drive from Palm Springs. Check this link for more details.
- Dining options: There is nowhere to eat in the park. The northern entrance is located in a small town with several restaurants and cafes although options are limited. The southern entrance is a short distance from the town of Coachella and other resort towns which have many restaurants. We loved our dinner at Burgers and Beer sports restaurant and brunch at Wilma and Frieda’s Cafe (both near the southern entrance), and lunch at Maracas Mexican Restaurant (in Palm Springs nearer the northern entrance).
- Nearby hotels: Palm Springs is full of amazing resort hotels – check its tourism guide for recommendations. We stayed at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort and the La Quinta Resort is known for its Hollywood glamour.
- Nearby attractions include: Palm Springs, Palm Springs Air Museum (review coming soon!), Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Books to Read:
All links are Amazon affiliate links. Be sure to check out my Bookshop.org shop for even more recommendations. Also look at the Joshua Tree National Park Foundation site for more book ideas.
Adult/Young Adult:
- Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs: Hiking, Scenic Drives, Desert Getaways (Travel Guide)
- Wildsam Field Guides: Joshua Tree
- Joshua Tree National Park (Images of America)
Middle Grade:
Picture Books:
Joshua tree is such a fun place to visit!