20 Joshua Tree National Park Attractions

Joshua Tree attractions are unlimited to Americans. Piles and stacks of big boulders dominate a panorama dotted with iconic Joshua trees. Barren hills make up the backdrop whereas blue skies create a vibrant distinction with the yellows and browns of the Southern California deserts.

A park stuffed with life and seemingly made for adventurers, there’s a myriad of Joshua Tree National Park Park highlights.

On this put up, I wished to share one of the favorite locations within the park, in addition to what to do in Joshua Tree National Park with so many attractions.

15 Joshua Tree National Park attractions

When you’re questioning what to do in Joshua Tree National Park Park, I counsel that you just begin with the next record.

These eight locations are principally the primary Joshua Tree National Park Park highlights.
What’s so great is you can cowl all of them in simply two full, fun-filled days. And this does embrace just a few scenic hikes as properly.

1. Joshua Tree Visitor Center

Joshua Tree National Park, in partnership with the Joshua Tree National Park Affiliation, is happy to announce the opening of a brand new customer heart locally of Joshua Tree.

Situated at 6554 Park Boulevard, simply south of Highway 62, Joshua Tree Visitor Center will likely be open every day, year-round, from 8 a.m. to five p.m.

Joshua Tree National Park Affiliation bought the previous Park Center property to determine the most recent and fourth Joshua Tree National Park Park Visitor Center.

Park rangers and Affiliation specialists will reply to questions on what to do and see within the park. Books, movies, maps, and associated objects will likely be out there on the market.

The National Park Service will set up a collection of interpretive reveals in June. Due to its proximity to the park’s busiest entrance, it’s anticipated the brand new customer heart will likely be a key location in serving guests with info on climbing, wilderness exploration, mountaineering, and tenting.

Later this summertime, guests will be capable of buying tickets for Keys Ranch excursions and quite a lot of recreation passes such as the National Park Move and the Joshua Tree Annual Move will likely be out there in time for the autumn customer season.

In response to the National Park Park Service’s public-use statistics, the typical variety of guests to Joshua Tree National Park annually is 1,325,630.

As a result of practically half of those guests entering the park via the West Entrance, the National Park Park Service and the Joshua Tree National Park Affiliation have long desired to determine a facility to offer customer info and orientation companies to those guests.

The park’s three different customer facilities, Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms, Cottonwood Visitor Center off I-10, and Black Rock Nature Middle in Black Rock Campground will proceed with their regular operations with no change in working hours. Joshua Tree National Park Park and Joshua Tree National Park Park Affiliation headquarters will stay in Twentynine Palms.

2. Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is the proper introduction to Joshua Tree National Park Park. In actual fact, if for some loopy purpose you’re speeding via the park and solely have about an hour to spend, this ought to be the one place you go to. It’s one of many absolute high locations to see in Joshua Tree.

It has all the pieces that make the park price visiting, from boulder fields to stands of Joshua trees and occasional wildlife sightings.

A 1-mile loop path takes you through this excellent space within the Mojave Desert. Be at liberty to attempt some rock scrambling whilst you’re there.

3. World Famous Crochet Museum

The extremely appropriately named Shari Elf was not even pondering her crochet obsession when she bought the disused photo-processing sales space in Joshua Tree, California, that now houses the self-titled World Famous Crochet Museum.

The elf had been amassing crochet objects because of the early 1990s, years earlier than she determined to buy the roadside hut that now homes her assortment.

After simply taking place on the stand, she bought it without an actual thought of what she would do with it. She later moved it to its present Joshua Tree home and lined it in a layer of lime-green paint.

Her assortment of crocheted objects had been positioned in storage, however she carted it out and organized it alongside the brand new cabinets she constructed inside.

4. Keys View

Arguably the best viewpoint in all the park, Keys View is likely one of the star points of interest in Joshua Tree National Park.

Situated on the finish of a facet street of Park Boulevard, which, by the way in which, is likely one of the best drives in national parks within the USA, it’s among the finest spots for sunset-watching.

The lookout faces west and affords a view over virtually all the Coachella Valley. You may see the Salton Sea to the southwest and part of the San Andreas Fault as properly.

5. Barker Dam

Barker Dam is a historic water reservoir constructed many years in the past by cattle ranchers. A nice 1.1-mile-long circuit hike takes you to the park’s iconic boulders and namesake Joshua trees.

That is additionally among the finest locations to go to in Joshua Tree National Park if you wish to see bighorn sheep.

Nevertheless, as it is a moderately busy space, contemplate going there early within the morning if you wish to see them.

Moreover, the path additionally leads previously a rock-lined in Native American petroglyphs, including a touch of tradition to this excellent pure panorama. It’s one of many predominant cultural issues to see in Joshua Tree.

6. Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum

The museum isn’t straightforward to seek out, nevertheless it’s properly well worth the journey.

Right here at DesertUSA, we attempt to go to all of the attention-grabbing places we hear about out within the desert; this one had been on our record for a while.

Once we arrived at 1 pm on a sunny Wednesday in April, we had been the one ones there.

There was a brochure on the entrance that offered some background on the 10-acre lot and Purifoy’s artwork. His items are good examples of the previous saying “one man’s trash is one other man’s treasure.

Restricted funds impressed Purifoy to roam the area searching for discarded supplies to create his sculptures. Many individuals had been pleased to discover a house for his or her discarded junk — previous chairs, bikes, tires, purchasing carts, and far, way more.

Purifoy’s museum presents this “junk” as artwork, included in the numerous items that fulfilled his creative imaginative and prescient.

Noah Purifoy had an ingenious standpoint and fertile creativeness. He typically expressed opinions on social occasions in his artwork.

7. Cholla Cactus Garden

Situated alongside the Pinto Basin Highway, which runs from the upper, cooler Mojave Desert to the lower, hotter Colorado Desert, this patch of lovely—

however prickly—cacti is certainly one of my favorite Joshua Tree National Park Park points of interest.

It’s additionally by far the simplest hike in all the park, a quarter-mile loop via 1000’s of cholla cacti. Don’t stroll the path with open footwear, although, and keep on the path. There’s loads of puncture potential there.

When you’re in search of informal however cool issues to do in Joshua Tree National Park Park, the Cholla Cactus Backyard ought to undoubtedly be in your itinerary.

8. Misplaced Horse Mine

Throughout the California gold rush, numerous fortune-seekers flocked to the state. A few of them explored the Joshua Tree space, finally hanging gold at solely a handful of locations.

The Misplaced Horse Mine is likely one of the only a few mines inside the park’s borders that was really profitable for some time.

Now, it reminds hikers of this vital part of the area’s historical past. The hike itself is reasonable, operating via some distant desert. So, make certain to put on a hat and drink loads of water.

9. Misplaced Palms Oasis

One of many longest hikes in Joshua Tree National Park Park, the Misplaced Palms Oasis lies on the finish of a 4-mile path via the scorching Colorado Desert.

That is, in my view, among the finest issues to do in Joshua Tree National Park Park.

As its title suggests, that is an oasis house to dozens of California fan palms. In actual fact, Misplaced Palms Oasis has the largest variety of these iconic trees within the park.

Once you do that superior hike, make completely certain to carry loads of water, put on a hat, and take common breaks. There’s no shade in any way, besides beneath the palm trees a path’s finish.

10. Joshua Tree Retreat Center

Joshua Tree Retreat Center affords private and group retreats. The Retreat Middle buildings had been designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and son Lloyd Wright. This 420-acre retreat includes a swimming pool, heated pool, Jacuzzi, hearth pit, campground. We provide a variety of lodging to go well with all tastes and budgets: one-bedroom flats, studios, cottages, and a 10-bedroom home with fire and personal pool. Contact us in regards to the availability of our extremely rated meals.

11. Jumbo Rocks

Jumbo Rocks is among the many most enjoyable locations within the park.

A space characterized by boulder piles, sandy flats, and numerous Joshua trees, people assume it’s one of the best campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park Park.

All sites are first-come, first-served, so make certain to reach early within the morning to attain a spot.

So far as Joshua Tree’s actions go, spending an evening or two on the Jumbo Rock Campground is true on the high. people nonetheless have fond reminiscences of my time at this specific campground.

Jumbo Rocks itself is a beautiful place to discover, however its proximity to locations like Cranium Rock and varied climbing areas makes it even higher.

On high of that, at night time Joshua Tree is likely one of the darkest National Park parks in America. Sleeping underneath a glowing Milky Means is unbelievable.

12. Integratron

The Integratron is a 38 toes tall cupola construction with a diameter of 55 toes designed by ufologist and contactee George Van Tassel.

Van Tassel claimed the Integratron was able to rejuvenation, anti-gravity, and time journey.

He constructed the construction in Landers, California, following directions that Van Tassel vehemently claimed had been offered on to him by guests from the planet Venus.

The Integratron machine was begun in 1957, the construction erected in 1959. It was financed predominantly by donations, together with funds from Howard Hughes.

After Van Tassel’s demise in 1978, the construction had a collection of householders earlier than sisters Joanne, Nancy, and Patty Karl purchased it within the early 2000s.

The sisters promote the Integratron as an “acoustically good construction,” give excursions and supply “sound baths” they describe as “…meditation-like classes accompanied by tones from quartz bowls.

13. Coyote Hole Canyon

Simply outdoors of Joshua Tree Nat. Park, on the outskirts of the city of Joshua Tree, is Coyote Hole.

This has long been the native bouldering space, and there are just a few roped climbs as properly.

Is it a secret place guarded by locals, or simply off the crushed path and over-shadowed by so many climbs and boulder issues within the Nat. Park.

There are lots of Native American pictographs down within the canyon as properly. Being so near the city, it has seen it is a share of abuse from vandals, hobos, illegal dump site, graffiti artists, and the like, however, the place continues to be a superior space of cool boulders and winding desert paths.

Effectively well worth the time to take a look at and discover. There’s a small ” underground” information to the boulder issues floating around. Cautious the place you park and walk as to not trespass on non-public property.

14. Noah Purifoy Foundation

In 1998, Purifoy’s consultant and colleague of a few years, Sue A. Welsh, recommended to Noah Purifoy the significance of preserving his Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture in Joshua Tree.

In the next year, the Noah Purifoy Basis (NPF) was formally established as a 501(c)3 non-profit non-public basis.

NPF’s mission is to protect and keep the location Noah Purifoy developed in Joshua Tree, California as an everlasting cultural heart and sculpture park open to the general public; to advertise public recognition and appreciation for the values that Noah Purifoy’s work as an artist and educator has embodied, and to pursue these targets in a fashion that protects Noah Purifoy’s contribution as an artist and educator.

15. J T & S Railroad Museum

J T & S Railroad Museum, positioned in Joshua Tree, CA, promotes research and public schooling via its Museum collection.

Guests to the Museum can see Museum reveals, attend occasions on the Museum, and enter Museum academic packages. The Museum helps itself via ticket gross sales, membership, fundraisers, and donations.

Within the Mojave Desert, on the south facet of Joshua Tree, only a half-mile or so from the primary street that results in Joshua Tree National Park, tucked away in a canyon, virtually hidden from the million-plus guests that drive by yearly sits a really attention-grabbing, inconspicuous place. It’s the Joshua Tree Southern Railroad Museum and Slender Gauge Railroad.

Miles away from any current or historic railroad sits a railroad museum in Joshua Tree – which makes it fairly uncommon. The museum and railroad are maintained by the few volunteers that give their time and like to preserve this place operating.

5 Greatest Issues to Do in Joshua Tree National Park Park

Virtually all of the Joshua Tree National Park Park points of interest above require some climbing. Whether or not it’s a brief desert stroll or a trek to a distant oasis, climbing is critical to totally expertise and discover the park.

Nevertheless, there are just a few different widespread issues to do in Joshua Tree National Park Park apart from climbing, too.

Observe that you just don’t must have skilled talent ranges to do this stuff. Everybody with a fundamental health degree can do them, which is strictly why Joshua Tree is such a preferred vacation spot and one of the many best national parks in America.

Stargazing

A desert park in Southern California, Joshua Tree enjoys gloriously darkish nights. This is likely one of the high locations for stargazing on this a part of the nation, the absence of sunshine air pollution bringing out 1000’s of stars.

When you’ve by no means seen the Milky Means earlier than, this park ensures that first expertise. You may go for night time hikes or just sit at your campsite and lookup.

Mountaineering

Arguably the preferred exercise in Joshua Tree National Park Park is climbing. Quite a few trails—

long and brief, difficult and simple—crisscross the park’s best areas. Observe that pets will not be allowed on any path within the park, although.

It doesn’t matter what you’re after, from desert oases on the 49 Palms Oasis Path to deserted gold mines, the spring wildflower spectacle or epic mountain views, Joshua Tree has you lined.

Moreover, the park lies on the assembly level of two deserts, the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, and might be ruthlessly sizzling.

Carry water, meals, sunscreen, a map, and a hat. Don’t transcend your bodily boundaries. Additionally, don’t overlook your digital camera. Mountaineering in Joshua Tree is sensational.

Mountain Biking / Cycling

A community of backcountry roads affords adventurers entry to among the park’s remotest corners. These roads are perfect for 4-wheel-drive autos and mountain bikes.

Well-liked mountain biking roads embrace the Queen Valley Roads, Geology Tour Highway, and Covington Flat with its tall Joshua trees, pinyon pines, and junipers.

Moreover, it’s also possible to discover Joshua Tree on its paved roads. Notably, Park Boulevard, which runs between the park’s two northern entrances, is an outstanding stretch of street for biking.

Rock Climbing / Bouldering

Joshua Tree National Park Park is certainly one of America’s finest National Park parks for mountaineering. This really is a rock climber’s, boulderer’s, and slackliner’s mecca, attracting thrill-seekers from across the globe.

There aren’t any fewer than 8,000 climbing routes within the park’s boulder fields and mountains.

Camping

The park is home to eight designated campgrounds, most of that are located in its northern, Joshua tree-dotted half.

Six of them are first-come, first-served: Belle, Cottonwood, Hidden Valley, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan, and White Tank.

If you wish to book a website upfront, you are able to do so at Black Rock and Indian Cove.

Tenting in Joshua Tree National Park is nothing wanting good. For me personally, the three days spent at Jumbo Rocks was one of the best tenting expertise of my life. Severely.

Visiting Joshua Tree FAQs

All the above ought to have answered the query ‘what’s there to do in Joshua Tree National Park Park?’ Beneath, I’ll reply to another different often-asked question on visiting Joshua Tree, California.

What Are the Joshua Tree National Park Park Hours?

Joshua Tree National Park Park is open 24/7 and might be visited 12 months spherical. The character heart and three customer facilities are additionally open all 12 months, however they do shut within the late-afternoon, usually at both Four or 5 p.m.

How Many Days Do You Want in Joshua Tree?

Though you will get a real feel of what this park is about simply at some point, I strongly advocate spending at least one night time and two full days right here.

Tenting and stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park Park is an unforgettable expertise, whereas two days means that you can discover each component of the park, the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.

Ideally, it is best to spend three days in Joshua Tree National Park Park. It’s an amazing weekend journey vacation spot from San Diego, for instance.

Can You Drive By means of Joshua Tree National Park Park?

Sure! Joshua Tree is a tremendous National Park park to discover on wheels, whether or not it’s on a scenic drive or on a bicycle.

Park Boulevard, certainly one of America’s most superior National Park park roads, swings via the Mojave Desert within the north of the park. It connects the West and North Entrances and runs previous most of the park’s campground and hottest climbing trails.

The Pinto Basin Highway, then again, cuts via the Colorado Desert a part of the park towards the South Entrance.

Are There Rattlesnakes in Joshua Tree National Park Park?

Oh sure! Apart from scorpions and black widow spiders, rattlesnakes are different venomous animals that stay in Joshua Tree. In actual fact, there aren’t any fewer than seven rattlesnake species within the park.

Western diamond-backed rattlesnake
Mojave Desert sidewinder
Colorado Desert sidewinder
Southwestern speckled rattlesnake
Southern Pacific rattlesnake
Red diamond rattlesnake
Northern Mojave rattlesnake

They’re hardly ever seen, although. Merely pay attention to their presence and by no means put your palms or toes in locations you’ll be able to see.

That being mentioned, it is best to undoubtedly know what to do once you encounter a rattlesnake.

Is There Cell Telephone Service in Joshua Tree?

There may be glorious cell phone service within the cities surrounding Joshua Tree National Park Park, reminiscent of Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree. Inside the park, nevertheless, reception is sketchy and unreliable as a result of rugged and distant terrain.

Don’t rely on having service in Joshua Tree. As an alternative, use this as a possibility to disconnect and unplug.

Moreover, it’s vital to know that different companies can also not be out there within the park. There may be, for instance, no fuel, meals, or lodging in Joshua Tree.

Water is simply out there at just a few places, so carry further water with you into the park.

Can You carry Your dog to Joshua Tree National Park Park?

Quick reply: sure, canines are allowed in Joshua Tree National Park Park.

Barely longer reply: the issues to do in Joshua Tree National Park Park together with your canine are fairly restricted.

To guard this fragile desert atmosphere, together with its wildlife, there are a number of guidelines that apply to canines and pets.

Dogs should be on a leash always. The leash can’t be longer than 6 feet.

Dogs will not be allowed additional than 100 toes from any picnic space, street, or campground.

They’re not allowed on any path within the park.

Canine homeowners have to choose up any canine waste, based on Depart No Hint rules.

Whereas Joshua Tree may not be good for journeys together with your canines, there are different National Park parks which can be dog-friendly.

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20 Joshua Tree National Park Attractions