A weekend (1 – 2 days) in Joshua Tree National Park is an easy way to immerse yourself in nature and spend quality time with family while hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and soaking up rustic vibes of nearby towns.
Last updated: April 30, 2024
How to Spend a Weekend (1 – 2 Days) in Joshua Tree National Park
Whether you spend the whole weekend or choose to stay in Joshua Tree National Park for just one day, a plethora of outdoor activities awaits you. From hiking to rock climbing and admiring desert plants, the area satisfies ample interests and needs.
First-time visitors often drive around and mostly explore the area through the car windows. For these travelers, one day is usually sufficient to see some of the main attractions of Joshua Tree National Park. A long weekend (or at least 2 days) in Joshua Tree National Park, on the other hand, enhances your outdoor adventures, inspiring you to plan new trips before you even leave.
Yet if you’re concerned about the desert, dust, and tiresome hiking pursuits that keep you away from the area, think again. Nestled near some of the eccentric cities and towns, Joshua Tree National Park promises a weekend filled with more than just outdoor adventures.
But for those who focus solely on the park and a myriad of things one can do in the area, here is our ultimate weekend guide to Joshua Tree National Park with itineraries for 1 and 2 days.
A Weekend Trip in Joshua Tree National Park: Location
Joshua Tree National Park has surrounded itself with the bohemian small towns and some of the largest cities in the American Southwest. This close proximity to civilization ensures the easy-breezy trips to the area with plenty of choices on how to entertain yourself.
Furthermore, being sandwiched between such big cities as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas takes care of some of the travel logistics. So if you plan to escape the hustle and bustle of the Hollywood Capital for a quiet weekend (or 1-2 days) in Joshua Tree National Park, jump in your car and head to the desert. The park sits just 2 hours 20 minutes away.
The distance from San Diego is nearly 3 hours, while Palm Springs, another popular destination in Southern California, nestles only 50 minutes away. Outdoor enthusiasts traveling from Las Vegas or Phoenix should plan to spend about 3 hours 10 minutes on the road.
Considering this rather insignificant (based on the American standards) drive time, many travelers visit Joshua Tree National Park during one day excursion.
How to Get to Joshua Tree National Park
By Car
- The national park has three entrances. The West Entrance and the North Entrance can be accessed via Highway 62 (the Twentynine Palms Highway). This route works best for the weekend visitors traveling to Joshua Tree National Park from Los Angeles or San Diego.
- Follow Interstate 10 to access the park from the South Entrance. It’s the shortest route for travelers from Arizona.
By Plane
Flying into one of the above-mentioned cities and then driving to Joshua Tree National Park fits best the weekend travelers from overseas or other states. Here are a few airports you can fly into before starting your weekend adventures in Joshua Tree National Park.
- Palm Springs International Airport. Set less than 1 hour away, the Palm Springs International Airport is the closest to Joshua Tree National Park airport in the area.
- McCarran International Airport. Located in the Las Vegas Valley, a little bit over 3 hours away, this airport allows you to start your outdoor adventures the same day, considering the flight isn’t delayed.
- Los Angeles International Airport. Los Angeles is the second popular city to fly into with the intention to start your weekend trip to Joshua Tree National Park the same or following day. The city sits about 2 hours 20 minutes away.
- San Diego International Airport. Similar to the above-mentioned airports, the San Diego International Airport suits the travelers visiting Joshua Tree from afar.
The Best Time to Spend the Weekend (1 – 2 Days) in Joshua Tree National Park
Thanks to Southern California weather, you can spend a day or weekend in Joshua Tree National Park all year round. The temperatures, however, may vary drastically depending on the season.
Spring and Fall
The best time to spend a weekend in Joshua Tree National Park is from March through May and October through November. The weather is comfortable enough to embark on short and long hiking adventures. Mild temperatures also help preserve your energy for rock climbing and ensure a pleasant camping experience in the desert. Apart from it, the spring often rewards Joshua Tree’s weekend visitors with vibrant California wildflowers.
Summer
Come summer, and the heat becomes the main obstacle. June through September is the hottest time of the year in Joshua Tree. Daytime temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. During this time, you might want to either adhere to shorter hikes or explore the park during sunset or sunrise.
Campers usually avoid spending a weekend in Joshua Tree in the summer. Due to the excruciating heat, some of the campgrounds and attractions, such as Keys Ranch, also close for the season.
Winter
Lower temperatures from December through February assist mostly day visitors. Daytime temperatures are endurable and quite pleasant for the desert. Spending 2 days or a long weekend in Joshua Tree National Park in winter is still possible. But be sure to pack extra layers, as the temperatures can drop to 30 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Looking for snow in California? Joshua Tree National Park comes in handy as well. In winter, a thin, snowy blanket occasionally covers high elevations. The snow may not be deep enough for a slide. Yet the pleasure of eyeing the white cover and possibly having a snowball fight is undeniable.
Weekend in Joshua Tree National Park Itinerary
While the park is not exempt from the perpetual crowds every day of the week, locals usually flock to Joshua Tree on weekends. As expected, popular hikes and the central areas can get pretty busy at this time.
Yet don’t let this stay in your way. Plan ahead and explore the most popular areas at sunrise or sunset when the maddening crowds are nowhere to be found. The remote sections of the park remain relatively empty at any time of the day.
How Many Days Do You Need in Joshua Tree?
A weekend is sufficient to see some of the highlights and lesser-known attractions in Joshua Tree National Park. To make the most, you can extend your visit to three days. Having an extra day guarantees enough time to explore such cool nearby places as Pioneertown or the town of Joshua Tree. For those who are satisfied with everything Joshua Tree National Park has to offer, set aside enough time in your weekend to pamper yourself with glamping.
If one day is all you can afford to spend in Joshua Tree National Park, go for it. You can see quite a lot even in such a limited time, especially if you are into scenic drives and short hikes.
Joshua Tree National Park Weekend Guide: 1 Day Itinerary
- Pioneertown
- World Famous Crochet Museum
- 49 Palms Oasis Trail
- Oasis of Mara
- Arch Rock
- Skull Rock
- Hidden Valley Nature Trail
- Barker Dam and Barker Dam Nature Trail
- Wall Street Mill Trail
- Keys Ranch
The Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park over the Weekend (Day 1): Map
Joshua Tree National Park Weekend Guide: 2 Days Itinerary
Day 1 of the Weekend Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
Follow the same itinerary as if you would spend just 1 day in Joshua Tree National Park.
Day 2 of the Weekend Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
- Keys View
- Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail
- Ryan Mountain Trail
- Cholla Cactus Garden
- Cottonwood Spring Oasis
- Lost Palms Oasis Trail
The Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park over the Weekend (Day 2)
WEEKEND TRIP TO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK: BEST THINGS TO DO
Visit Pioneertown
Start your weekend escape to Joshua Tree National Park in Pioneertown. Located in the High Desert, the charming town revives the Old West. Everything in this quintessential place reminds of the bygone days. From rustic structures in western style to vintage shops, and rich Golden Era heritage, the place itself is worth the whole day.
Since you have only one weekend to spend in the Joshua Tree National Park area, try to wrap up your visit quickly. Before you leave, though, stop at the Pioneertown General Store or the Custom Leather & Saddle Shop and buy some vintage props for your photo shoot in the park.
“I’m not that into photography or modeling.” I feel you. Yet you don’t need the whole weekend to realize how popular Joshua Tree is with models and professional photographers. Watching one photo shoot after another quickly inspires you to recreate some of these epic images.
TIP: Vintage clothes come in handy in this western surrounding. Use your creativity to create the outfit you feel is right and pose like no one is watching. In most cases, nobody will be around to see you anyway.
Stop at the World Famous Crochet Museum
Have another short, but memorable adventure. The self-proclaimed World Famous Crochet Museum is one of the interesting destinations to explore in the area with kids. Located in the town of Joshua Tree, the place is as tiny as a one-hour photo booth. In fact, the Crochet Museum is indeed set in a former photo processing booth.
The place is open every day. Admission is free as is the parking nearby. Just stop and enjoy the expansive crochet collection.
Hike the 49 Palms Oasis Trail
Adventurous travelers start their weekend trip to Joshua Tree with a hike to the 49 Palms Oasis area. The place sits near Twentynine Palms and astounds with a patch of palm trees towering over a few pools of water.
The 3-mile, round-trip 49 Palms Oasis Trail presents some challenges, though. The path climbs uphill for about half a mile and then abruptly descends to a rocky canyon, home to the oasis.
TIP: Desert wildlife and birds make the hike even more pleasant. Touching, feeding, or otherwise disturbing these desert inhabitants, however, is not allowed. Similarly, you should find a dog sitter for your pet before going to Joshua Tree for a weekend or even one day. Pets are not welcome on most trails in the park.
Time. Remember that the 49 Palms Oasis Trail is a day-use area only. The road to the oasis is closed from sunset to sunrise.
- Distance: 3 mile round trip
- Elevation Gain: approximately 636 feet
Hike to the Oasis of Mara
Unlike the 49 Palms Oasis, the Oasis of Mara can be reached via a short walk, rather than a tedious hike. A 0.6-mile loop trail leads to the spring-fed oasis and back and charms with incredible views of the California fan palms.
History. While the gorgeous views are worth a short walk, the story of the area impresses every history buff. Instructed by a local medicine man, the Serrano people settled the Oasis of Mara centuries ago. The settlers called it “Mara”, which means “the place of little springs and much grass”. Per further instructions, the locals would plant a palm tree each time a boy was born. In the first year after their arrival, 29 palm trees adorned the area.
TIP: Check out our articles Interesting Facts about Joshua Tree to learn more about the park and its history.
- Distance: 0.6-mile loop trail
- Elevation Gain: 16 feet
Explore Arch Rock
No weekend in Joshua Tree is complete without walking under the famous arch. The popular Arch Rock is indeed hard to miss. The large natural rock formation sits along the 0.5-mile loop trail that starts near the granite formations surrounding the White Tank Campground. And if you ask me, climbing these rocks is an adventure on its own.
Parking in the campground is reserved only for campers. Those who explore Joshua Tree during a day trip or camp somewhere else should park at the Twin Tanks Backcountry Board /Arch Rock Nature Trail lot.
TIP: The distance of the path more than doubles from here, resulting in a 1.2-mile lollipop loop trail. Hikespeak has detailed instructions on how to get to Arch Rock. Overall, devote approximately 30-60 minutes to this outdoor pursuit if you decide to add it to your Joshua Tree weekend itinerary.
- Distance: 0.5-1.2-mile loop trail
- Elevation Gain: Nearly 100 feet
Conquer Skull Rock
Planning to spend a weekend in Joshua Tree climbing rocks? Don’t skip Skull Rock then. This skull-shaped rock formation is one of the popular places to visit in the park. And as you can expect, the place is almost always packed. You have more chances of having it to yourself on a weekday or at sunrise.
While speculations about rock’s origins abound, the real story behind its unique shape is fully-explanatory. They say, rain drops gathered in tiny depressions centuries ago. Eventually, the stored water started to erode the rock. As the depressions deepened, more water accumulated. It continued on and on until two recognizable eye sockets formed.
TIP: Skull Rock is an easy pull-off with a parking lot located just across the road from the rock formations. Yet you may need to look for an empty stop by the side of the road as the parking lot gets full quickly.
Hike. Those who long to see Skull Rock, but don’t intend to slow down when spending a weekend in Joshua Tree, can access the rock formation along a 1.7-mile nature trail loop. The trailhead is located near the Jumbo Rocks Campground.
- Distance: 1.7-mile loop trail
- Elevation Gain: 120 feet
Walk along the Hidden Valley Nature Trail
The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is popular all year round. It gathers even more Joshua Tree National Park’s visitors in spring. A 1-mile loop trail winds through a dirt area and massive boulders, offering stunning wildflower displays. The trail sits just off Park Boulevard. Rumor has it, cattle rustlers used it as their hideout almost a century ago. Today, it’s one of the favorite hikes and rock climbing areas in Joshua Tree.
- Distance: 1-mile loop trail
- Elevation Gain: 114 feet
Admire Desert Plants Near Barker Dam
During our weekend trip to Joshua Tree, I wanted to see Barker Dam before venturing to any other remote areas of the park. Something about a lake in the desert felt almost unreal. As fate would have it, we didn’t find any water there. Yet well-defined lines on the rocks around the reservoir clearly marked how much liquid the place usually stores after the rainy seasons.
Despite the slightest disappointment (I can’t deny it), the Barker Nature Trail surprised us with a denser vegetation cover and ancient petroglyphs. So be sure to give the area a go on the day or weekend after it rains in Joshua Tree National Park.
- Distance: 1-1.1-mile loop trail (conflicting information at trailhead and online)
- Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Hike the Wall Street Mill Trail
Add another short hike filled with both natural and human history to your Joshua Tree weekend itinerary. Located in the same area as the Barker Dam Nature Trail, the Wall Street Mill Trail takes you to an old gold processing mill. The trail is easy and suits all skill levels.
- Distance: 2-2.2-mile round-trip trail
- Elevation Gain: Less than 100 feet
Tour Keys Ranch
If you are anything like me and like to dive into the history of Joshua Tree National Park while spending a weekend (or 1 to 2 days) in the area, then the name of Bill Keys can’t escape your attention. A successful cattleman played a significant role in the human history of the region. From reconstructing Barker Dam to building the Wall Street Mill, the man didn’t lose any opportunity to prosper in this desert area.
With that said, the character of Bill Keys is interesting enough to visit his old abode, the Keys Ranch, during your weekend visit to Joshua Tree. The place was built between 1910 and 1969 and is known as the greatest example of the early settlement in this area.
TIP: Only guided tours are allowed on the property. Thus, plan your visit in advance. Furthermore, the Keys Ranch remains closed from May until October.
Enjoy Keys View
Keys View is the pinnacle of a weekend trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Being the highest viewpoint in the park, the place is famous for its panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, the Santon See, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and San Jacinto Peak.
TIP: To access Keys View, drive to the Keys View parking lot. A short, wheelchair-accessible path takes you up the hill to the viewpoint.
- Distance: 0.2-mile loop trail
Hike the Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail
A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park not only allows you to stretch your legs, but also learn a lot about the history of the area. Similar to the Wall Street Mill Trail, the Lost Horse Mine Trail amuses with the remains of a once successful mining mill. To say “successful” is simply an understatement. From 1894 to 1931, the structure produced more than 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver. Today, it would be worth approximately $5 million.
Yet don’t hope to find any precious gems in Joshua Tree National Park now. The gold dried up a long time ago. The place itself became a part of Joshua Tree National Monument in 1936.
Hike. The 4-mile, round-trip hike in Joshua Tree National Park is accessible year round. After the rainy season, the trail burst into spring colors of floral bloom. Those who long for a longer hike can hike the 6.8-mile loop.
TIP: Regardless of the trail you take, don’t jump across fences and try to explore the mine. Despite its visual sturdiness, the area is highly unstable and can sink under a person’s weight.
- Distance: 4-6.8-mile round-trip trail
- Elevation Gain: 550 feet
Hike the Ryan Mountain Trail
Fill the second day of your weekend getaway to Joshua Tree National Park with longer hikes. While the 3-mile, round-trip Ryan Mountain Trail seems like a piece of cake, it might feel a bit tedious if you’ve already gotten miles and miles of walking in the desert under your belt. Yet the epic hike with panoramic views of the rock formations is worth pushing yourself a little bit more.
TIP: On the other hand, the area gets too hot in summer. It’s recommended to skip this hike while spending a day or a weekend in Joshua Tree National Park between June and September. If you can’t say no to the adventure, hike the Ryan Mountain Trail early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s not that hot.
- Distance: 3-mile round-trip trail
- Elevation Gain: 1.050 feet
Stroll in Cholla Cactus Garden
The Cholla Cactus Garden is one of the easiest hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. The 0.25-mile Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail winds through nearly a 10-acre area filled with teddy bear chollas.
Apart from the charming cactuses, the area is famous for its location. Set at the merger of the upper Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert, it combines the best of each terrain.
- Distance: 0.25-mile trail
Visit the Cottonwood Spring Area
While your weekend adventures in Joshua Tree National Park slowly come to an end, don’t expect to linger around uninspired. Regarded as one of the hidden gems, the Cottonwood Spring area surprises with a plethora of irresistible trails and history lessons you can’t miss.
Nestled approximately 7 miles away from the South Entrance to the park, the area was used by the Cahuilla Indians. Miners also stopped here to top up their water supplies. Additionally, the presence of water, a vital part for every gold mining operation, contributed to the congregation of gold mines in the area.
No one knows exactly when the mining operations started dotting the Cottonwood Spring region. The first mention of a gold mine, however, appeared in a claim filed in 1875.
Hikes. With the abundance of the trails, expect to spend a good part of your weekend in this area of Joshua Tree National Park. From short hikes that snake through a canyon to a dry waterfall, which is quite an attraction during a rainy year, to longer trails that lead to historic sites such as the Mastodon Mine, the area ought to be explored.
Hike the Lost Palms Oasis Trail
Those who want to end or start (depending on where you travel from) their weekend adventures in Joshua Tree National Park on a strong note should attempt to hike the 7.2-mile, out and back, Lost Palms Oasis Trail. The hike starts in the Cottonwood Spring area and leads to the largest grove of the fan palms in the park.
TIP: The trail is not a leisurely walk in a forest, to say the least. On top of significant elevation gain, the area gets extremely hot between May and October. Thus, if you plan to spend 1 to 2 days or a weekend in Joshua Tree National Park at this time, feel free to skip the hike.
- Distance: 7.2-mile, round-trip trail
- Elevation Gain: 491-1,026 feet. Some say the highest point is over 3,000 feet.
A Weekend Trip (1-2 Days) to Joshua Tree National Park: Where to Stay
Your options of where to stay in Joshua Tree National Park are plentiful. With camping, glamping in chic airstreams and bohemian domes, and staying in ample accommodations nearby, you are spoiled for choice.
- For a memorable movie-meets-desert experience, book a room at the Pioneertown Motel, located in the heart of the still functional old movie set.
- The town of Joshua Tree invites people to explore its vintage scene with a myriad of lodgings that can be used for both a romantic couple’s getaway and a weekend with family. Ready to dive into a hipster culture? Be sure to check into one of five boutique rooms of the Mojave Sands Motel.
- For a budget-friendly weekend trip to Joshua Tree National Park, settle for the pretty conformable El Rancho Dolores Motel in Twentynine Palms.
What to Pack for a Weekend (1 – 2 Days) in Joshua Tree National Park
- Water bottle. Drink plenty of water even if you have only one short hike on your Joshua Tree National Park itinerary. You can never underestimate the desert. General rule states that regardless of where you are in the park, you should start heading back as soon as your water bottle is half full.
- First Aid Kit. Bring Band-Aids, ace wraps, and antiseptic. Missteps and encounters with desert wildlife are real.
- A Change of Clothes. The desert is unpredictable. You can start your weekend excursions in Joshua Tree National Park drenched in sweat to only find yourself freezing as the sun goes down. Furthermore, long pants are preferable on the overgrown trails.
- Good Hiking Shoes. Non-slip hiking shoes to conquer any dirt and rocky trails of Joshua Tree National Park are non-negotiable.
- Sun Protection. You can never go wrong with it. Whether you spend a weekend or an hour in Joshua Tree National Park, keep your skin protected. Lather a generous amount of sunscreen on your face, neck, and arms and don’t forget to wear a cap or wide-brimmed hat. You don’t want to look like a lobster after your weekend trip to Joshua Tree ends.
- Map. Don’t rely solely on the GPS. Many areas of the park don’t have cell phone reception. So grab a hard copy map at one of the visitor centers and start your adventures in Joshua Tree National Park in the old-fashioned style.
Final Thoughts on Spending a Weekend (1 – 2 Days) in Joshua Tree National Park
This concluded our weekend (1 – 2 days) guide to Joshua Tree National Park. The place is diverse and incredibly beautiful. Surely, you need more than one weekend to see all it has to offer. Yet take it slowly and explore this vast area one destination at a time.
