Travel Guide | Joshua Tree, CA
A climbing oasis, land of intense sun, beautiful desert landscapes, rock formations, rustic bungalows and quirky cafes. I love visiting Joshua Tree! This guide will include my favorite airbnbs, hiking and exploring trails, shops, and the food that alone makes the trip worth it! We typically spend 2-3 days here, but it is still enjoyable as a day trip. High season is September - May when temperatures are mild. Fall and Spring are great times to visit, just expect crowds on the weekends.
Stay:
Joshua Tree is the land of airbnbs - there are so many rustic and charming houses to stay in. I suggest finding one with a pool, it’s the perfect way to cool off after hiking or climbing all day. Here are my favorite options:
Cabin by The JTH | Cowboy Pool | Fire pit | Stars
Amankoya, New Retreat Style Near Joshua Tree NP
Zen House, serene + close to everything
Rustic House with pool & jacuzzi
Eat:
Pappy & Harriet’s - Western style restaurant with live music and classic American food, located in Pioneertown *make reservations, it’s very popular. Check online for concert schedule
Crossroads Cafe - classic breakfast spot before your adventures
Pie for the People - Best pizza spot in the area
Yucca Kabob - middle eastern food
Frontier Cafe - artsy spot with the best healthy sandwiches and salads, coffee.
La Copine - up the road a bit, funky black and white decor, wide variety of modern chic dishes.
Snake Bite Roadhouse - rustic, retro diner vibes with an outdoor patio. Burgers, wings, pasta, brunch.
The DEZ - takeaway food, good for picnics
Yucca Valley Outpost - casual spot for smoothies, healthy vegan options
See & Do:
Pioneertown - an old western town that is fun to walk around and explore the shops. Check out Soukie Modern, XeBa BOtaniCA, and the general store. Dinner at Pappy & Harriet’s.
Hike or Rockclimb in Joshua Tree National Park:
Hidden Valley Nature Trail - good for kids
Discovery Trail/Skull Rock - good for kids, lots of rock scrambling
Split Rock Trail
Hall of Horrors - some rock climbing, also easy walking trail
Barker Dam Trail - nice variety of views, water, petroglyphs, easy trail
Cholla Cactus Garden - unique landscape full of cactus. Not so great for small children
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Musuem - funky museum of junk turned into art
Shopping - Joshua Tree is full of antiques, bohemian clothing, vintage, retro, and all sorts of random stuff you won’t find anywhere else!
Sun of the Desert Store - mens & women’s clothing and fun souvenirs, beautiful back patio to eat hang out
Nomad Ventures - outdoor store for climbing, hiking gear
Coyote Corner - fun souvenirs and random desert trinkets
Moss & Ginger
Nitty Gritty
Mojave Flea Trading Post
an-nx home
Hoof & the Horn
Day trip to Palm Springs - see Palm Springs travel guide
Stargazing in Joshua Tree NP - go into the park after dark to view the incredible stars. There are four designated stargazing locations: parking lots of Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Ryan Mountain. You could also book a campground in the park to sleep under the stars.
Explore an abandoned mine - there are multiple mines in JTree to explore including Desert Queen Mine, Wall Street Mill, Mastodon Peak Trail, or Lost Horse Mine for a bit more of a challenging trail.
Walk among the palm trees at an oasis - I LOVE the desert palms, they are different than the ones you see on the coast of California and make for a beautiful walk. A couple places to do this include “Oasis of Mara” in the north part of the park at the 29 Palms Visitor Center (very easy walk), or the 3 mile “Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail” is a beautiful hike for moderate skill level. “Lost Palms Oasis” is another option if you want a challenging hike - this one is around 7 miles RT and is located near Cottonwood Spring. Absolutely stunning trail and worth it if you are in decent shape. Don’t forget to bring lots of water.