Things to do in Joshua Tree

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Joshua Tree

Things to Do in Joshua Tree


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Top Attractions in Joshua Tree

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What travellers are saying

  • Carrie D.
    Cleveland, OH1,987 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent a really great day at Joshua Tree National Park. We were able to make it to two of the Visitor Centers. The gift shops were much smaller than I’d have expected, but the rangers were as helpful and friendly as always.
    The park was easy to drive through—really good signage and the map was very clear. We were glad we had done our homework ahead of time and knew which hikes we wanted to prioritize. We only had the one day at the park, so we knew we couldn’t pack everything in. Parking was a bit of a challenge later in the day in some places, but overall it was smooth sailing.

    We really enjoyed the Cholla Cactus Garden trail—super easy loop trail, but really cool to see all of those cacti. Watch your step and be sure not to step on one—one of us accidentally did and the needles went right through her shoe.

    We had a nice little picnic at the Live Oak picnic area—we had brought sandwiches and chips and water in with us and this made a nice little mid-way stop. We shared a picnic table with a lovely couple from Oregon and traded NP stories with them through lunch.

    We loved the Cap Rock Nature Trail—again, an easy look trail, but one full of giant rock formations and classic Joshua trees. Kind of what you picture when you think of Joshua Tree NP.

    We didn’t stay long at Keys View—it was super cold and windy up there, but the views are gorgeous. I wish it had been a clearer, warmer day.

    Finally, we loved the Barkers Dam trail. It was not a difficult hike by any means, but a little more challenging than the Cholla Cactus Garden or Cap Rock Nature Trails—it’s a little more rugged with a little bit of climbing through rocks. It’s about a mile and it was a lot of fun. An added bonus was seeing the petroglyphs at the end.

    Overall, we had a great day in Joshua Tree National Park. We didn’t get to everything we wanted to, but we loved everything we did get to do!
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RobBoston80
    Boston, MA1,215 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a nice place to stop and "empty the tanks" before we drove through the park. We did ask the rangers about hikes for those with mobility issues (my folks are 70+.) She gave us some good suggestions and highlighted them on a map.
    With that said, she did try to scare my parents about how much gas it would take to see the whole park. It only took us 1/4 of a tank. Strange.
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • gwilson86
    Atlanta, GA78 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    GREAT walk thru!

    We were there when no staff was around.

    The exhibits are most curiously interesting...
    though provoking.

    art.
    Written 21 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ca H
    Los Angeles, California, United States3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A hike to Carey's Castle in Hiking Joshua Tree National Park. This Place is hard time find and we want to keep it that way. Make sure you take plenty of water and food. Make sure you take a map of the area or YOU WILL GET LOST.

    Good Luck!

    My adventure video!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5siOsm9p7k&index=18&list=PLm4oOlR7oGXA56GQ3xoTUBh3ESNPFj5nB

    9 miles round trip
    Elevation Gain: 1400 ft
    Hike Time: 7 hours
    Difficulty: Strenuous
    Trail Condition: No trail at times / Confusing Forks
    Hike Type: Out and Back
    Animals : Not Recommended
    Activities : Hiking
    Fee : Free Parking
    Written 7 January 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jadranka P
    London, UK723 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is very quirky little place surrounded with other art stores. It is fun and definitely worth stopping by.
    Written 9 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dnaleciz
    Moreno Valley, CA414 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As you are traveling down Twentynine Palms Highway in Joshua Tree and approach Sunset Road and Hillside Road located on the south side of the road you will find a unique sculpture. It is a giant turtle. “Murtle the Turtle” is the world’s largest replica of a tortoise. This larger that live sculpture is a beautiful recreation of the desert tortoise which one dominated the landscape in this area. During the 1950 – 1960s, Joshua Tree use to hold an annual Turtle Day Parade and Turtle Races to honor this magnificent creature. Over the years, this reptile started to disappear from the surrounding landscape. Eventually it was declared an endanger species, and Joshua Tree gave up their Turtle Day Parade and Races. To honor this tradition and the tortoise, Joshua Tree designed a statue using a concept taken from a 1957 painted plaster turtle parade float. Hence the birth of “Murtle the Turtle.” Over the years, time and weather played havoc with this rendition of the Turtle and it was replaced with the current sculpture. Outstanding sculpture to honor a past tradition and a beautiful creature. Well worth a visit.
    Written 27 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dan W
    Portland, OR1,988 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a co-op art gallery owned and run by a dozen or so local Joshua Tree artists. It is right on the highway going through Joshua Tree. I found the art to be really interesting and intriquing. Many genres of art are on display; photography, painting and sculpture. During our visit we was a variety of interesting and provocative works on display. Well worth taking the time to visit.
    Written 27 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robby G C
    Toronto, Canada78,235 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was my best attraction at Joshua Tree.

    Hiking on the rocks was great.

    However, I found that the Banana Cracks Rock is even way better when the sundown comes.

    The boulders start with different colors on the rocks,

    The best time to see it is sundown. Wow!
    Written 6 December 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dnaleciz
    Moreno Valley, CA414 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located on Pinto Basin Road in Joshua Tree National Park is a pull off the road area where one can be dazzled by beautiful views of the surrounding area. This area is known as the Ocotillo Patch. An informational kiosk provides information on the Ocotillo Fouquieria splendens plant that grows abundantly in the area. This plant is not a cactus, but a bush that can grow up to thirty-five feet tall. To the casual observer this plant is a large pile of dead sticks. This dramatically changes when rain hits the area. Brillant crimson flowers appear on each stem and a plethora of bees abound near each blossom, The branch is covered with thorns that will provide painful inflictions to your skin if you happen to get pricked. Unfortunately, no blossoms, just a lot of dead look sticks on this trip. Still an interest facet of Southern California environmental diversity to observe.
    Written 27 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robby G C
    Toronto, Canada78,235 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Saddle Rocks reminds me of a saddle on a horse. However there are no horses.
    This attraction is for the mountain.

    It is attractive!

    A must see!

    I liked this one.

    A must see
    Written 13 December 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dnaleciz
    Moreno Valley, CA414 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After viewing Murtle the Turtle Sculpture venture to the opposite end of the parking lot to examine the “Spirit Climb” statue. From a distance the sculpture looks like a pile of rocks. As you approach it, you will note a figure of a young long haired individual scaling this rock formation. This brown stone sculpture is approximately eight feet in tall and reflects the determination of the climber to reach the top. This sculpture honors the climbing sprit of individual who have made Joshua Tree a mecca for Rock Climbing. Sadly, there is a lack of information available concerning the statue. A remarkable piece of artwork
    Written 27 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LA_dweller
    Joshua Tree, CA4,147 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is officially a "picnic area" and is not listed as a hike on the Joshua Tree trail maps but you can hike all around in every direction!

    This is a large picnic area with a big parking lot, lots of picnic tables and bathrooms. One particularly humungous gargantuan boulder - Intersection Rock - is at the parking lot entrance. Intersection Rock is a 150-foot tall monzonite monolith that many rock climbers consider the birthplace of climbing in Joshua Tree.

    This area is accessible from all areas of Hidden Valley Campground, hence, all areas of Hidden Valley Campground are accessible from the Intersection Rock parking and picnic area.

    Tons of picturesque opportunities in every direction,- crevices in gargantuan boulders that you can climb into and take pictures, tons of boulders of all shapes and sizes that kids love to climb and crawl on. You can wander as little or much as you like from here!
    Written 30 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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