The Best 1-Day Itinerary in Joshua Tree National Park
Last Updated: September 17, 2023
Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its distinct trees (i.e. the Joshua Trees) and the park’s other worldly desert vibes. This park is certainly worth a visit, even if you have only 1-day. You can easily see many of the top sites in Joshua Tree National Park in 1 day, and we break down everything you need to know to visit Joshua Tree.
Did you know that Joshua trees are the biggest Yucca trees in the world? Back in the day, the hearty Joshua Tree leaves were used by native people to make baskets! Today we call them Joshua Trees because early Mormon immigrants thought the trees reminded them of biblical Joshua, with his arms raised upward in praise to God.
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Everything You Need to Know to Spend 1 Day in Joshua Tree: Table of Contents
- Can you see Joshua Tree in 1 day?
- Can you do a day trip to Joshua tree from LA in 1 day?
- Is a day trip to Joshua Tree worth it?
- The top short hikes to prioritize in a 1-day visit to Joshua Tree
- The top sightseeing spots to visit on a 1-day visit to Joshua Tree
- Things to keep in mind when visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Complete Guide to Spending 1 Day in Joshua Tree National Park
Can you see Joshua Tree in 1 day?
Yes, you can easily see the top sites in Joshua Tree if you only have 1 day in the park. You will have to be smart with how you organize your day, so that you don’t spend all day criss-crossing across the park. You can check out our map to see the way we organized our day in Joshua Tree.
We found it worked best to start from the North Entrance Station near Twentynine Palms, and then work our way west through the park. (Although we did have to drive east a bit to get to the Cholla Cactus Garden, which was absolutely worth going out of our way for!)
Can you do a day trip to Joshua tree from LA in 1 day?
Yes, you can easily do a 1-day trip to Joshua Tree National Park from Los Angeles, or even San Diego. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive each way, and if you leave early enough, you’ll be able to see the main highlights of Joshua Tree National Park in 1 day. This makes Joshua Tree a great day trip outside the city for LA tourists and locals alike.
Is a day trip to Joshua Tree worth it?
Yes, the 2.5-hour drive from LA or San Diego to Joshua Tree is definitely worth it, even if you can only go for a day. There is something enchanting and awe-inspiring about the expanse of the desert. The rock formations are really unique, and the plant life that manages to survive in the extreme desert heat is quite impressive.
Overall, we felt like a 1-day trip to Joshua Tree from LA gave us plenty of time to see the park highlights, and it was well worth the drive. So below we give you the best 1-day itinerary with short hikes and top sightseeing spots in Joshua Tree.
The top short hikes to prioritize in a 1-day visit to Joshua Tree
Belle Campground
Now this might strike you as an odd suggestion, but we had a lot of fun exploring the trails around Belle Campground in Joshua Tree. Belle Campground is right on your way into Joshua Tree from the North Entrance Station. If you go to Joshua Tree in the off-season (i.e. the summer when it is HOT), then the campgrounds will be closed for camping, but are still open for people to explore during the day.
There was almost no one at the campground when we visited, so it was fun to have the place to ourselves to explore the short trails around the campground, with plenty of quirky rock formations to climb. It also gives you a closer look at what it would look like to camp at Joshua Tree.
Arch Rock Trail
Arch Rock is one of the top sites to see in Joshua Tree, and it requires a short hike to get there. The Arch itself is fascinating to look at, and the surrounding rock formations are just pure fun to play on.
How long is the trail to Arch Rock? In total, it’s about a 1.2-mile round trip, and it is rated easy on AllTrails.
Do note that the trail to Arch Rock is across the road from the parking lot. We accidentally started out by trying to find the Arch Rock trail near the parking lot, before realizing our mistake and crossing the road to the correct trail. If you want to extend your hike to Arch Rock a little bit, read on to learn how to see Heart Rock, one of Joshua Tree’s best kept secrets.
Heart Rock Trail
Heart Rock in Joshua Tree was one of our favorite spots because it is a hidden gem in Joshua Tree. Few people know to look for Heart Rock. You can get to Heart Rock by taking a quick detour off the trail to Arch Rock. It only adds about half a mile to your hike to Arch Rock. Thankfully, there are small signs marking the way now so you can easily find Heart Rock.
We saw lots of people at Arch Rock, but no one was at Heart Rock, so we got it all to ourselves.
Skull Rock Trail
Another top thing to see in Joshua Tree is Skull Rock, a large rock structure that looks like, well, a skull. It’s a fun, unique thing to see, and it doesn’t require much hiking to get there! You can park right next to Skull Rock, and climb over a few boulders to get the best photo of Skull Rock. If you do feel like adding some more walking to your day, there is an easy 1.7-mile trail that loops around Skull Rock and through the surrounding “Jumbo Rocks,” which are also fun to see.
If you’re looking to add more hiking to your Joshua Tree itinerary, check out the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. It’s a short 1-mile hike, through more fascinating rock formations. We did not get a chance to do this hike ourselves, because we were pretty tired after all day in the heat, but if you have the energy, this popular hike is highly rated and offers some fun views in Joshua Tree!
Here are the top sightseeing spots to visit on a 1-day visit to Joshua Tree
Beyond Joshua Tree National Park’s hikes, there are several great sites to see that don’t involve much walking. These sites are easy to enjoy for everyone and fit perfectly into a 1-day trip to Joshua Tree.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Cholla Cactus Garden is a little out of the way from the other stops on this 1-day itinerary in Joshua Tree, but trust us, this cactus garden is worth it.
The garden is full of many different desert plants, but the star of the show is the “teddybear cholla.” The cholla cacti are adorable, and unlike any plant we’ve seen anywhere else. They get their name “teddybear” because the teddybear cholla cacti look so fuzzy and cute that you’ll be tempted to touch them. But DON’T touch. Their barbs are sharp!
The Cholla Cactus Garden has an easy .25-mile walking path through the garden, where you can get out of your car and enjoy the amazing plants of Joshua Tree.
Just note, when we visited there were a lot of bees in the parking lot by the garden, so be wise and keep an eye out!
Keys View: You can see Coachella from a distance!
The last top spot to see in a 1-day Joshua Tree itinerary is Keys View. This stop in Joshua Tree offers sweeping views of the Coachella Valley (home of the famous music festival) and the Little San Bernardino Mountains. On a really clear day, you might be able to see all the way to Mexico!
Getting to Keys View involves only a short walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint. And Keys View is wheelchair accessible.
Joshua Tree Saloon
Ok, so the Joshua Tree Saloon is not technically a top site in Joshua Tree National Park. But it is a rite of passage to do on your visit to Joshua Tree, and this quirky desert saloon is a site to see in and of itself.
On your way out of the park, you’ll likely be hungry after a day adventuring, so we recommend stopping at the Joshua Tree Saloon for a bite to eat and a refreshing drink. It’s a fun experience to see a little bit of the local culture, and it’s a great way to get refreshed before the drive from Joshua Tree to Los Angeles or San Diego.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Cell service in Joshua Tree
You will likely have no cell service in Joshua Tree, so be sure to download offline maps on your phone beforehand. Otherwise, you should stop at the visitor center for a paper map on your way into Joshua Tree.
Bring lots of water in Joshua Tree
If you plan on visiting Joshua Tree National Park in the summer or on a hot day, bring lots of water with you. In fact, the entrance to Joshua Tree has a sign that reads: “Do not die today. Summer heat makes some activities hazardous. The National Weather Service issues many excessive heat warnings throughout the summer. Take extra precautions to ensure your safety. Read the Hike Smart tips to stay safe while visiting Joshua Tree during the hot season.”
There are no water fountains inside Joshua Tree National Park. We repeat, there are no water fountains within Joshua Tree! The only places to fill up your water are on the very edges of the park – at the visitor centers and Black Rock Campground. Therefore, you must bring plenty of water, sunblock, hats, and snacks. And if you can pack a Gatorade, you’ll be grateful for the electrolytes!
Is there any food or water at Joshua Tree?
There are no food stands, however you may want to consider stopping at the Joshua Tree Saloon on your way out! And as we mentioned above, there are no water stations inside the park once you get past the visitor centers. So bring lots of your own water jugs to Joshua Tree!
Are there bathrooms at Joshua Tree?
Yes, there are bathrooms, or more specifically, “vault toilets” throughout the Joshua Tree National Park. All the campgrounds have vault toilets, as well as most of the popular trailheads. But remember to bring your own hand sanitizer. There are also flush toilets available at the Joshua Tree Visitor Centers.
How do you get around Joshua Tree National Park?
The park does not offer any shuttle services, so you will need a car to get around Joshua Tree National Park, unless you decide to take a guided excursion such as this highly rated offroading tour.
Is there parking at Joshua Tree?
Thankfully yes, Joshua Tree has plenty of parking. Joshua tree is quite large with lots of short stops for travelers at each site. This means that parking very quickly becomes available, even at the most busy stops.
How much does it cost to visit Joshua Tree?
The price to visit Joshua Tree National Park varies, but in general, if you’re driving in for a day, it costs $30 per vehicle. You can check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date fees.
Although, if you’re likely to visit other national parks within the same year, you might consider the Annual Pass for $80 which will get you into Joshua Tree and other National Parks around the country.
Do you need hiking boots in Joshua Tree?
While it’s never a bad idea to wear hiking shoes while exploring a national park, we found that a simple pair of sneakers was sufficient for a day trip in Joshua Tree. Most of the trails at the top sites in Joshua Tree are relatively short and flat, so sneakers are fine. There are some places where you will have to scramble up big boulders if you really want to explore, so we do recommend wearing sneakers with traction on the bottom.
If you plan to spend more than 1 day in Joshua Tree, or if you plan to do some longer hikes, such as the 3-mile Ryan Mountain Trail, you may want hiking shoes. If you’re looking for a great introductory pair of hiking boots, we recommend the Columbia Newton Ridge Boot, which is sturdy, comfortable, and comes in lots of colors.
Is Joshua Tree crowded?
Although Joshua Tree National Park welcomes over 3 million visitors per year, visiting the individual sites and hikes does not feel crowded due to the constant in-and-out flow of visitors.
Is Joshua Tree National Park dog friendly?
Yes and no. Dogs and other pets are only allowed on the roads, at picnic areas, and at campgrounds, and they must be leashed at all times. Dogs and other pets are NOT allowed on any hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in park buildings. You can read the full Joshua Tree pet policy on the National Park Service website.
Best Joshua Tree Itinerary for 1-Day
There you have it—our complete 1-day itinerary for Joshua Tree, along with everything we found important to know while planning a visit. Joshua Tree National Park is unique with its quirky trees and rock formations, and definitely worth checking out for yourself. Happy exploring!