6 Insane Joshua Tree Spots That Will Make You Fall in Love

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This post is all about Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree National Park is a bucket list spot for most California residents. Whenever I asked people for LA newcomer recommendations, every single person said I had to go to Joshua Tree. 

So, on a random Thursday afternoon, I packed myself a lunch and drove the three hours to Joshua Tree! The moment I began my drive through the park, I was in awe of the vastness the desert had to offer. Not only that, but there are Joshua trees everywhere! I found myself stopping at every single pull off just to see all the different rock formations. I could have easily spent the entire day just exploring the pull offs, but I knew there was so much more to see!

Joshua Tree Things to Do

Cholla Cactus Garden – Joshua Tree Desert

Everyone has an opinion on when to see this garden. Many say sunrise, but if you go in the late afternoon, you’ll get the same effect of the sun highlighting the cactus. I chose to drive all the way through the park to the garden and then make my way back. This also gave me a chance to get a better lay of the land. Entering through the west entrance if you are coming from LA, it’ll take you about 45 mins to drive through the park. But if you are like me and stop at every pull off, I’d designate about two hours to get to the garden.

Skull Rock

Next is the famed Skull Rock. This is probably the most packed attraction. Located right off the road, many people park here for Jumbo Rocks as well. Going in knowing this rock was supposed to look like a Skull, I easily saw it. But it was really funny listening to the different conversations of people who just couldn’t see it. I think in the end, it all depends on the angle you look at it from.

I waited until around 2pm to visit this site, and I somehow timed it perfectly that I got the entire place to myself for ten minutes! A word of advice if you want to get this rock to yourself, stay nearby by exploring jumbo rocks until you see the crowd die down.

Jumbo Rocks

As I mentioned already, this attraction is right next to skull rock. While waiting for your turn in front of the skull, this is a great place to explore the rock formations of Joshua Tree. Just don’t get lost! There isn’t really a trail for this attraction; it’s more of a giant playground.

Arch Rock – Best Hikes in Joshua Tree

One of the most famous pictures from Joshua Tree is Arch Rock. There is a short 1-mile round trip trail to get here. The trail starts in the parking lot at Twin Tanks. (There is a bunch of signage for the trail even though it won’t be on the map they give you at the welcome center.)

If you are trying to get to the arch faster and don’t want to do the entire loop, I suggest making a left at the loop sign. Keep a close eye out for this arch because I would have totally missed it if the group in front of me hadn’t pointed it out. This one wasn’t crowded either. Just one other group I had to wait on. 

Hidden Valley

I almost didn’t go here, but on a whim, I turned into the parking lot to have a snack. I only planned on walking a few minutes on the 1-mile trail, but as soon as the trail broke from the tower rocks into a valley, I was stunned. This is probably the most beautiful spot in Joshua tree in my opinion. I could have spent the whole day just exploring it. DO NOT MISS THIS!

Key’s View

This is the recommended spot for sunset meaning that you need to get there at least an hour before hand if you want a parking spot. I got there two hours early and decided not to stay for sunset due to the amount of haze. I was so happy I left early because the drive down the mountain is easily the second most beautiful sunset spot. The sun setting in the fields filled with Joshua trees was breathtaking to say the least. 

Other things to see if you have time:

Cap rock (A 3-mile loop)

Hall of horrors (a quick stopping point)

Intersection rock (right across from Hidden Valley and less busy)

Barker Dam (water was dried out in June but a great view at the end of the trail regardless)

Heads up! I planned my trip in June when the weather was 111 degrees. Make sure you are prepared for the heat with plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. I’d recommend bringing at least a gallon of water per person. I went through a whole gallon while in the park and had to restock for my ride home. Sunscreen is a must as well as breathable layers and a nice big hat. 

Also, do not lose the map they give you when you enter the park! There is no cell service in the majority of the park, so your only sense of navigation will be that map and the few signs available throughout the park. I also took pictures of the map just in case.

There are no gas stations or convenient stores inside the park, so I’d suggest topping off your gas before entering the park and stock up on some snacks if you don’t plan on exiting the park for meals.

To enter the park is $30 per vehicle, but I recommend buying the “America The Beautiful” annual National Park pass. I’ve already paid for mine three times over with the number of times I’ve used it. And if you plan to do more national parks, you will save so much money!

This post is all about Joshua Tree.