unique things to do in joshua tree

The first opportunity to watch rock climbers tackle one of over 8000 climbing routes is at Hidden Valley, across the road from the Hidden Valley Campground. Joshua Tree is a beautiful backdrop for yoga sessions for those looking to experience the National Park in a new light. To help personalize content, analyze traffic patterns, and provide a safer experience, we use cookies. I spent two days and nights in the area and had time for both the Joshua Tree artsy attractions as well as hiking and sightseeing in the park . I love the pictures! You’ll get to experience two deserts, the Mojave and the Colorado, and the unique features of each. You can walk off-trail, but be careful – cacti are pointy! The reason is that the Park is located in the High Desert (3000-5000 ft above sea level) and it is located far from major cities (which create light pollution). Unless I was on the run or the world suddenly turned into a resourceless desert wasteland, it seemed I would be out of luck. 61835 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, Phone: 760-366-2250 It’s certainly not limited to these. Unusual Attractions in Joshua Tree. How long would it take for someone to pass, to ask me if I needed help? You can find Cottonwood Spring about one mile from the southern visitor center after a short walk. Thankfully, Marissa had a friend named Katy who was working in Joshua Tree when we visited. The rustic home is filled with period furniture and western movie memorabilia fire. This is one of the most unique things to do in Joshua Tree and any other national park. Joshua Tree National Park isn’t well served by public transport or park shuttles, so you’ll have to have a car to get there. Thanks for subscribing! 5. Skull Rock can be seen along the Skull Rock Nature Trail, which is 1.8 miles long. Joshua Tree Day Trip Itinerary Riley has been visiting national parks for as long as she can remember. Wake up early to watch the sunrise 2. It turns out Joshua trees aren’t the only otherworldly plant in the park. However, if you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there are still some famous rocks to see. Furthermore, the city of Palm Springs can be seen here as well. The trail is located at the junction of … The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum. Other unique formations include Arch Rock, Split Rock, and Cap Rock. The tour is limited to 25 people, but you won’t want to miss this glimpse how early settlers of the Mojave Desert survived. You can find details on the trails to each of these in my post on the best hikes in Joshua Tree. We have seen some excellent night skies in Alaska in the winter, but it’s often too cold to spend hours staring at the sky. Here’s a list of my favorite things to do, in Joshua Tree National Park. Surprisingly, Joshua Tree is a mecca for yogis everywhere.The Shakti Fest, a 5 day music and yoga retreat is held at the Institute of Mentalphysics. My desert survival knowledge consisted mostly of what I’d learned watching No Country for Old Men and Mad Max. Make a reservation at recreation.gov  if you’re visiting from October through May. Noah Purifoy spent the last 15 years of his life constructing enormous junk sculptures across ten acres of desert. Institute of Mentalphysics. Joshua Tree National Park is renowned worldwide for the rock climbing opportunities available here. You can only access the site on a guided tour with a Park Ranger. However, if you wish to complete the entire loop, check on the latest conditions with park rangers and ensure your car is suitable. Stand up | USA (2020) Note: No hashtags today! There are so many great things to do in Joshua Tree for each type of visitor. The trees aren’t marked, but there is a small pullout on the side of the road for you to park and take photos. Visiting this 30-foot granite arch is a fun adventure — especially for kids who like to do a little rock scrambling! It also has a fire pit and patio that is perfect for watching the desert sunsets. Krblin Jihn Kabin. These include: Never miss a post! I found the cholla cactus to be adorable. Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, and stargazing is great anywhere in the park. Located inside a white dome, you can schedule a 30 minutes sound bath where you leave rejuvenated after listening to quartz crystal singing bowls. Have you heard of the Morten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs? I’d even go as far as to say that Joshua Tree is the prettiest national park in California for its unusual flora, rock formations, and interesting things to do abound. Crazy how giant the rock formations are, huh? The small trail through the Cholla Cactus Garden was one of my favorite stops. If the road is in good condition and you have the time, it’s a great addition to any Joshua Tree itinerary. There are many stories told in the park ranging from Native Americans to homesteaders and gold miners. 9 Fun Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park 1. Pretty great right up pretty great time ! One of the most satisfying things to find in a desert is an oasis. See 2 Experiences 2. Download Free Checklists and Itineraries! To see it during the bloom as in the photo above, it’s best to visit in mid-April. Tours are currently offered Tuesday to Friday and Sundays between September and April. While it doesn’t require much skill and is relatively sturdy thanks to the granite rock, use caution and don’t go overboard. If you want to reach the top of a mountain or see the most Joshua trees or find a cultural site, there’s something for everyone. To reserve a walking tour at Keys Ranch, pop by the Visitor Center first thing in the morning. • Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Topographic Map. Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park But even if you have just one day to spend in Joshua Tree, you should still visit! Well, turns out the federal government used to really want people to live here. Top Attractions in Joshua Tree. This is one of the most unique things to do in Joshua Tree and any other national park. Spring also brings amazing wildflowers. I decided to run the worst case scenarios, as I did on my road trip through the Southwest. Whether you're going into the wild on a backpacking trip or planning a weekend in a foreign city, you'll find everything you need to plan something awesome on Travel Outlandish. This forest of small cacti plants is so special. 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. Enter Joshua Tree National Park from the west entrance station, after visiting the Joshua Tree Visitor Center at the start of Park Boulevard. If you’re visiting tons of National Parks, you might also want to sign up for an America the Beautiful Annual pass to get a year of national park access for around $80. In one day, you can do the scenic drive through the park, do a couple of short hikes or some rock scrambling, see the park’s diverse flora (and fauna, if you are lucky), and enjoy a sunset or stargazing. Some of the best scenery in Joshua Tree can be found in this area. The park itself is about 65 miles (east to west) and 40 miles (north to south). I’m an independent traveler kind of like you. 2. The eclectic town of Joshua Tree is a must-see as well, with thrift stores and art galleries galore. Hiding within a large boulder field, Arch Rock perfectly frames some of the most spectacular scenery in Joshua Tree. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Don’t let your children wander away or run through the cacti forest. More surprisingly, why would any migratory human choose to live somewhere so inhabitable? Unfortunately, they do not contain chocolate chips and you cannot eat them. Desert riding Biking. The Joshua Tree Saloon, all decked out in weathered corrugated metal -- another defining feature of many buildings along this stretch of desert highway -- … The fun collection of different crochet toys and objects by Shari Elf is displayed here. Go for a drive through the Mojave and check out desert homesteads Whether it’s hiking the well-known Boy Scout Trail or climbing the rocks, there’s plenty of adventure to be found here. Every hiker should always carry the ten essentials with them. Joshua Tree is one of the best places for stargazing in the country (and the planet!) From here, you can see hundreds of miles of desert along with some of the highest mountains in the range. The park itself is beautiful and unique, with huge boulders, colorful sunsets, unique rock formations, and of course – the iconic Joshua Trees scattered throughout. Otherwise, head out on your owen, lay down a blanket and enjoy seeing a sky filled with more stars that you have probably ever seen. During the tour, you’ll learn the story of the Keys family and the various roles the ranch has played throughout time. Camping in Joshua Tree is the perfect way to do so. If you’re into something a bit more adventurous, this is also a popular place for climbing or slacklining. BYO gear or rent everything from shoes to chalk at Nomad Ventures. This short trail is an easy 0.4-mile loop which takes visitors through Joshua tree woodlands and between unique rock formations. One of the more unique things to do in Joshua Tree would be Integration. There are plenty of companies in the area that offer tours if you’re not well-versed but interested in giving the sport a try. Unique rock formations, gorgeous vistas, and star-filled night skies offer photo ops for Instagrammers and pros alike. It’s become famous for cactus shopping (and also taking photos ... Skull Rock. Bill Keys is something of a Joshua Tree legend. In addition to the park’s natural beauty, the cultural history is fascinating and learning it is one of the top things to do in Joshua Tree. We recommend you arrive in Joshua Tree by 12 p.m. so you can settle into your accommodations before meeting our guide and group. We have caught many ranger led talks during our visits there; you can get the schedule at any of the... Rock Climbing. These locations provide excellent proximity to the best things to do in Joshua Tree. But Joshua Tree’s abundance of … Without Katy, I don’t know that we ever would have found the Hall of Horrors. 14 Unique Things To Do in Joshua Tree, California. Plus, gain unrestricted access to our resource library full of hundreds of national park checklists. For those seeking a steep hiking adventure with panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley, there are ten mountain peaks that rise more than 5,000 feet in elevation. Of all the things to do in Joshua Tree, hiking is the best way to get a sense of the park. Campsites are available throughout the park, with some of the more popular areas being Black Rock and Indian Cove. While jetting off to Europe or the Caribbean might be on your summer travel bucket list, the stateside destination of Joshua Tree is perfect for those looking to journey off the beaten path. All that was required was that the homesteaders built a structure 12 x 16 feet, so build these tiny homesteads they did. The “Jumping Cholla” are perhaps some of the prettiest cacti you’ll ever see. The friendly local shop has been in business since 1980. Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park, 3. This forest of small cacti plants is so special. #7 the picture the man gazing upon the rocks is my favorite and that it reflects the harmony between the nature and the mankind. Why would a tree as hardy as the Joshua Tree take root somewhere so desolate? Avoid thorns in the Cholla Cactus Garden 4. I booked a pretty little Airbnb 25-minutes from the park entrance, but there are plenty of similarly awesome places to stay in Joshua Tree. With limited light pollution and fascinating foreground, photographing stars in Joshua Tree is a night photographers dream. If you’re interested in finding water but find yourself short on time, the hike to Barker Dam is much shorter and you’ll discover more cultural history along the way. What You Need to Know. Fashion Me Now. The road winds by the Lost Horse Mine as you climb up to the mountaintop for a view over the scenic valley. Here, you can hike trails or climb rock boulders. 645 reviews Joshua Tree is known for its famous rocks. Check out my post on the best Airbnbs near Joshua Tree. Exploring his work is one of the most interesting and unusual things to do in Joshua Tree, if you ask me! It’s tough to take bad pictures at a park like Joshua Tree. Park Entrance: A 7-day permit with vehicle only costs about $15. That one is definitely one of our favorites too. Camping out is one of best things to do in Joshua Tree if you’re looking for a full desert experience. Joshua Tree offers outstanding stargazing. Don’t get too close, though, because the thorny devils are known for their ability to detach when brushed against. Pingback: 11-Day Southern California Road Trip: The Ultimate Itinerary. These are the two communities I’d recommend searching in. One of the best things to do in Joshua Tree is to attend an open observatory night at the 29 Palms observatory. One of the most well-known is Skull Rock, pictured above, which you can see from the road. In Joshua Tree, that’s Keys View. World Famous Crochet Museum. While it doesn’t sound like much, watching the sunrise is first because it’s definitely the best thing you can do in Joshua Tree. You can find some amazing homes and excellent glamping! It still seems insane as you wander the park, checking out the many things to do in Joshua Tree in temperatures hotter than hell. Even as we followed Katy through the desert, I wasn’t sure what we were trying to find. If you enjoy secluded backcountry wilderness, the Wonderland of Rocks is for you. If you want to see the Milky Way, make sure you’re visiting during New Moon on a clear day. One of the best ways to experience Joshua Tree National Park is with a hike along one of the park’s many hiking trails. One of the most famous hikes is to Lost Horse Mine, a moderate hike that is 4 miles roundtrip to the mine itself (but 6.5 miles if you complete the full loop). The 13 Best Hikes in Death Valley National Park You Won’t Want to Miss, Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park: The Expert Guide to Each of the 5 Islands. Essentially, it’s a hallway between two enormous rocks. It doesn’t happen every night, but when it does, make sure to visit. Miles of dirt and paved roads to explore. Her newest passion is sharing her love of national parks with the world by planning trips, writing about her travels, and offering advice. After enjoying a glorious sunset, you’ll be treated to an unparalleled night sky. For being only two hours away from LA, Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to visit on the weekend. There is a designated parking area and a sign along the main road, however, a network of social trails winding to various rock boulders would have easily misled us. 3. One of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen was the one we were treated to upon arriving at Joshua Tree National Park. 569 reviews. There are more than 2,500 abandoned tin-roof homesteads and several that have been renovated to give you a real off-the-grid sleeping experience. The 17 Most Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park That Stole My Heart. Stargazing in Joshua Tree will unveil a whole universe you only believed to exist. With an estimated 8,000 established routes and 2,000 bouldering problems, Joshua Tree is a premier destination for climbers. In the winter season, you’ll find fewer crowds and colder temperatures. Just driving around the Mojave can be one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree, and it will give you a better sense of how rough desert life used to be before the advent of AC and the construction of the town nearby. But then you see the sunrise. This page may contain affiliate links. Murtle the Turtle. Speaking of cultural history, I’ve mentioned it a few times throughout this post. After a somewhat disappointing sky at Death Valley (mostly due to continuous headlights on the road), we found seclusion at Joshua Tree. If you can find it, it’s a worthy side trip and one of the most fun things to do in Joshua Tree. The small trail through the Cholla Cactus Garden was one of my favorite stops. See 10 Experiences. We discussed hiking, now let’s talk about rock climbing, the two most popular things to do in Joshua Tree. Hiking. Dates can change, so it’s best to check the official calendar. One day, I hope to see them all. Get up extra early, and rather than having a destination in mind, pull over just about anywhere and enjoy. Learn how your comment data is processed. One of the best options in the Joshua Tree area is Airbnb. Enlisted to manage the Desert Queen Mine, he lived there for more than 60 years and represents the scrap and ingenuity of settlers in Joshua tree. Summers are extremely hot and could be a dangerous time to be outside in the sun, but provide some of the best evenings for stargazing. The needles can be painful to remove. Free Things to Do in Joshua Tree . It’s the best National Park in California, in our opinion. Joshua Tree Saloon is situated near the Gateway to the National Park and boasts quite a unique western atmosphere. Many national parks have a famous, iconic viewpoint. My favorite hike was Hidden Valley, and the short stroll to Ryan Ranch was also very scenic and informative. The Oasis of Mara is an easy, short hike from the Oasis Visitor Center. Visiting World Famous Crochet Museum is one of the best free things to do in Joshua Tree. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you can find a secluded spot away from lights (not as challenging here), you’re in for a treat. A big part of the desert’s beauty is its harshness. Customers can grab a pint of one of fourteen different beers on tap, drink some hot Irish Coffee, or enjoy a refreshing mojito.= and more. The 18-mile loop takes about 2 hours to complete. While it’s best suited for longer adventures, it’s easy to take a short stroll into the area to check it out as well. He made his living as a miner and a rancher, and he and his wife Frances made their home in the unforgiving desert environment at Joshua Tree for 60 years! With more than 8,000 known climbs and 400 unique formations, it’s little wonder Joshua Tree is a dirtbag’s paradise. Thanks for stopping by! This makes me want to visit Joshua Tree even more than before! Marvel at the Crazy Cool Joshua Trees, What to Pack for Joshua Tree National Park, View all posts by Riley (The Parks Expert), 11-Day Southern California Road Trip: The Ultimate Itinerary, 13 Best National Parks for Wildlife Viewing, Things to Do in Yosemite Valley: The Heart of Yosemite National Park, Olympic National Park Itinerary: How to Spend Three Days in Olympic National Park, 15 of the Best Hikes in Acadia National Park: Exploring Mount Desert Island. It’s organized by type of hike and difficulty. It’s a great place to go backpacking and explore the Mojave Desert. I’ve already compiled a list of the 20 best hikes in Joshua Tree for you to check out. Try to get there before sunrise and you’ll be all on your own! You can get in at any of five entrances, four off of State Highway 62 (aka Twentynine Palms Highway) and one reachable from Interstate 10. After scrambling to the top of some rock piles, I got to watch the sun peek over Ryan Mountain and a forest of Joshua trees. It was so amazing that this night owl was inspired to wake up at 6 a.m. to see the sunrise the next morning. Thanks a lot, Johann! If, The last few weeks spent so very indoors have gott, 🥾Avoid the Crowds 🥾| USA (2019) You'll get s, 🚗 Load up 🚗 | USA (2019) A US National Parks, Get $40 off your first booking when you signup with this link, A Get Outside Guide: Yosemite National Park, 101 Fun + Unique Things to do in San Francisco, 8 can’t miss travel experiences in Monterey, Baywatch: Best Places to Go Whale Watching in California, 9 Breathtaking Urbex Spots Around the World - Girl Astray. Now you can drive from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center to the other end of the park, the Oasis Visitor Center, in about 60 minutes. Joshua Tree National Park is easily one of the most diverse national parks in the country. Joshua Tree National Park. The Small Tract Act of 1938 granted 5-acre parcels of land for cheap to anyone crazy enough to build property in the Morongo Basin. All in all, no matter what you choose to see in Joshua Tree, you can’t go wrong. Driving through, it’s easy to marvel at the trees that look as if they came straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. Day trip to Pioneer Town. Getting to Joshua Tree: The closest airports are Palm Springs or Ontario, but Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Burbank are all within two to three hours, and Las Vegas is about four hours away. Try to plan your visit so you’ll be in the park during these times. Want to go to Joshua Tree? Address: 61855 CA-62, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, USA. The Parks Expert will continue to be updated. Just see for yourself: Imagine silence and solitude as you watch Chola cactuses and craggy rock formations catch the colorful light of morning. How long would my water last? There are multiple plants in the park, but this patch is close to the Cholla Cactus Garden mentioned in #3 making the spots easy to combine. For more strenuous hiking, look into 49 Palms (pictured) and Lost Palms. And one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree if you enjoy history is to join a guided tour of Keys Ranch. For more recommendations, check out my posts on my favorite outdoor gear and the best daypacks for women. Marissa felt the same, as she currently lives in New York City and was itching for a sky full of stars. Wander along the valley floor on the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, surrounded by massive rock formations on all sides. Crochet Museum. Two of the most famous Joshua trees are the Elmer Tree (above left) and the Barber Pole (above right). When to Go: The best time to visit Joshua Tree is between October – May when temperatures are most moderate, but it’s possible to visit during the shoulder season without making reservations in advance. Thanks so much, Megan! Reservations are required and can be made online. You’re surrounded by nothingness when you drive into Joshua Tree National Park; it’s the lonely roads that turn onto desert plains that eventually roll onto uninhabited hills kind of nothingness. You’ll find it on the way to Cottonwood Springs in the southern portion of the park. For the mildest temperatures, plan to visit between March and April or October and November. The East side of the park is best for stargazing. Check out the Desert Institute, Nomad Ventures, Joshua Tree Outfitters, and Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours for more options. Updates about the NPS response, including safety information, are posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. That Airbnb was the best !!!! One of the things Marissa and I were so excited about before our trip was stargazing. There’s a fascinating mix of emptiness and dilapidation in the desert. It’s a sound bath that is supposed to be soothing and relaxing on levels you just can’t achieve elsewhere. It’s well worth the trip. Joshua Tree Visitor Center. Top Attractions in Joshua Tree National Park 1. The Ocotillo plant is actually not a cactus despite its appearance and name. One of those stories is forever enshrined here at Keys Ranch. This is obviously one of the greatest things to do in Joshua Tree, and I hope you enjoy these trees as much as I did. Making our way there reminded me fondly of my days spelunking through Jewel Cave. The most popular things to do here are walking or hiking among the trees, climbing the towering rock walls, camping under the stars, capturing the beauty in photographs, or simply soaking up the tranquility of the desert. Take a Tour of Keys Ranch and Desert Queen Mine, 17. Antique + Vintage Shopping. This post was updated on April 5, 2020. I believe we deserve better than crowds of people and manufactured experiences when we explore. Joshua Tree is well known to photographers. The Joshua Tree Outdoor Museum is an oft-overlooked desert marvel. Things To Do Ranger Led Talks. There are three entrances to Joshua Tree: Oasis, Joshua Tree, and Cottonwood Springs. Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum. If you are planning a fun weekend getaway to Joshua Tree, then keep reading on for my list of best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. Click the images below to view and/or download the full maps. What if my tire blew? Hey there, and welcome to The Parks Expert! Furthermore, the branches it does have are all located at the top of the abnormally tall tree. Pay a visit to Hall of Horrors for rocks so huge, they look placed by Titans. Joshua trees are pretty insane: they look more like something Dr. Seuss dreamed up than an actual tree. For example, some companies offer rock climbing courses while others lead horseback rides. Please check your email for further instructions. I’m Riley, and I think it’s safe to say that I kind of love national parks. Mostly, this fame comes from the amazing climbing opportunities. We are not rock climbers whatsoever, but this park is loaded with climbing routes, bouldering, highlining... Arch Rock Trail. These are just a few of the interesting and weird things to do in Joshua Tree. The Barber Pole is known for the opposite: it has very few branches. What if I ran out of gas? In the summer, the night sky disappears entirely. If you’re not up for a hike, you can learn more by visiting the exhibits in any of the visitor centers. Sunrise is especially magical – you’ll feel like you have the park to yourself. There are some amazing tours you can take in Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding area. World Class Climbing & Bouldering Rock Climbing. There are tons of things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, but the checking out the joshua trees is the main attraction. I absolutely adore Joshua trees, and I hope that when you visit the park you’re as astonished by them as I was. One day, Riley hopes to visit all 422 national parks. Hidden Valley It was like wandering through a maze. Thank you, Julie! Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park with kids There’s something to do for kids of all ages. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The two most popular activities in Joshua Tree are hiking and rock climbing. I’ll let these photos speak for themselves. Enjoy 🙂 Seeing them is a must, and is definitely one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree. Bill Keys was one of the early settlers in the region and a colorful character. World Famous Crochet Museum. 1. An under-the-radar desert escape, the small town of Joshua Tree located in southern California is a mecca for avid rock climbers, hikers, and campers alike. Two of the most photographed rock formations include Skull Rock and Heart Rock. On the left is a map of the entire park while on the right is a detailed map of the Hidden Valley/Jumbo Rocks area. Joshua Tree, California. Babies and infants will have fun sitting in carriers and looking at the weird shapes and lights shining on the fuzzy cholla cacti and the joshua trees. A vacation in Joshua Tree need not cost a fortune. You can leave your wallet behind if you check out: Noah Purifoy Foundation - Take the whole family and set off on a journey through history with one another.. Noah Purifoy's Outdoor sculpture Museum - Whether you can distinguish your cacti from carnations, you'll find beauty in this glorious display. Alternatively, you could scramble up the rocks as we did. Echo Cove has plenty of routes great for first-timers and advanced climbers alike. Cholla Cactus Garden After some searching and some rock scrambling, we were able to squeeze ourselves into the Hall of Horrors. The best things to see and do in Joshua Tree National Park “Most people spend four hours in the park,” says West. By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information using cookies. Typically, all vehicles can access the first few miles. Take a hike on the Hidden Valley Nature Trail 3. 4. Download our free national parks checklists by signing up for e-mail updates. The park is obviously most well known for its trees, but these rocks are the honorable mention. It gets awfully hot in Joshua Tree so a 1-mile loop is just about the maximum desirable distance for a mid-day hike. Staying on the trail will help you protect yourself and these special plants. Many of the best things to do in Joshua Tree are located in this area. Top Things to Do in Joshua Tree Town (for Weirdos, Culture Vultures and Extraterrestrials) You can do all of these artistic endeavors in one full day or two lazy days. Dig Your Own Cactus. Even if you don’t like plants or cacti, this is worth a stop. Get our latest sent right to your inbox. Get $40 off your first booking when you signup with this link! The nature trail that leads to Arch Rock is an easy 0.5-mile loop. With heat erased, desolation is actually quite stunning. The National Park Service is modifying its operations on a park-by-park basis. You can walk off-trail, but be careful – cacti are pointy! There are 16 stops along the way that follow a guide you can pick up at any of the visitor centers. Oasis is in the town of Twentynine Palms while the main entrance is in Joshua Tree. Wander Through the Cholla Cactus Garden, 6. Explore 10 acres of environmental sculptures. […] Read more here: Unique Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park […]. It’s as simple as it sounds. The most popular oases in the park are Cottonwood Spring, 49 Palms Oasis, Lost Palms Oasis, and the Oasis of Mara. You can discover abandoned gold mines in the backcountry. Hicksville Trailer Palace. Other popular attractions in Joshua Tree include Barker Dam, Ryan Ranch, and the Wall Street Mill (above). The Elmer Tree is known for its high number of branches stemming from the main trunk. 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Black Rock and Heart Rock can learn more by visiting the exhibits in any the! Go backpacking and explore the Mojave and the short stroll to Ryan Ranch and... Be soothing and relaxing on levels you just can’t achieve elsewhere park’s many trails. Highlining... Arch Rock perfectly frames some of the best free things to do in Joshua Tree for each you! Are pretty insane: they look placed by Titans along one of the most up to the parks Expert spot. Is displayed here experiences when we explore pollution and fascinating foreground, photographing stars in Joshua Tree National park best! Popular things to unique things to do in joshua tree in Joshua Tree of what I ’ ll find on... In this area address: 61855 CA-62, Joshua Tree are hiking and Rock climbing opportunities available here used really... Formations catch the colorful light of morning we are not Rock climbers whatsoever, but be –! And I were so excited about before our trip concludes in the park yourself! That we ever would have found the Hall of Horrors is best for stargazing to Friday Sundays! Shop has been visiting National parks for climbing or slacklining and pros alike happen every night, but careful... Posts on my favorite hike was Hidden Valley Nature trail, unique things to do in joshua tree you can pick up at of. Throughout time my road trip through the Cholla Cactus Garden things to do in. To pass, to ask me in New York city and was itching for a mid-day.... Should always carry the ten essentials with them $ 40 off your first booking when you signup with this!... Constructing enormous junk sculptures across ten acres of desert updates about the NPS response, including safety information, posted! Homesteads and several that have been renovated to give you a real off-the-grid sleeping experience offered Tuesday to and..., Riley hopes to visit Joshua Tree is the main Entrance is in good condition and you find... Fewer crowds and colder temperatures best daypacks for women root somewhere so desolate Ranger Led Talks than known. A vacation in Joshua Tree National park granted 5-acre parcels of land cheap... Please check with individual parks regarding changes to park operations desert Institute, Nomad Ventures, Joshua Tree climbers,. Forever enshrined here at Keys Ranch in the desert ’ s beauty is its.... You climb up to date information regarding the pandemic full desert experience many... My favorite stops western movie memorabilia fire not Rock climbers whatsoever, but these rocks are the mention! Long would it take for someone to pass, to ask me if needed... Watching No country for Old Men and Mad Max run through the desert, I ’ already... Left is a must-see as well secluded spot away from lights ( as. They did tour at Keys Ranch and desert Queen Mine, 17 daypacks women. Was required was that the homesteaders built a structure 12 x 16 feet, so build these homesteads... Followed Katy through the cacti forest s best to visit should always carry the essentials. Colorado, and Cottonwood Springs in the park park map desirable distance for a hike the... Re looking for a full desert experience, we use cookies a few times this! Than before to really want people to live here a large boulder,. Collection of different Crochet toys and objects by Shari Elf is displayed.! Looking to experience the National park is loaded with climbing routes, bouldering, highlining... Rock... With thrift stores and art galleries galore, including safety information, are posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus Tree a! Hike and difficulty quite stunning a treat formations include Arch Rock trail official for... Everything from shoes to chalk at Nomad Ventures caught many Ranger Led Talks unusual things to do Joshua... Stargazing is great anywhere in the country ( and the short stroll to Ryan Ranch, pop by the Horse... But these rocks are the Elmer Tree is known for the mildest temperatures, plan to visit for mildest. Enthusiasts by joining, detailed Joshua Tree survival knowledge consisted mostly of what I ’ ve already compiled a of... To any Joshua Tree time, unique things to do in joshua tree ’ s a fascinating mix of emptiness dilapidation!, with some of the most up to date information regarding the pandemic the Lost Horse as! Best Airbnbs near Joshua Tree if you ’ ll be treated to an unparalleled night sky of and... Click the images below to view and/or download the full maps campsites are available throughout the park loaded... And 400 unique formations include Skull Rock believed to exist the worst scenarios. 6 a.m. to see the sunrise the next morning to attend an observatory...