Top Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
Top Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds
Countries
What to do and see in Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree National Park: The Best Things to do
Spanning two deserts, the Joshua Tree National Park encompasses a wealth of natural beauty.
Restaurants in Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds
1. Keys View
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
A lookout point located a couple of thousand feet above Joshua Tree National Park that provides incredible views of sunrise and sunset.
Reviewed By clairemeech - Leatherhead, United Kingdom
Amazing views across the Coachella Valley. It was a bit hazy but very cool to view the landscape. Well worth the extra drive (or hike if you like).
2. Cholla Cactus Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 550 reviews
Located inside Joshua Tree National Park, this small area contains awesome man-sized cacti that grow in profusion.
Reviewed By waynefromcali - Yucaipa, United States
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail,located in Joshua TreeNational Park,California,is a great stop on your Joshua Tree National Park adventure! They featurea a cholla cactus garden info sign,a one way covid safe trail start and is about 1/4 mile in length for a nice stop and go! Careful-Cholla Cactus are very pointy sharp! Its a beautiful area all around for beautiful views and photos! . . . . #joshuatreenationalpark #chollacactusgardentrail #chollacactusgarden #jthavn #ilovejoshuatreenationalpark #seejoshuatree #goseejoshuatree #waynesalvatti #photografxworldwide #californiadeserts #californiadreamin #californiadreaming #desertlife #yuccavalley #29palms #gohiking #getoutthere #familyfun #covidsafe #peaceful #calm #outdoorlife #cactus #chollacactus
3. Ryan Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Four mile hiking trail offering great views from the top.
Reviewed By Susie1028 - San Diego, United States
Ryan Mountain is an out and back, 3-mile round trip hike with 1,050 feet of elevation gain. That's fairly steep. The trail is dirt with numerous stone steps. The summit is at 5,457-feet, and offers impressive panoramic views of the jumbled rock formations and Joshua trees that make up the national park. Bring water, and be mindful of the temperatures. There is a parking lot and bathroom at the trailhead. Located in the center of the national park, closer to the west entrance.
4. Keys Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By blessedbunch5 - Orlando, United States
We were lucky enough to reserve this Ranger led tour ahead of time (minimal fee) and it was so interesting and rich. You learn so much history of the area and of the lifestyle of the Keyes family (and families like them). It made the rest of our Joshua Tree exploring that much more enjoyable; like putting a picture into a frame!
5. Hidden Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 652 reviews
Reviewed By GeofJx - Germantown, United States
This was one of the highlights of our trip. It’s a nice relatively easy hike through the rocks and around the valley and is a spectacular example of the rocks and micro climates that make this spot so special. Great boulders for scrambling and there are plenty of climbing routes for the skilled rock climbers. Don’t miss this spot. Parking is limited and it can get crowded as it is very popular.
6. Barker Dam Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Reviewed By colbys2014 - Irvine, United States
This is a beautiful part of the park with much to see! Tons of Joshua trees and scenic rock formations as far as the eye can see along with the old dam and some Native American petroglyphs at the southern end of the loop! The trail is easy to walk though it’s also easy to get lost as well so keep that in mind and try to stay close to signage and other people just in case (though there is some fun in seeing unexplored areas also). Definitely worth a look!
7. 49 Palms Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By fun2travel68 - San Carlos, United States
Thoroughly enjoyed this hike which exemplifies the beauty of the desert ~ dry, rocky, and rugged. It's technically not inside Joshua Tree National Park which is why the ranger recommended it. It wasn't crowded at all and has grand views of the valley. The hillsides are dotted with cacti and desert plants blooming through cracks in rocks. It's startling to see tall palm trees rise up in the distance as you hike through dry desert hills. We packed sandwiches and sat on huge boulders for a picnic lunch at the end of the trail. It's worth the strenuous hike to reach the secluded palm tree oasis by the spring! I'd rate this hike as moderately difficult due to the meandering dirt trail that becomes very rocky at times and there is hardly any shade. Wear hiking shoes, hats and bring adequate water. There are some steep parts that are not suited to the very young/old. Trails aren't marked very clearly and visitors can go off trail easily. Highly recommend hiking poles.
8. Cap Rock Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
This is the Cap Rock Nature Loop. It is only 3 miles to enjoy the cacti and the rocks. While we walk we learn about flowers, rocks and way more At one time we had to enter through a small rock. That was fun! How does anything survive? Do the unique adaptations of many plants. and animals. There were a lot of boulders. We passed through the rocks. Wow! A must see! Getting to know the Joshua tree
9. Arch Rock Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By elizabethmU6303LS
Amazing to see and climb around. We found the path difficult to follow-- maybe because there was snow. It's a SHORT hike from the campground. The Arch is a little off the official path, and you can climb over to it (not too hard of a climb over some boulders). And the rocks just around the Arch off the path is fun to climb on. We are a family of 4, kids are 6 and 10. We really loved exploring this area.
10. Skull Rock
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 474 reviews
Reviewed By OCDane - Los Angeles, United States
Always like to stop here for photos. This time I was able to crawl up into the right eye socket :-) had a little challenge getting down though.. so think about getting down when you go up ;-)
