Location: Joshua Tree
Top Things to do in Joshua Tree
- 1. Hidden Valley
- 2. Joshua Tree Excursions - Day Tours
- 3. Cliffhanger Guides
- 4. Joshua Tree Visitor Center
- 5. The Climbing Life Guides - Private Trips
- 6. Stone Adventures
- 7. Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture
- 8. 49 Palms Canyon Trail
- 9. 29 Trail Tours LLC
- 10. Joshua Tree Falconry Adventures
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Top 10 Things to do in Joshua Tree, United States
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses approximately 800,000 acres of desert land just 40 miles east of the California-Nevada border. The land has been inhabited by humans for an estimated 5,000 years, filling it with a rich history as well as numerous archeological sites and historical structures. Famous for its biodiversity, Joshua Tree is home to more than 800 different plant species. Visit between the months of March and June to view the impressive wildflowers in full bloom. Many of the local species close up during the cool nights and reopen with the sunshine in the morning, so don’t be fooled by the barren appearance at twilight. Hiking trails are by far the primary attraction at Joshua Tree. If you and your family have never been to Joshua Tree before, there are a few hikes you won’t want to miss. The first is the Lost Horse Mine, a historical mine located inside the National Park. You can explore the mine itself or stroll along the 6.5 mile loop surrounding the site, where you can see other mines as well as Malpais Hill. The second must-see attraction is Carey’s Castle, a series of abandoned caverns that were once inhabited by squatters who worked in the nearby mines.
Restaurants in Joshua Tree
1. Hidden Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 512 reviews
Reviewed By webcam13 - Seattle
This short one mile hike/walk made me fall in love with this National Park...it's surprisingly beautiful! (A surprise because I was just expecting a desert w/ a lot of Joshua trees...but it's so much more!)
If you have limited time in the Park, highly recommend you choose to see and experience the Hidden Valley. Lots of people...but it's a National Park!
2. Joshua Tree Excursions - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 79 reviews
The Joshua Tree Excursions team provides un-paralleled discovery opportunities for all explorers. From novice hikers to the experienced, backcountry adventurer. We cater to all and will personalize your journey, based on your individual needs and capabilities. From small intimate hiking excursions to larger group outings, young and old alike. From day trips to extended backcountry adventures.
Reviewed By blondieitaliano - Philadelphia
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3. Cliffhanger Guides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 122 reviews
Custom Guided Joshua Tree National Park rock climbing advenutres! Cliffhanger Guides is Joshua Tree's boutique rock climbing guide service. We play with kids age 6 to 100. From beginner family play days to high end technical instruction and multi-pitch rock climbing advenutres. 5 hour 1/2 day, NO time limit full days, private instruction, and gourmet lunches....Company mission statement, "The more you give, the more you get". We look forward to showing you a amazing time in Joshua Tree National Park
Reviewed By maccarolina
We had a great day climbing with Cliffhanger. My group consisted of myself, my husband, and my 10 year old daughter. We climbed with Roddy who was fantastic. He was patient and helped us get through some jitters when first starting out. The day is customizable so you can try/do what you feel up for. We added in a rappel mid morning which was awesome. The company is well run. They responded immediately when I was booking the reservation and everyone I spoke with was friendly and informative. They also do all private tours which lets you be as slow or as fast as you want/need to be on your climbs. I would defineately climb with them again if we come back out to Joshua Tree. It was our favorite part of the trip!!
4. Joshua Tree Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By IrishFan-80 - Lancaster, PA
Our first time here and drove up from Palm Desert for a half-day visit. Grabbed a boxed picnic lunch at the café--terrific!. We used our Senior pass to quickly enter! WOW!!! This is amazing country. We started here and exited at 29 Palms after a 4 hour tour. Loved it! Enjoy!
5. The Climbing Life Guides - Private Trips
Overall Ratings
5 based on 62 reviews
We readily offer guided one on one rock climbing experiences, or guided rock climbing experiences in groups of up to six clients in Joshua Tree National Park. We love larger groups, but we need a little more time to make arrangements for your session. Please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance if you are interested in booking a larger group with us. Since we are a rock climber guide owned and operated small business, we are able to offer some of the most competitive prices! On top of the awesome prices, our guides offer solid, patient, and all around fun rock climbing instructional sessions. The client decides what rock climbing experience they want, and our rock climbing guides do our very best to make it happen. Let our guides show you the ropes!
Reviewed By OurEdventures - San Diego
Our family had a great time with The Climbing Life Guides in Joshua Tree this week. Although we consider ourselves to be somewhat adventurous, we had never rock climbed before and knew this was the thing to do in Joshua Tree. We searched Tripadvisor for a reputable company with great reviews and found Nelson and The Climbing Life Guides. The online booking process was easy and professional. On the morning of our excursion, we met our guide, Stephen, at Nelson’s house near the West entrance to Joshua Tree. He has converted part of his house/garage into a shop where his tours begin from. We were fitted with our hiking shoes, helmets, and harnesses. Then we loaded up and drove into the park. We opted to drive separately so that we could spend more time in the park when we are done. What I really liked about this tour was that Stephen completely catered the climb to our interests and experience. He listened to our desires and concerns and planned out a day that fit our family perfectly. Our boys are 11 and 14 and he was excellent with them. It’s hard to explain, but it was the perfect combination of positive encouragement and pushing a little to go just a bit further outside of our comfort zone. He was patient, funny and an all-around likable guy. As a mom who is a little afraid of heights, I felt like my family was in good hands and safe the entire time. We ended up in three different climbing spots, each different and interesting. Stephen also provided information about the desert, plants, and local habitat. I would highly recommend the Climbing Life Guides for your families rock climbing adventure in Joshua Tree.
6. Stone Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 51 reviews
Joshua Tree rock climbing guide service, Joshua Tree rock climbing classes, courses and instruction. Joshua Tree nature walk tours in and around the Joshua Tree area.
Reviewed By Snavarro5 - Torrance
We used Stone adventures to take our Boy Scout Troop on their first climbing experience. We had a variety of scouts, parents, and siblings that signed up to climb. Everyone had an amazing time. The instructors were the great. They were very encouraging and helpful to some of our scouts that were hesitant to climb. They had various levels of difficulty. They also offer the climbing merit badge if your interested. We highly recommend this company and will use them on our next trip. Definitely exceeded our expectations.
7. Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By Jim K - Indio, California
These sculptures were done by Noah Purifoy and are unique to say the least. They are assembled from many items he collected from all sorts of sources. Many Many interesting displays. Is out in the open in the desert so wear a hat and sunscreen. Easy to walk around at and parking is right across from the entrance and has signs that designate so. The park is free but donations are welcome. A self guided map is available at the entrance so sign in and take one so you will know what each display is named and some history. The GPS is horrible getting there so follow the Paved Roads and the Signs to 63030 Blair Lane which is dirt for just a little ways. It is well worth seeing.
8. 49 Palms Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By pingaroo - Chicago, Illinois
49 Palms Oasis Trail is a 3 mi/4.8 km roundtrip trail to a desert oasis with palm trees. The moderately-rated trail consists of 350 ft elevation gain and 300 ft elevation drop to the 49 Palms Canyon. There is a large parking lot at the trailhead.
We did the trail around 11am on a Sunday in November, and it was very busy. The parking lot was almost full, and there were about 50 hikers on the trail. The scenery was very interesting as we've never seen so many different types of cactus. Trail condition was good, and the hike was not too difficult on a partly cloudy day. It took us 2 hours. We brought 2L of water for 2 people but could have used an extra liter. While the oasis was pretty, it was very crowded. Unfortunately, there was a group of loud teenagers, which detracted from the natural beauty. It's probably better on a weekday.
9. 29 Trail Tours LLC
Overall Ratings
5 based on 27 reviews
29 Trail Tours LLC, is a locally owned and operated tour company, built on the concept that life is a journey and not a destination and that every experience should be as unique and personalized as possible. We have dedicated ourselves to providing our clients with an unparalleled high desert eco hiking experience in one of the most majestic places in the country; Joshua Tree National Park.
Reviewed By Gary T J - Niceville, Florida, United States
My wife and I did a half day hike with Kelly from 29 Trail Tours, and it was a great experience. Kelly took us to check out one of the natural arches in the park, he was very knowledgeable about the trail, and tailored the hike to our experience level. We did a half day hike this time, but had such a great time we will probably do an overnighter next time around. Not enough great things to say about this company and their staff, thanks!
10. Joshua Tree Falconry Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Immerse yourself in learning about and interacting with birds of prey and the world of falconry with one of our specialized adventures. We have experiences that range from social & educational events/functions to intimate one-on-one encounters with both falcons and hawks. Adventures starting from $70 pp ($55 youth/senior).
Reviewed By BartB6 - Yucca Valley, California
We recently had a chance to meet up with Lorrie and his birds of prey, and let me say what an experience! I had no idea the difficulties these amazing creatures face in the wild, and the conservation opportunities falconry affords the diligent keeper. Lorrie...MoreWhat a wonderful time spent with you and your family. We so enjoyed sharing our beautiful birds with you and certainly hope we can do it all again. Thank you for your kind words! Best regards
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