Joshua Tree National Park is a desert oasis, a climber’s paradise, and a photographer’s dream, all in one! This national park attracts everyone, from adventure junkies to day hikers, to families with kids. A day trip to Joshua Tree is the perfect way to explore California’s desert landscape. There are abundant hiking trails for all skill levels, and you can expect to see peculiarly shaped boulders, quirky and distinctive Joshua trees, and dramatic mountain ranges that punctuate an otherwise flat horizon line. Joshua Tree National Park encompasses a total of 795,156 acres so it’s safe to say that you’ll not get to explore the entire park in one day, however, once you visit, you’ll definitely want to come again. It’s the perfect weekend trip from major cities like Los Angeles or Las Vegas, and its proximity to Palm Springs airport makes it an attraction for visitors from all over the country. The park is particularly popular in fall and winter when visitors are seeking warm sunshine, and perfect hiking weather and their part of the country is cold, gloomy, or rainy. To make the most out of 1 day in the park, an early start is recommended, and I promise the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise is most definitely worth getting out of bed for. You’ll also want to make sure you bring some layers (it’s cooler in the early morning), comfortable walking shoes, and a water bottle, plus pack a picnic to keep you going throughout the day. If it’s a special occasion I recommend bringing some breakfast pastries and mimosa to enjoy as the sunrises. Enter the park at the North entrance in Twentynine Palms, this entrance almost always has no traffic compared to the busy West entrance, plus it’s much closer to the first stop of the day Cholla Cactus Garden. Plan to arrive at the park entrance approx. 60 minutes before sunrise. It will take 15 minutes to drive from the North entrance to the trailhead of the Cholla Cactus Garden. Sunrise at Cholla Cactus garden. This is a quarter-mile trail through a field of Cholla. It’s an easy stroll but becomes a pretty breathtaking scene as the sun rises, and the spikes of the cholla catch the light. The entire area illuminates, and the glow intensifies as the sun continues to rise. This is a gorgeous spot for pictures and is popular for engagement shoots and even proposals. Arch rock is a scenic 0.5 mile in and out trail, you can climb up into the arch relatively easily and take in the incredible rock formations all around. There are abundant spots to scramble around and crannies to explore. Continue on the trail from Arch rock to Heart rock for a cute photo moment. The heart rock is perched on the hill, and you’ll have a stunning vantage point of the entire area, and a nearby campground Skull rock is along Park Blvd as you travel East to West and the nature trail is 1.7 miles & good for all skill levels. The rock shaped like a skull is only one highlight of this interpretive loop. There are also unique plants, wildflowers, expansive views, and secret spots to explore among the rocks. If you’re still feeling adventurous after the skull rock trail you can continue on the Discovery Nature Trail, which can be accessed from the north side of the loop. You’ll weave through more amazing rock formations, with stairs and steep sections, and return to Park Blvd. Hidden Valley is our go-to hike for a day trip. It’s very scenic, and you’ll feel immersed in nature, however, it’s only a 1-mile loop, good for all skill levels and kids love it. It provides a concise tour of picture-perfect rock formations and Joshua trees, and best of all the trailhead is located next to a great picnic area. I firmly believe that every good hike deserves snacks at the end. After fueling up on picnic snacks, head to Barker Dam, it’s a 1.1-mile nature loop with signs that tell the history of Barker Dam and provide insight into the plants, animals, and people that call the desert home. This trail offers good chances at spotting wildlife, especially earlier in the day when fewer people are around. Bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, and various birds are attracted to the water of the reservoir. Of course, rainfall affects the presence of water in Barker Dam, but after a rainy day or season, you might see some water; a previous desert commodity. Now it’s Joshua Tree picture time. A trip to the park would not be complete without getting a picture next to a Joshua Tree - it’s a must! The trouble is picking out the perfect tree as there are hundreds to choose from along Park Blvd. You can exit the park at the West Entrance which will take you into Joshua Tree town. I recommend stopping at the Joshua Tree Saloon. They’ve got the coldest pints of beer in town, and frankly, you deserved it after all that hiking. Enjoy! Categories All
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