Wander With WHIT: Joshua Tree National Park
With kitschy cafes, a blossoming art scene, other-worldly vegetation and a whole lot of desert, Joshua Tree National Park has a little something for the hipster in all of us. Located just a 2.5 hour drive from Los Angeles, and 45 minutes from Palm Springs, its a perfect spot if you live in Southern California, or are looking to add to your road-trip through the state.
Nestled between two desert landscapes, the cactus friendly, Colorado and the higher and cooler Mojave, is Joshua Tree National Park. Named after the bristly yet cheerful Joshua “Trees” (which aren’t trees at all) that scatter the area, it’s also characterized by large, rugged rock formations and stark rolling desert. The prickly and oddly shaped Yucca brevifolia throughout the park are actually a member of the agave family. While their name may be confusing, it makes for a truly unforgettable landscape. UPDATE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joshua Tree National Park is now requiring reservations for visitors. Please visit the NPS website here for more information.
STAY You have two options when you are visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Stay close to the park entrance in an Airbnb or stay just 45 minutes away in charming Palm Springs. This will also give you more dining options, since the nearest town close to the park is Twentynine Palms, and while they have some good options there aren’t as many to choose from.
Palm Springs has plenty of choices for your trip to Joshua Tree. One of our favorite properties in the area is Parker Palm Springs. Known for its whimsical decor and exclusivity, its an upscale boutique hotel unlike any other. Its privacy, cheerful staff and attention to detail would be so appreciated after a day of trekking through the desert. Avalon Hotel & Bungalows is another fine choice. It’s drenched in black and white, with an old Hollywood glamour motif, which makes perfect sense considering it was popular with the Rat Pack back when it first opened in the 1950s and 60s.
If you go the Airbnb route, you’ll have many options from modern mid-century homes to quaint bungalows. Our absolute favorite property available as a Joshua Tree vacation rental is stunning All-Glass Modern Joshua Tree Villa. It sleeps up to eight people comfortably, which makes it the ultimate home base if you’re traveling with a group of friends or family. Keep in mind location when you’re doing your research, the entrance to the park is only the first step - many of the sites are still a 30 - 40 minute drive in. You don’t want to be stuck in a vacation rental too far from the entrance or you’ll be doing lots of driving.
EAT Located on the ground floor of the buzzy new Kimpton Hotel in Palm Springs, Mediterranean inspired Juniper Table offers some seriously good salads, sandwiches and a lobster omelette that begs to be ordered. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale the sushi and whiskey bar, Sandfish, is the perfect excuse to get dressed up.
When you’re closer to Joshua Tree and looking for something quick and healthy, The Natural Sisters Cafe offers organic, plant based, locally sourced options from biscuits and gravy to veggie and hummus wraps. Joshua Tree Coffee Company is pretty much world renowed, and is a worthy pit stop for some cold brew and a croissant before heading back to Los Angeles.
WEAR While this is a desert and arid environment, it can get surprisingly chilly at night. Pack sweat wicking layers, and ankle supporting hiking boots especially if you plan to visit the cactus garden. If you’re staying in Palm Springs, be sure to pack some fun colors! This is a place you will want to dress up for.
PACK The desert brings some particular challenges as the dry air is difficult for some people to adjust to. Be sure to bring lip balm, moisturizer, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, water bottles, non perishable snacks, sunglasses, two pairs of hiking shoes with ankle support, sweat wicking socks, and a portable phone charger. Most phone carriers drop reception in the park, so be sure to mark your spots on Google Maps before you go.
SHOP Twentynine Palms has some darling shopping options if you tire from hiking. Hoof and the Horn offers apothecary and accessories cute enough to stuff in your carryon. The local bkb ceramics has rustic yet modern, hand crafted mugs, vases and bowls. At The Station Joshua Tree you’ll find quirky collectables, antiques, locally made art.
SEE
Hidden Valley Nature Trail an easy, one mile rock enclosed loop with beautiful scenery
Barker Dam Nature Trail an easy, one mile hike featuring a water tank built by cattle ranchers
Jumbo Rocks Campground a famous scenic campground area known for some of the biggest boulders in the park
Keys View a popular viewpoint at sunset, overlooking Coachella valley, and the San Andreas fault
Keys Ranch a 90-minute guided tour only visit to a wonderfully preserved historical ranch from 1910
Skull Rock a 1.7 mile looping nature trail with a peculiar shaped rock formations
Pioneer Town a functioning town and 1940s movie set with over 50 movies filmed here
Ryan Mountain a fairly tough hike that scales 1,000 feet of elevation, but with a wonderful view
Arch Rock Nature Trail an easy 1.4 mile lollipop trail through sandy and rocky terrain
Sky’s The Limit Observatory a nonprofit area just outside the park perfect for viewing the stars
Cholla Cactus Garden particularly beautiful at sunset, these fluffy cacti grow here in some of the largest clusters seen in the wild
SAFETY Joshua Tree is located in the middle of both the Mojave and Colorado Deserts and is home to many wild animals and reptiles, some of which are poisonous to humans. Always use extreme caution when exploring and never approach wildlife. The area can also reach temperatures upwards of 115 degrees. Always have enough water for everyone in your party, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Also, if you visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, practice extreme caution, those needles may look cute and fuzzy but they are very painful and difficult to remove (yes, we’re speaking from experience).
WHEN It goes without saying this desert gets HOT in the summer. We recommend traveling during mid-fall, winter or early spring to avoid the crowds, and you know, heat stroke. If you do want to visit in the summer, be sure to drink plenty of water and try to stay indoors during the peak hours of the day from 10am to 4pm.
Ready to wander on a trip of your own with a customized itinerary? Get in touch with our team and we’ll get you ready to go!
