Joshua Tree National Park sits where two deserts meet, named for the shaggy, twisted trees that dot its landscape of giant boulder piles and open desert. It's one of the best rock climbing destinations in the country and a surprisingly easy weekend escape from Los Angeles or Palm Springs.
Top Things to Do in Joshua Tree
Hidden Valley, a one-mile loop trail through a boulder-ringed valley once used to hide stolen cattle, is one of the park's most iconic short hikes and a great introduction to the landscape. Joshua Tree is also considered one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the US, with thousands of routes across its granite formations for climbers of every level.
The park's dark skies make it a genuinely excellent stargazing spot, far enough from LA's light pollution to see the Milky Way clearly on a clear night. Keys View, a short drive from the park's west entrance, offers sweeping views over the Coachella Valley and, on a clear day, all the way to the Salton Sea.
What to Pack for Joshua Tree
Desert temperatures swing dramatically between day and night, and the terrain is rocky and exposed with little shade. The VacationGrabs Big Outdoor Leather Backpack is built for a full day of boulder scrambling and hiking, and the VacationGrabs Leather Sling Bag is a lighter option for an evening of stargazing.
Book Joshua Tree Tours and Experiences
Rock climbing lessons, stargazing tours, and Joshua Tree jeep tours are among the best ways to experience the park. Browse Joshua Tree tours and experiences below to plan your trip.
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