The Ultimate Guide to Spending 24 Hours in Joshua Tree National Park

Welcome to my ultimate guide for spending 24 hours in Joshua Tree National Park, one of my absolute favorite place I’ve been to so far! This breathtaking park is a nature lover’s paradise, featuring a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and vibrant plant life (I mean just looks at the actual Joshua Trees for crazy plant life). Whether you’re looking to hike through rugged terrain, marvel at the iconic trees, or simply soak up the peaceful nature of the park, Joshua Tree has something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for experiencing the best that this incredible park has to offer in just 24 hours.

Let’s turn up the heat! 

If you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree, the closest cities Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree City just a hop, skip, and a jump away, while Yucca Valley is also in the vicinity. For those who want a more extended weekend getaway, Palm Springs and Palm Desert (loved by celebrities and Kardashians alike) are just 50 minutes away and offer an array of accommodation options to choose from. 

But, if you’re here, it means you’re pressed for time. No problem! You can still bask in Joshua Tree’s splendor on a day trip from LA or San Diego, both of which are less than a three-hour drive away. For the more daring explorers, a day trip from Vegas or Phoenix is also an option, although it takes slightly longer to drive. Since Joshua Tree is an absolute must-see on the West Coast, it makes for a fantastic pit stop on a road trip to or from either of these destinations. 

When To Visit

The best time to visit Joshua Treet National Park depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to avoid the crowds, winter is the perfect season to visit. However, if you’re hoping to see the spectacular wildflower blooms, then spring (March and April) is the best time to go. Getting around the park is easy if you have your own vehicle, with several parking areas available to start your adventure. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, especially during the hot summer months!

Exploring Joshua Tree National Park in 24 Hours

To fully explore the park, a 7-day pass for $30 per vehicle is required, but it’s worth it to experience all the beauty Joshua Tree has to offer. The park is open 24/7, so you can come and go as you please. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are several points where you can buy the pass. 

• North Entrance Station (near the city of Twentynine Palms) – debit or credit cards only
• West Entrance Station (near the town of Joshua Tree) – debit or credit cards only
• Joshua Tree Visitor Center – cash or card
• Oasis Visitor Center – cash or card
• Cottonwood Visitor Center – cash or card

And if you’re looking for the easiest option, you can purchase your pass online at the National Park Recreation website. Wherever you get your pass from, don’t miss out  on stopping by the Joshua Tree Visitor Center and chatting with the friendly rangers who can give you insider tips and tricks to make your day even more epic.

What To See

Alright, let’s talk about the best things to do during your 24 hours in Joshua Tree National Park. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, this park has got you covered with a variety of trails.

Cafes and Food  

Most visitors usually will come armed with a pack lunch or, if you’re like us, you’ll have access to a travelling kitchen in your van. However, I’d recommend helping out the local community and checking out some of the cafes and food spots dotted around. 

Natural Sisters Cafe is a must-visit for some amazing vegetarian and vegan food options. Their salads, wraps, and smoothies are simply delish! However, there are other cool spots you should check out too. If you’re craving pizza, you have to try Pie for the People. Their wood-fired pies are out of this world! For a classic diner experience, Crossroads Cafe is perfect, and they serve breakfast all day, along with burgers and sandwiches. And when you need a caffeine fix, Joshua Tree Coffee Company is the perfect place to chill out and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. 

Hidden Valley Trail 

First up on the hiking list is the Hidden Valley Trail…. it’s an absolute must-see if you only have 24 hours in Joshua Tree National Park! This incredible one-mile loop trail will take you through some of the most breathtaking rock formations you’ll ever lay eyes on. Not to mention the beautiful Joshua Trees and amazing wildlife you’ll come across. It’s a fantastic trail for families with young ones or those who simply want to soak up the stunning scenery at a relaxed pace.  It’s an unforgettable, and easy hike, that will have you thinking you’ve been transported to different planet. 

Keys Ranch and Keys View

If you’re looking for a unique experience during your 24 hours in Joshua Tree National Park, I highly recommend booking a ranger-guided tour of Keys Ranch, the only way to explore this early 1900s homestead. The tour lasts 90 minutes and is available from October to May for just $10 per adult and $5 per child. Trust me, the additional cost is totally worth it for this rare glimpse into the park’s rich history.

But, if you’re trying to save some cash (aren’t we all?), don’t worry, there are plenty of other free stops that offers a peek into the Old West’s ruins.

Just past the Keys Ranch turnout, you’ll discover Barker Dam, a short 1-mile loop that takes around an hour to complete. The trail leads you right up to a water tank built by early cattle ranchers, and if you’re lucky, you may spot bighorn sheep! Keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs in the area and lots of rocks to climb on!

Take the next right after Barker Dam and continue driving to reach Keys View’s end, a popular viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault line. If you’re lucky enough to catch a crystal-clear day, you might just spot Signal Mountain in Mexico from Keys View. However, unfortunately, this has become a rare occurrence due to the declining air quality in recent years. This spot is perfect for a solid lunch break and some snacks before heading back. Keep in mind, the drive to and from Keys View takes a total of 40 minutes (round trip). 

 

Skull Rock 

And no, I’m not talking about the same Skull Rock from Peter Pan.

When cruising along the main road in Joshua Tree National Park, be sure to keep an avid eye out for Skull Rock! This unique geological feature will be hard to miss, as it looks just like a giant skull (hence the name). The best part? There are plenty of rocks to climb, making it the perfect spot for families with little ones (or all of us adults who are still young at heart).

Getting to Skull Rock is pretty easy, just head towards Jumbo Rocks Campground  from Keys View and keep your eyes peeled for the signs. There’s a parking area right by the rock, and once you’ve arrived, don’t be scared to let your inner adventurer loose – climb up the rocks and take in the beaut views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Cholla Cactus Garden 

Only a 15-minute drive down the road from Skull Rock is the Cholla Cactus Garden, a true gem in the park where the different desert ecosystems meet. The nature trail is just a 0.25-mile loop that’s is pretty flat, and gives you the chance to marvel at the incredible plant life, including the unique teddybear cholla and other wildflowers. 

One thing you need to note in the Cholla Cactus Garden is that the Cactus WILL attack you! I had no idea this was even possible when we arrived. Cholla Cactus may look innocent enough, but don’t let its appearance deceive you… even the slightest touch can cause its needles to stick to your clothing or skin (as Phil unfortunately found out). It’s only a matter of brushing against them being enough to leave you covered in needles. Keep an eye out for this prickly character on your desert adventures. They’re beautiful… but in a very macabre way. 

Regardless, the Cholla Cactus Garden is a must-see destination in Joshua Tree National Park, as it truly shows off the park’s incredible diversity. Parking is available at the garden, or you can just pull up on the side of the road, and it’s just a short walk from there to the start of the trail. 

24 Hours In Joshua Tree National Park: Sample Itinerary 

Now you know how to get there, what to do, and how to explore the park are you ready to plan your 24 Hours In Joshua Tree National Park? Here’s an itinerary that might help you plan your day, especially if you’re coming through Yucca Valley or Joshua Tree Town. Don’t sweat if you can’t do everything – just choose the activities that interest you the most!

• 9:30 am: Grab coffee and a small breakfast from Natural Sisters Cafe 
• 10:00am: Check out the Joshua Tree Visitors Centre
• 10:30am: Enter Joshua Tree National Park
• 10.45 – 11:30 am: Check out the Hidden Valley Nature Trail
• 11:45 – 12:30 pm: Drive to Keys View and enjoy lunch
• 1:00 – 3:00 pm: Join the Keys Ranch Tour (tour times differ per day) or Barker Dam Loop
• 3:00 – 3:30 pm: Head to Barker Damn and do the loop trail
• 3:30 – 4:00: See Skull Rock 
• 4:00 – 4.35: Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden 
• 5pm – End your day with a delicious pizza from Pie for the People.

Of course, the timing is just a rough guide, and you can adjust it depending on what works for you. Enjoy your trip!

Here’s the song that most reminds me of spending 24 hours driving around Joshua Tree National Park 👇

Visiting California? Check out my California category for guides and road trip ideas 🇺🇸🏔