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Joshua Tree Camping – What You Need to Know

Esther & Jacob — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Here’s what you need to know about camping in Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree National Park is one of our favorite parks. It’s a great getaway with friends, an amazing spot for astrophotography, and we especially love going rock climbing here.

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Last Updated: July 1, 2025

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What You Need to Know About Joshua Tree Camping
What You Need to Know Before Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park
BLM Campgrounds & Dispersed Camping
Backcountry Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Private Campgrounds Near Joshua Tree
Map of Joshua Tree Campgrounds
Essential Tips for Campers
What’s Nearby
Planning Checklist
More Resources

What You Need to Know About Joshua Tree Camping

Now that we live in Las Vegas, Joshua Tree is only 3 hours away. We’ve gone a few times as a day trip but realized it makes for a really long and tiring day. Now when we visit, we try to spend at least one night whether it’s camping, glamping, or hotels.

If you want to make the most of your time in the park, we highly recommend camping for convenience. Driving into the main area of the park takes about 30 minutes, and that’s not counting the time you might have to wait at the gate.

We’ve done tent camping, car camping, and even RV camping in Joshua Tree, and so far we’ve camped at Belle, Jumbo Rock, White Tank, and South BLM land.

In this post, we’ll go over our best tips for Joshua Tree camping. If camping is not your thing, you can also find plenty of hotel options near Joshua Tree National Park.

What You Need to Know Before Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

There are two types of campgrounds, ones that require reservations and first-come, first-served campgrounds.
In each spot, you can have up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles (if there is enough space). Sometimes if your neighbors have a bigger space, they might let you park your second car.
You cannot attach lines to any vegetation. Hammocks and slacklines are not permitted in campgrounds.
Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am, and check out is at noon.
All tents and camping equipment must be set up within 25 feet of the picnic table or fire grate.
Food and odorous items (sunscreen and toiletries) must be stored securely. There are various rodents, foxes, and on rare occasions, black bears.
Pets must remain on-leash at all times.
Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings. You must bring your own firewood and you are not allowed to gather vegetation, alive or dead. Bring extra water to douse your fire thoroughly.
There are limited spaces that fit RVs and trailers. At Hidden Valley and White Tank Campgrounds, RVs may not exceed a combined max length of 25 feet. Other campgrounds may not exceed 35 feet.
If you are unable to find a campground, there is BLM land and private campgrounds nearby.
Have cash ready to pay for your campsite.
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Many of the sites do not have potable water. Bring water.

Joshua Tree Camping Sites

There are 9 campgrounds in Joshua Tree.

1. Belle Campground

34.0017032,-116.0375288, map

Type: Sites are first-come, first-served
Closed: June 1 – September 1
Number of Sites: 18
Fees: $25/night
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Trash & Recycling Collection

This small campground is great for stargazing and astrophotography. Since the campground is further away from the large sites and popular attractions, it’s also much quieter.

We’ve camped here once in our Airstream. When we arrived at the park late at night, we didn’t realize how hard it would be to find a big enough site for our Airstream + Truck. We circled several campgrounds for hours. Lucky for us, someone was packing up at 3 AM to beat the traffic back to LA, and they had one of the few sites that would fit our RV setup.

For RVers: There are only a few sites that can fit up to a 35 foot RV set up. Look for sites 2, 4, 6-8, and 14-18.

See More: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree

2. Black Rock Campground

9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, map

Type: Reservations required
Closed: June 1 – September 1
Number of Sites: 99
Fees: $35/night
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Trash & Recycling Collection, Potable Water, Amphitheater, Dump Station

The Black Rock Campground is located in the northwest corner of the park giving you easy access to hiking Warren Peak. On top of that, you’re only five miles away from the town of Yucca Valley which means you can get cell reception (although it still can be spotty). Plus, you’re in one of the thicker Joshua Tree forests in the park which makes for a beautiful backdrop.

The downside is that you still have to drive through the main entrance of the park to visit any of the popular sites, which can have long lines during the busy season.

For RVers: There are a lot more sites at this campground that will fit up to a 35 foot set up for RVs. The campground has 61 ADA-compliant sites, and the Black Rock Horse Camp has 20 sites.

Local Tip: The Black Rock Nature Center is at the heart of this campground where you can find the park store and exhibits. It’s also a great place to find resources to help plan your day.

3. Cottonwood Campground

33.7639815,-115.8585404, map

Type: Reservations required
Closed: Loop B closed from June 1 – September 1
Number of Sites: 62, 3 group campsites
Fees: $35/night, $55/night for the group campsites
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Trash & Recycling Collection, Potable Water, Amphitheater, Dump Station

Cottonwood Campground is located at the southeast entrance to the park. They have all the necessary amenities, and it’s organized into two loops, one of which closes during the summer.

This campground is out of the way and has less to do nearby. Unless you’re only trying to see Lost Palm Oasis, we don’t see ourselves staying here anytime soon.

4. Hidden Valley Campground

74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, map

Type: Sites are first-come, first-served
Open: Year Round
Number of Sites: 44
Fees: $15/night
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Trash & Recycling Collection

The Hidden Valley Campground is climber central. We’ve always wondered what it’s like to camp here, but we have yet to snag one of the coveted spots. Not only are the campsites nestled amongst massive boulders, but it’s walking distance to some of the most iconic climbing in Joshua Tree National Park.

These are usually the first sites to fill up during the busy season and a lot of people stay for the maximum number of days each season.

The downside is it’s more crowded.

For RVers: RVs up to 25 feet do fit in some of the sites as well. If you’re any larger than that, you’ll have to head to other campsites.

Local Tip: Hammocks and slacklines are not permitted in campgrounds and must be tied to rocks or climbing bolts when set up elsewhere.

5. Indian Cove Campground

34.095433,-116.1691277, map

Type: Reservations required
Closed: Western Loop closed from June 1 – September 1
Number of Sites: 101
Fees: $35/night, $55/night for group campsites
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Trash & Recycling Collection, Amphitheater

The Indian Cove Campground is located off Highway 62 between Joshua Tree Village and Twentynine Palms. It’s a secluded campground with the Wonderland of Rocks and a few trails to explore.

The downside is that you still need to drive to one of the park’s entrances if you plan on exploring the rest of Joshua Tree.

For RVers: There are sites that fit RVs up to 35 feet.

6. Jumbo Rocks Campground

33.9919353,-116.0645742, map

Type: Reservations required
Number of Sites: 124
Fees: $30/night
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Trash & Recycling Collection, Amphitheater

Jumbo Rocks Campground is right in the heart of the park. It’s central to all the major attractions.

On our most recent visit, we car camped here with friends. Not all the sites have enough space for 2 cars, but our neighbors were nice enough to let us leave one of our cars in the space they weren’t using.

For RVers: There are sites that fit RVs up to 35 feet as well as 122 wheelchair accessible sites.

7. Ryan Campground

33.9840301,-116.1568111, map

Type: Reservations required
Closed: June 1 – September 1
Number of Sites: 32
Fees: $20/night, $15/night for equestrian sites, $5/night for bicycle sites
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Trash & Recycling Collection

The Ryan Campground has 31 campsites centrally located in the park. Because it’s right next to the California Riding and Hiking Trail, there are also 4 designated equestrian sites and 3 bicycle sites. The bicycle sites only allow 3 people and 3 tents per campsite.

8. Sheep Pass Campground

74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, map

Type: Sites are available by reservation only
Number of Site: 6 Group Campsites accommodating anywhere from 10-60 people
Fees: $55/night
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Trash & Recycling Collection

Although there are 3 campgrounds with group sites, this is the only one dedicated to groups. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance and RVs aren’t allowed.

9. White Tank Campground

2 White Tank Campground Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, map

Type: First-come, first-served
Closed: June 1 – September 1
Number of Site: 15
Fees: $25/night
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Trash & Recycling Collection

We stayed at White Tank Campground during our first visit to Joshua Tree, and we loved how quiet it was here. It was also close to Arch Rock, which makes it possible to do some astrophotography at the arch.

Like Belle Campground, it’s away from the more trafficked areas of the park.

For RVers: RVs up to 25 feet are allowed in sites where they fit.

Free BLM Campgrounds & Dispersed Camping Near Joshua Tree

If all the Campgrounds are full or you’re just looking for other options, there are a few options managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The advantage is that you can camp at these locations for free. The downside is that there are no restrooms and fires are not allowed (though we’ve definitely seen the remains of campfires).

North Joshua Tree BLM

34 Illinois 116, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map

This site is located just north of the Indian Cove Campground with easy access to Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley. We haven’t personally been to this site, so we’re not sure how it looks, but the location is much more convenient if you want access to restaurants and shops.

South Joshua Tree BLM

33.674534,-115.802651, map

There is dispersed free camping just outside of the park south of the Cottonwood entrance. You pull off the side of the road in an area that has a bunch of powerlines. We were confused about where you’re supposed to set up and ended up finding a spot that appeared to be a campsite.

It’s not well maintained, and there are shrubs growing everywhere. It was hard to be sure what was a campsite, but no one told us we had to leave.

Since we were coming back from Anza-Borrego to catch the wildflowers, it was the perfect spot to stay overnight before spending the next day in Joshua Tree.

We don’t recommend camping here unless you’re coming from this direction or exploring other parks nearby, since it’s so far from everything else in Jtree.

See More: Beautiful California Wildflowers and Flower Fields You Must Visit This Spring

Backcountry Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

Backcountry camping is allowed in Joshua Tree National Park as long as you are following the rules. Before heading out into the backcountry, you must register at one of the backcountry boards, where you can find the most up-to-date info and guidelines. Here’s a list of the boards:

Black Rock Canyon
Cottonwood Spring
Covington
Geology Tour
Indian Cove
Juniper Flats
Keys West

North Entrance
Pine City
Pleasant Valley
Porcupine Wash
Turkey Flats
Twin Tanks

After registering, you can find any spot following these general guidelines:

Camp 1 mile away from roads.
Stay 500 feet away from trails or water sources.
You cannot camp in day-use only areas.
Camp on durable surfaces.

Pack it in, pack it out.
Do not feed wildlife.
Pets are prohibited.
Leave what you find.

Private Campgrounds Near Joshua Tree National Park

You can also head to private campgrounds around Joshua Tree. Most options are north of the park where you can conveniently get to restaurants and shops too.

North of Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground (44 sites, ) – 40 ft max RV length. They have water and electric hookups, and dump.
JT Sportsman Club (78 sites, ) – full hookups. 50 ft max RV length
Twentynine Palms RV Resort (170 sites, ) – full hookups and pull thru sites. 55 ft max RV length.
Little Pioneertown RV (17 sites, ) RVs only with 60 ft max length. They have full hookups and pull-thru sites
Yucca Valley Walmart Parking Lot – We also boondocked in our airstream and car camped here when campsites weren’t available. They just ask you to park far from the store. We always end up buying snacks or firewood here anyways.

South of Joshua Tree

Chiriaco Summit (20 sites, Free, Dispersed Camping) – 40 ft max RV length
Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA () – full hookups available

Map of Joshua Tree Campgrounds

Essential Tips for Campers

Bring lots of water! These are our favorite travel water bottles to keep our water cool.
A cooler is a must for camping. This is the one we currently use.
Pick up wood in town before heading to your campsite.
Arrive early in the day to secure your campsites. Check out is at noon so you can claim a spot anytime after that.
If you don’t have a reservation, have a back up plan so you don’t get stranded without a place to sleep.
Temperatures can vary greatly from day to night. Bring layers and plan accordingly.

What’s Nearby

Coachella and Desert X (34.1 mi east, 45 min, map)
Palm Springs (54.7 mi east, 1 hr, map)
Anza Borrego State Park (103 mi southwest, 1 hr 45 min, map)

Planning Checklist

Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
Download these helpful language apps.
Find a great deal on Joshua Tree hotels.
Arrange a rental car for your trip.
Book a tour for your visit.
Get airport lounge access.

Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
Get a new backpack for your trip.
Buy a Joshua Tree travel guide.
Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.

More Resources

Have you gone camping in Joshua Tree? Which of these campsites have you stayed at?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

The post Joshua Tree Camping – What You Need to Know appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Esther & Jacob — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 12:59:21 +0000

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park? Don’t miss these spots.

The park isn’t very big in comparison to Death Valley or Yosemite, and there isn’t as much variety in terms of scenery.

For those who like rock climbing or stargazing, though, you’ll never tire of this place. It also offers beautiful photo opps and has the most fiery sunsets we’ve seen.

SoCal residents frequent Joshua Tree National Park because it’s only a few hours from LA. It quickly made our list of must-see places while we lived in LA and San Diego.

Last Updated: July 31, 2023

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What You Need to Know Before Visiting Joshua Tree
What to Bring
Best Things to Do Joshua Tree
Seasonal Activities
Map of Joshua Tree National Park
How to Get There
More Things to Do In & Near Jtree
Where to Eat Near Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree Camping
Places to Stay near Joshua Tree
Planning Checklist
Nearby

11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Trees remind me of Dr. Seuss trees. They just don’t seem like they belong to this world. They were given their name by Mormon settlers who thought the tree’s shape resembled the biblical story where Joshua reaches his hands to the sky in prayer.

What You Need to Know Before You Visit Jtree

There is no cell service in the park. Although one of our RVer friends told us they found some small patches to stream a show, we’ve never had any luck with it. Download your google maps and keep a park map handy.
Get the America the Beautiful Pass to save money. An annual pass costs less if you visit Jtree more than once or visit two national parks within one year.
October to May is peak season since it’s so hot in the summer.
March to May has the best weather, but visitation is the highest. It’s great for wildflowers and is peak climbing season. If you come on a weekend, expect crowds. Temps get up to the hundreds in the summer, but you can still explore in the mornings and evenings and take an AC break mid-day.
Late April to late July for the best stargazing and astrophotography since the galactic center is visible longer.
If you don’t want to drive, take the free RoadRunner Shuttle Bus. It takes you to all the main attractions and gives you free entry into the park. They run every 30 minutes and depart Twentynine Palms Transit Center and Oasis Visitor Center every hour. During peak season, if you don’t go early, parking lots fill up at popular spots.
If you’re trying to get a campground at peak season, plan ahead. We’ve gone a couple of times on a whim where we were circling the campgrounds for hours. Most weekends will be full. Try to arrive between 9 am and noon when people are leaving. Come by Fri morning if you want to get in for the weekend (if not earlier). If you can’t snag a campsite, have a backup plan.
Pets are only allowed at campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved and unpaved roads. They are not allowed on trails and must always be on a leash.

See More: Joshua Tree Camping – What You Need to Know

What to Bring

Bring enough drinking water. There aren’t many places in the park where you can get water. If you’re there multiple days, you can always do a supply run in town or drive out daily for what you need.
Pack layers. The desert temperatures can change drastically from day to night.
Don’t forget your sunscreen. There isn’t much shade in the park.
Pets are only allowed at campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved and unpaved roads. They are not allowed on trails. They also must always be on a leash.
Your National Park Passport to collect your stamp! We recently started buying the stickers they sell in store (3 for $1) that we can stamp and stick in our book rather than bringing the book everywhere we go.

Joshua Tree Attractions You Can’t Miss

1. Arch Rock →

Trailhead Coordinates: 33.985301, -116.016605, map

An easy 0.5-mile nature trail with lots of large rock formations to climb on and a natural arch. It’s fun to explore and scramble on the rocks.

See More: Arch Rock Photo Guide

2. Cholla Cactus Garden

Trailhead Coordinates: 33.925569, -115.928853, map

A 0.25-mile loop where you can view a concentrated area of cholla cactus. Also nearby is the Ocotillo Patch. These two areas are extremely far from the rest of the park’s attractions.

I wouldn’t recommend visiting them unless you also have other plans to do Desert X, Coachella, or to see the superbloom.

3. Climbing at Hidden Valley →

Trailhead Coordinates: 34.012493, -116.168061, map

Climbing at Hidden Valley is world-class. It’s a mecca for SoCal climbers and during the winter, those from NorCal come down to play. It’s the first place we started bouldering outdoors, so it has a special place in our hearts.

The campground is also popular for climbers, so get there early if you want a campsite.

The grades at Jtree are sandbagged (much harder than other places we’ve climbed), so if you can crush them, it’s legit. Think 1-2 grades harder than other outdoor spots, 2-3 grades harder than most gyms.

If you don’t climb, there’s also the Hidden Valley Loop (1 mi, easy), where you can watch climbers in action.

Check out this post to see what climbing gear we use.

See More: 15 Practical Gifts for Rock Climbers That They’ll Love

4. Keys View

Coordinates: 33.926563, -116.187256, map

A high elevation lookout point on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains that you drive up to. You can see Palm Springs and Coachella from here.

See More: 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Palm Springs

5. Halls of Horror →

Trailhead Coordinates: 34.012493, -116.168061, map

We stopped here to take sunset photos, but another great spot to scramble on rocks. There is some climbing here as well and it’s a popular spot for slack-lining. We’ve seen people walk a line stretched between the rock outcroppings and it’s hard to look away.

See More: Hall of Horrors | Joshua Tree NP

6. Lost Palms Oasis

Trailhead Coordinates: 33.736858, -115.810596, map

A 7.2-mile moderate hike through a canyon that involves some scrambling. We haven’t done this hike yet since we tend to spend all our time climbing when we’re in the park.

7. 49 Palms Oasis

Trailhead Coordinates: 34.11929, -116.11211, map

A 3-mile moderately strenuous hike to an oasis. 300 ft elevation gain twice. Our friends tell us that it’s not exactly what you would picture as an oasis, but I love the desert and it’s not too long of a hike.

8. Geology Road →

Coordinates: 34.006008, -116.085012, map

Take an 18-mile off-roading adventure through Pleasant Valley (four-wheel drives only). While it doesn’t have the most interesting views of the park, you’re going to have a lot of it to yourself. It helps to go with other people to have spotters on the more difficult terrain.

Note: Check road conditions. If it had rained recently, you can even get stuck in a 4×4.

See More: What You Need to Know Before Off Roading in Joshua Tree

9. Ryan Mountain Hike

Trailhead Coordinates: 34.003135, -116.135994, map

This hike is 3 miles, has a 1000 ft elevation, and is considered strenuous taking roughly 1.5 – 2.5 hr. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the park with dramatic 360 views. We did it once years ago and never felt the need to do it again.

10. Skull ROck Nature Trail

Coordinates: 33.9993065,-116.0694848, map

It’s visible off the main road and worth a quick stop since the rock formation is so unique. There is also 1.5-mile nature trail loop if you want to see more of the area.

11. THe Scenic Drive

We also saw a lot of great photo ops and plenty of pullouts for Joshua Trees and stacks of boulders along the main road in the park. I would prioritize the main spots but if you’ve seen all of that, you can start exploring the unmarked pullouts too.

Seasonal Activities

Summer Only: Stargazing & Astrophotography

Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, and stargazing is great anywhere in the park. You do get a little light pollution from surrounding communities, and if you’re going for (hour+) long exposures Cottonwood Campground has the darkest skies. If you want to see the Milky Way, make sure you’re visiting during New Moon on a clear day.

See More: 13 Stargazing Events You Don’t Want to Miss This Year

Spring Only: See Joshua Tree Wildflowers

In the spring, especially during a superbloom, the valleys fill up with various flowers. We came during the first week of. April and in the south near Cottonwood Visitor Center, we saw California bluebells (wild Canterbury Bells). In Wilson Canyon, we saw a variety of flowers, but mostly Parish poppies that weren’t open for the day yet. Now, the flowers are slowly making their way up north in the park.

Pro Tip: I’ve looked at various websites for the superbloom, and this one has been the most accurate. Check the dates carefully because sometimes people post later than when they visit.

See More: The Most Beautiful California Flower Fields to Visit This Spring

Joshua Tree Map

We collaborated with @mytraveltoons to create an illustrated map of the highlights of the park. You can check out more of his work here.

Directions to Joshua Tree

The closest airports are Palm Springs (42.7 mi), Santa Ana (120 mi), Long Beach (130 mi), Los Angeles (146 mi), San Diego (162 mi), Las Vegas (182 mi).

We’ve driven in from San Diego and Las Vegas for both day trips and weekend trips. The road from Las Vegas goes through the Mojave National Preserve. It doesn’t have much light and it’s windy, so drive carefully. We saw one person speeding who drove off the road.

More THings to Do in and Near Joshua Tree

Become a Junior Ranger. Mostly kids 4-14 complete the Junior Ranger program to get a badge, but adults can too. I always do it at every National Park since it helps me learn so much about the park. Plus, it’s a free souvenir!
Desert Institute Field Class – adult classes to learn more about the cultural history, survival skills, desert naturalist studies, creative arts, and more.
Join a Ranger Program – talks, hikes, and guided walks given by park rangers.
Ocotillo Patch – it’s not the most concentrated that we’ve seen, but if you haven’t seen ocotillos before, it could be worth the trek to the southern end of the park.
Barker Dam Trail – petroglyphs
Mastodon Peak Hike – A 3-mile strenuous hike with views of the Eagle Mountains and Salton Sea.
Lost Horse Mine Loop (4 mi, moderate) – pass several mines and ruins.
Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail (0.1 mile, easy, 10 min out and back) – You end up in a fan palm oasis with cottonwood trees. It’s also a great spot for wildflowers and birding. Other great birding spots are Oasis of Mara and Barker Dam.
Cottonwood Wash is a good place to spot bighorn sheep.
Night Sky Festival (Sept)
Pappy and Harriet’s, Pioneertown – live music and BBQ.
The Integraton, Landers – a dome used for sound baths. You can choose private or public sound baths, but book early since they book up months in advance.
World Famous Crochet Museum, Jtree – It’s free and open 24 hours.
Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum, Jtree – it’s right next to the crochet museum
Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Desert Art Museum, Jtree

Places to Eat Near Joshua Tree

Since driving in and out takes time, we suggest packing your own meals. The only exception is if you’re visiting in the summer. Retreating to a restaurant with AC might be a good idea.

The Natural Sisters Cafe, Joshua Tree (Vegetarian & Brunch, $$)
Sky High Pizza, Joshua Tree (Pizza, $$) – this place is usually packed. It took us a few visits before we could get in.
Crossroads Cafe, Joshua Tree (American, $$)
La Copine, Yucca Valley (New American, $$)
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace (New American, $$) – open late and has live music.

Joshua Tree Camping

We love camping in Joshua Tree. We’ve camped in three of their campgrounds, brought an RV into the park, and even slept on BLM land. Click here to see our full guide on camping in Joshua Tree.

See More: Joshua Tree Camping – What You Need to Know

Best Places to Stay

Planning Checklist

Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
Find a great deal on Joshua Tree hotels.
Arrange a rental car for your trip.
Book a tour for your visit.
Get airport lounge access.

Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
Get a new backpack for your trip.
Buy a Joshua Tree travel guide.
Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.

What’s Nearby

Coachella and Desert X (34.1 mi east, 45 min, map)
Palm Springs (54.7 mi east, 1 hr, map)
Anza Borrego State Park (103 mi southwest, 1 hr 45 min, map)

More Resources

Have you been? Any other things to do in Joshua Tree that we missed? Also trivia question: Do you know which band named their album after the Joshua Tree?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

SEE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

The post 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Las Vegas

Esther & Jacob — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Looking for a weekend getaway from Las Vegas? Here are 15 great spots to go.

There are 52 weekends out of the year. How are you going to spend them?

Whenever we go tell people our list of cities we’ve lived in, Las Vegas always catches people’s attention. Most people don’t realize Vegas is a great home base to get to the Utah parks and an easy drive to many destinations in California.

If you’re tired of hanging out at the Strip, within a few hours, you can be at some of the most amazing landscapes the US has to offer.

Last Updated: March 9, 2025

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15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Las Vegas
More Weekend Trip Ideas Under 7 Hours
Map of Las Vegas Weekend Trips
Planning Checklist
More Resources

TLDR

Location – Las Vegas is located in southern Nevada, in the Mojave Desert. Its central location makes it a perfect base for weekend trips to stunning destinations like Joshua Tree National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Los Angeles.

Our Fave Road Trips – Joshua Tree National Park, San Diego, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Las Vegas

1. Joshua Tree National Park, California →

6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map

Distance: 187 mi / 3 hrs 5 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View
What to Eat: Crossroads, JT Country Kitchen, Joshua Tree Coffee Co
Where to Stay: Find Joshua Tree Hotel Deals

Joshua Tree National Park is one of our favorite places to visit, and probably the spot we visit the most. The sunsets are unforgettable and if you rock climb, it’s a giant playground.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a unique way to explore some of these spots, you can rent a campervan from Travellers Autobarn. We’ve seen them out on the road and can’t wait to try one for ourselves.

See More: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park CA

2. Big Bear, California →

40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333, map

Distance: 213 mi / 3 hrs 27 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Big Bear Discovery Center, Boulder Bay Park, Big Bear Alpine Zoo
What to Eat: Teddy Bear Restaurant, Grizzly Manor Cafe, Tropicali
Where to Stay: Find Hotels and Rentals in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake offers something for the whole family. You can visit in the winter to hit the slopes or in the summer for water activities and hiking. We only had a chance to spend two days in the area during our last visit at the turn of the season, but can’t wait to hike and snowboard.

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in Big Bear California

3. Havasupai Trailhead, Supai, Arizona →

Supai, AZ 86435, map

Distance: 225 mi / 3 hrs 50 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Little Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls
What to Eat: Pack Food In
Where to Stay: Camping or Lodges

If you’re lucky enough to snag permits to visit Havasupai Falls, you absolutely should do it. The brilliant turquoise falls backdropped by the rich, red rocks is worth the trek. Check out our posts on How to get Havasupai Falls Reservations/Permits, Packing Guide, and Photo Diaries of Day 1 and Day 2 of our hike.

See More: How to Get Havasupai Falls Reservations / Permits

4. Flagstaff, Arizona

1 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, map

Distance: 254 mi / 3 hrs 50 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Lava River Cave
What to Eat: Fat Olives, Satchmo’s, Shift Kitchen & Bar
Where to Stay: Hotels in Flagstaff

If you love the outdoors but want the comforts of a city, Flagstaff is a great place to head for the weekend. There is plenty to keep you active, but also great restaurants and culture in town.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah →

UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, map

Distance: 260 mi / 3 h 57 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Navajo Loop Trail
What to Eat: Idk BBQ, Stone Hearth Grille, Route 12 Grill
Where to Stay: Find Hotels near Bryce Canyon

Bryce has some of the most beautiful hoodoos you’ll ever find. It’s a relatively small park that you can drive through and see all the pullouts, but you can also spend a weekend there to hike and explore deeper into the park.

See More: 9 Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

6. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

37.4047361,-111.6863165, map

Distance: 214 mi / 3 h 20 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Toadstool Hoodoos, Devil’s Garden, Zebra Slot Canyon, Peekaboo Gulch & Golden Cathedral
What to Eat: Burr Trail Grill, BirdHouse
Where to Stay: Find Nearby Hotel Deals

You can easily drive by or through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument without even realizing it. It’s roughly the size of Delaware close to Kanab. We drove through as much of it as we could on a weekend trip and did the hike to Zebra Slot Canyon and Toadstool Hoodoos.

See More: How to Hike to Toadstool Hoodoos Utah

7. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona →

36.7331543,-112.0484054, map

Distance: 187 mi / 3 h 37 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Coyote Buttes North (the Wave), White Pocket, Coyote Buttes South, Paria Canyon
What to Eat: Big John’s Texas BBQ, El Tapatio, Sunset 89
Where to Stay: Search for Hotel Deals

The most well-known portion of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is the Wave, but it’s also one of the hardest to permits to get in the world. That shouldn’t stop you from exploring other parts of the area full of unique rock formations, beautiful canyons, and towering cliffs. Our favorite alternative to the Wave is White Pocket.

See More: How to Get the Wave Permit in Arizona

8. Los Angeles, California →

453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, map

Distance: 270 mi / 3 hrs 55 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, Silver Lake
What to Eat: 49 Fave Places to Eat in LA
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in LA

If you’re visiting Los Angeles for the weekend, we recommend focusing on an area of LA or a category of what you love to do or you can easily get overwhelmed by the endless options of things to eat, see, and do. You can spend all week eating delicious food, seeing all the museums, visiting the beaches, or even snapping photos at all the popular Instagram spots. Just know you’ll probably be back.

See More: 101 Things To Do in LA

9. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona →

36.0911048,-113.4035545, map

Distance: 253 mi / 4 h 15 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Mather Point, Bright Angel Point, Grandview Point
What to Eat: El Tavor Lodge Dining Room, Big E Streakhouse & Saloon, We Cook Pizza & Pasta
Where to Stay: Look for Hotels in Grand Canyon

You have to visit the Grand Canyon at least once in your life. It really lives up to its name and is absolutely massive. If you don’t have a weekend, you can always visit the Grand Canyon via a helicopter tour.

Don’t want to worry about the drive? Check out Max Tour and visit multiple spots. We went on the 2 Day Grand Canyon Antelope Canyon Tour and it was a really great experience. They pick you up on the strip and in two days, they pack in a lot. We saw the Grand Canyon at sunrise, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Route 66, and Hoover Dam.

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at the Grand Canyon National Park

10. Page, Arizona

5 S Lake Powell Blvd Unit 3, Page, AZ 86040, map

Distance: 272 mi / 4 h 15 min (map)
What to Do / See: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, The Wave
What to Eat: BirdHouse, Sunset 89, El Tapatio
Where to Stay: Book a Hotel in Page

Page, Arizona is a small town that doesn’t seem like much if you’re driving through it, but it makes the perfect home base to explore some of the SouthWest’s best outdoor scenery. Some famous spots nearby include Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and of course, the Wave.

Same as above, Max Tour lets you see Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and so much more. It was nice not having to worry about any of the details and just showing up to enjoy each viewpoint.

See More: Your Complete Antelope Canyon Guide

11. Sedona, Arizona

331 Forest Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, map

Distance: 275 mi / 4 h 23 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Slide Rock State Park
What to Eat: The Hudson, Hideaway House, Elote Cafe
Where to Stay: Hotel Deals in Sedona

Sedona is a great spot for a weekend trip. There are so many great hikes where you surround yourself with beautiful rock formations, and at the end of the day, you can treat yourself to a spa and a great meal. We definitely plan on visiting this year.

12. Great Basin National Park, Nevada →

National Park, 100 Great Basin, Baker, NV 89311, map

Distance: 296 mi / 4 h 29 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Lehman Caves, Bristlecone Pines, Wheeler Peak
What to Eat: Great Basin Cafe, The Baker’s Bean
Where to Stay: Book a Hotel in Baker

Great Basin National Park is a great place to stargaze, explore caves, and hang out with some of the oldest trees in the world. You can read more about it on our Ultimate Guide to Great Basin National Park.

See More: Ultimate Guide to Great Basin National Park

13. Mammoth Lakes, California

2510 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, map

Distance:308 mi / 5 h 8 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Devils Postpile Nationa Monument, Horseshoe Lake, Rainbow Falls
What to Eat: Noodle-Ly, The Warming Hut, Mammoth Rock Brasserie
Where to Stay: Book a Hotel in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is most popular during the winter when skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes, but if you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the summer and explore the mountains via hiking and biking trails.

14. San DIego, California →

40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333, map

Distance: 332 mi / 4 hrs 55 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: San Diego Zoo, North Park, Balboa Park
What to Eat: Carnitas Snack Shack, Tacos El Gordo, Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in San Diego

We spent a whole year in San Diego and it’s still one of our favorite cities in the US. It has such a laid-back vibe, great restaurants, and plenty to explore. We headed to the beaches on some days, and up into the mountains on others. You can also spend a full day exploring museums and experience the diverse culture.

See More: 101 Things to Do in San Diego

15. Salt Lake City, Utah

90 S W Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, map

Distance: 421 mi / 5 h 45 min (map)
Things You Can’t Miss: Park City, Big Cottonwood Canyon, The Tabernacle
What to Eat: Purgatory, Red Iguana, Salt & Olive
Where to Stay: Hotels in SLC

Whether you want to spend your weekend outdoors, marvel at the amazing architecture, or just rest and relax, Salt Lake City has a wide variety of options to keep you busy and happy over a weekend trip.

More Weekend Trip Ideas Under 7 Hours

Parashant National Monument, AZ (135 mi / 4 h 31 min / map)
Dixie National Forest, UT (182 mi / 2 h 40 min / map)
Kanab, UT (198.7 mi NE / 3 hr 5 min / map)
Duck Creek Village, UT (200 mi / 3 h 5 min / map)
Cedar Breaks National Monument, UT (205 mi / 3 h 5 min / map)
Storax Sedan Crater (107 mi / 1 h 50 min / map)
Yucca Valley, CA (206 mi / 3 h 53 min / map)
Palm Springs, CA (232 mi / 4 h 3 min / map)
Lake Powell, UT (270 mi / 4 h 13 min / map)
Rainbow Bridge National Monument, UT (268 mi / 4 h 12 min / map)
Fishlake National Forest, UT (278 mi / 4 h 25 min / map)
Salton Sea, CA (296 mi / 4 h 44 min / map)
Phoenix, AZ (298 mi / 5 h 13 min / map)
Salvation Mountain (314 mi / 5 h 4 min / map)
Santa Barbara, CA (359 mi / 5 h 34 min / map)
Pilot Peak, NV (388 mi / 6 h 24 min / map)
Park City (427 mi / 6 h 10 min / map)
Yosemite National Park (456 mi / 6 h 52 min / map)
Moab (Arches & Canyonlands) (457 mi / 6 h 34 min / map)
Sequoia National Park (380 mi / 6 h 3 min / map)
Monument Valley, UT (395 mi / 6 h 13 min / map)
Lake Tahoe (451 mi / 7 h 17 min / map) – over 7 hours but worth a weekend trip

Map of Weekend Trips from Las Vegas

Planning Checklist

Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
Download these helpful language apps.
Find a great deal on Las Vegas hotels.
Arrange a rental car for your trip.
Book a tour for your visit.
Get airport lounge access.

Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
Get a new backpack for your trip.
Buy a Las Vegas travel guide.
Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
Save money on attractions with Go City.

More Resources

What is the best weekend getaway you’ve been on? Which of these have you visited?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

SEE MORE LAS VEGAS GUIDES

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101 THINGS TO DO IN VEGAS

VEGAS FOOD BUCKET LIST

BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO

BEST LAS VEGAS SHOWS

FREE THINGS TO DO

INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN VEGAS

7 NATIONAL PARKS NEAR VEGAS

YOUR GUIDE TO THE RISE FESTIVAL

DAY TRIPS FROM LAS VEGAS

WEEKEND TRIPS FROM LAS VEGAS

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

BEST BUFFET IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS STRIP GUIDE

LIVING IN LAS VEGAS PROS AND CONS

BEST VEGAS ESCAPE ROOMS

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

The post 15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Las Vegas appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

Joshua Tree Climbing Trip with Bota Box

Esther & Jacob — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 12:00:00 +0000

We just started getting into bouldering this year after our neighbors in San Diego took us for the first time. Before moving into our Airstream, the Grotto was practically our second home, but now that we’re living on the road, we haven’t had many chances to climb. When we looped back through the west coast, we decided to plan a Joshua Tree climbing trip with our old neighbors.

There’s no denying that Joshua Tree is a beautiful park, but before we started climbing, it didn’t seem to have a whole lot of activities to keep you interested for more than a weekend. The landscapes all looked the same with joshua trees and random rock piles scattered throughout the park. After getting into climbing, though, each rock, each boulder, each crack, each crevice started becoming unique to us. We can see why this is a climber’s playground, and it makes us appreciate the place so much more.

It was only our second time outdoor climbing. It can be SO scary and intimidating, but it was a lot of fun trying out different types climbs and pushing ourselves to our limits. The best part of the weekend is that we had plenty of down time in between climbs and in the evenings to catch up and even meet new friends. I just love how laid back and friendly the climbing community is.

Our friends over at Bota Box even sent over some wine for us to enjoy on the trip! We’ve never tried box wines before primarily because of the stigma around it, but we loved that Bota Box has made quality wine especially for adventurers and people on the go.

We brought a Bota Brick with us climbing and had some full sized Bota Boxes waiting for us at the Airstream. It’s amazing how much wine you can fit into one box! Can you believe that the Bota Brick Chardonnay (green box) holds 2 bottles and the full-size Boat Nighthawk Black (blue box) holds 4 bottles of wine? Besides that, it’s 100% recyclable, it doesn’t drip, and the wine stays fresh up to four weeks after opening. It’s impressive.

We’re not wine connoisseurs by any means, but we like to drink socially and enjoy wines that are smooth and easy to drink.

We can’t wait to explore more outdoor climbing spots and still have a long way to go to get better at bouldering. Anyone want to go climbing with us and show us the ropes (pun intended)? :) If you’ve tried any of the Bota Box wines, we’d love to hear your thoughts!

OUR CLIMBING GEAR:

Crash Pad: Metolius Session Crash Pad
Chalk Bag: Metolius Ultralight + Metolius Super Chalk
Climbing Shoes: Five Ten Anasazis (His + Hers) – great for slab / smearing

Do you have any recommendations for great outdoor climbing spots on the west coast?

Thank you Bota Box for sponsoring this post and powering our fun weekend in Joshua Tree!
We’re so excited to be Bota Box ambassadors. As always, all opinions, images, and text are our own.

The post Joshua Tree Climbing Trip with Bota Box appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

Hall of Horrors Joshua Tree NP

Esther JuLee — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:04:23 +0000

We started chasing the sun near the end of our off-roading adventure, and realized we weren’t going to make it to the lookout point in Keys View, where we had originally picked for sunset. Instead, we decided to catch the sunset at Hall of Horrors. I have no idea why it’s called that. I tried to look it up, but all I could see was that several people have died while trying to climb the rock formations, and also there’s an exorcist area there. Good thing I didn’t know any of this while we were there, because I definitely would have been creeped out the entire time.

When we were there, there was no creepiness. We were captivated by the sunset.

Sunset Photos from Hall of Horrors Joshua Tree NP:

The “engagement” session continues. Having some fun taking silhouette photos. :)

Directions: Coming from the West Entrance Station, follow Park Blvd to Loop road past the Ryan campground. The next parking area on your left will be the Hall of Horrors. There is plenty of parking and restrooms there.

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

What’s next on your travel list?

The post Hall of Horrors Joshua Tree NP appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

Off Roading in Joshua Tree National Park

Esther JuLee — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 13:14:34 +0000

After exploring a few nature trails, we met up with a few friends to do some off roading in Joshua Tree National Park! It was a photographer couples triple date. With all six of us being photographers armed with a camera in each hand (and then some), you can imagine that there were lots and lots of photos taken that day!

The road itself wasn’t that bad for the first portion. Most cars could probably make it with no problem. Our initial plan was to make it to the round about then head back out for sunset. After we made it to the loop in under an hour, we decided why not keep going and see how far we can get!

For the most part, we were in the valleys, so the views weren’t as amazing as other parts of the park. There also weren’t as many joshua trees as we expected. You definitely felt very secluded in the middle of nowhere though. This is when we took the opportunity to do an impromptu desert “engagement shoot” taking turns to take couple portraits.

Note to self: when going to the desert with Stephen and Souwah, always dress cute! You never know when you’ll end up posing for photos.

We don’t have very many photos of us together since one of us always happens to be behind the camera, so we’re very thankful for Stephen & Souwah who took the photos of us below! Go check out their photography and Garrick and Fern’s too!

Once we started driving through the Bernardino Mountains, the landscape began to change…. and so did the roads. At that point, we were taking our time slowly navigating through the dirt roads to ensure that we didn’t damage the car or pop a tire. We reached a bend in the canyon and encountered a Hummer tour that was blowing down the path in the opposite direction. The driver shook his head at us and gave us fair warning that the road ahead was much worse.

We gave it a glance and decided we could probably make it, but not without damage. This was where we decided to turn around:

Tips for Off Roading in Joshua Tree National Park:

Vehicles: If you want to do some off roading, they recommend high-clearance vehicles with 4 wheel drive. We took a Lexus RX300 and Subaru Forester and did just fine until the really rocky portion (see photo above).
Parking: We met at the Ryan Mt. trailhead which had a large parking lot to drop off our non-4-wheel-drive car there. The Geology Tour Road is also right off the main road and easy to find, and in hindsight realized it would have been more convenient to have parked our car here. There is also a bathroom in case you need to go before you make your trek in.
See the map of the entire park online or you can get one here.

Below is a map of the route we took in blue. The blue arrow indicates the entrance. The turn around point is approximate.

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

I’ve been doing a travel post every Tuesday. If you want to check out the others, click on the banner below:

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Skull Rock Joshua Tree NP

Esther JuLee — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 13:02:20 +0000

We stopped at Skull Rock in Joshua Tree NP, before going on our off-roading adventure with our friends. You can actually see Skull Rock as you drive by and can walk right up to it 20-30 feet away. It’s the second Skull Rock we’ve visited in California so far. Does is look like a skull to you?

We were also warned that bees might attack you, because they are so thirsty for water. Beware.. especially if you sweat a lot.

These were the most peculiar looking flowers. They looked like tiny balloons. We saw a lot of white ones and every once in a while pink ones.

Below you see a Joshua Tree. Our friend from Atlanta explored this place a while back all the while wondering what all these trees were. It wasn’t until the end he found out they were Joshua Trees and the reason why the park is named Joshua Tree National Park. ;)

Parking is off to the side of the main road. There’s also a 1.7-mile nature walk that loops around and crosses the street to the Jumbo Rocks Campground. Besides going up to skull rock, we didn’t do much exploring in this area. I wouldn’t mind checking it out next time… with a bee suit. ;)

When I was little, I remember playing in the sand and getting stung by a dead bee. I can’t imagine how terrifying it is to be stung by a live one. Have you ever been stung by a bee?

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

I’ve been doing a travel post every Tuesday. If you want to check out the others, click on the banner below:

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Joshua Tree National Park | Arch Rock Nature Trail

Esther JuLee — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 11:09:20 +0000

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park? Don’t miss Arch Rock Nature Trail!

I can’t believe I’m blogging in Vegas at 3 AM, but I wanted to share my first post on our recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park. We’ve been meaning to take a trip out there for the longest time, and it was on our checklist of West Coast road trips to take while living in LA.

After our trip to Death Valley, where the temperatures nearly killed us, we decided to wait out the summer until it was cooler and much more bearable. It turns out that November was the perfect time (mid-to-high 60s the entire time)!

Last Updated: February 12, 2025

TLDR

Location – Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California, where the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert meet. It’s about 130 miles east of Los Angeles and 50 miles northeast of Palm Springs. The park is famous for its unique Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and star-filled night skies. It’s a hotspot for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.

Trail Description – 1.2 Mile Out and Back Lollipop-style Trail with 88 ft elevation gain. Should take roughly 30 minutes.

Wildlife – Desert Bighorn Sheep, Black-tailed Jackrabbits, Coyotes, Kangaroo Rats, Desert Tortoises, Chuckwallas, Roadrunners, Golden Eagles, Tarantulas, Scorpions

Photography Tips – Visit the arch during sunrise or sunset for the best light for photography.

About Arch Rock Nature Trail

We had a lot planned out for the day, but we started with the Arch Rock nature trail. It was a 0.5-mile trail and was leisurely. We loved seeing all the amazing rock formations! Although there weren’t as many Joshua trees in this part of the park, there was a playground of boulders and rocks that you could climb on. It felt like we were in a city from The Flintstones.

The trail entrance is in the White Tank campground opposite campsite 9. There is parking available right there, but the park ranger also told us we could park at any of the empty campsites. It looks like a great camping location, and we’d love to return!

Trailhead: 33.9894641,-116.0255427, map (in the White Tank campground opposite campsite 9)
Distance: 1.2 Mile Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 88 ft Elevation Gain
Time: The hikes takes around 30 minutes.

See More: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

What to Pack

Bring enough drinking water. There aren’t many places in the park where you can get water. If you’re there multiple days, you can always do a supply run in town or drive out daily for what you need.
Pack layers. The desert temperatures can change drastically from day to night.
Don’t forget your sunscreen. There isn’t much shade in the park.
America the Beautiful Pass to save money if you are visiting multiple parks.
Your National Park Passport to collect your stamp!

See More: Joshua Tree Camping – What You Need to Know

What to Eat

The Natural Sisters Cafe, Joshua Tree (Vegetarian & Brunch, $$)
Sky High Pizza, Joshua Tree (Pizza, $$) – this place is usually packed. It took us a few visits before we could get in.
Crossroads Cafe, Joshua Tree (American, $$)
La Copine, Yucca Valley (New American, $$)
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace (New American, $$) – open late and has live music.

Where to Stay

Planning Checklist

Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
Find a great deal on Joshua Tree hotels.
Arrange a rental car for your trip.
Book a tour for your visit.
Get airport lounge access.

Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
Get a new backpack for your trip.
Buy a Joshua Tree travel guide.
Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.

What is your favorite hike in Joshua Tree?

SEE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

The post Joshua Tree National Park | Arch Rock Nature Trail appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.