Guide to Joshua Tree
Where to stay: A small cabin or camp in the desert
Our girls weekend trip started on a Thursday afternoon, and after weaving through the crowds of downtown Los Angeles, we ended up heading to the Mojave Desert and on to Joshua Tree. Many of my friends in LA asked me if I had visited Joshua Tree and encouraged me to do so, but for some reason, it was never a priority for me. That was until my friend Sophie booked a girls trip to J-Tree for the weekend and was told she was leaving in two days. In the spirit of saying yes (my mantra for the past five years), I cleared my calendar for the weekend.
We first checked into a small cabin. It was one room with four walls and a roof, perfect for our first Mojave Desert experience. In the spirit of a change of pace, we camped our last night on the same property owned by a young couple, Brooke and Kyle. They aim to make the Joshua Tree experience accessible to everyone, especially young millennials looking to spend a weekend away from the city of Los Angeles. Both lodging experiences are affordable ($120-$200) and especially accessible if you want to split the cost between friends.
Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Of course, the best part about visiting a Joshua tree is seeing the tree itself. You’ll see a lot of them here and there during your travels, but there’s no better place to see them than Joshua Tree National Park. There are also several short hikes and interesting spots to visit within the park, including popular spots such as:
arch lock – With a recommendation from a friend, I really wanted to see it and experience it, so I headed to Arch Rock as soon as I entered the park. The arch is only a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, but it’s even more impressive in person.
Cap lock – If you’re looking for the perfect sunset spot, there’s no better place than Cap Rock.
hidden valley – For a short hike in the park, Hidden Valley is a great place to start.
Ryan Mountain – Another spectacular sunset spot is Mt Ryan, where you can hike to the finish line.
49 Palms Canyon Trail – If you’re planning a visit (early in the morning) to beat the heat, 49 Palms is a great option for the 1-hour hike (round trip) to the oasis.
Skull Rock – If you aren’t already tired of geological formations, this one will surely impress you. This rock is literally shaped like a skull and is located along the road, making it a very popular tourist spot.
Stop at Pioneer Town
Built as a Hollywood set in the 1940s, Pioneer Town is a lively little town at night and worth a visit if you’re looking to add a little eccentricity to your trip. Stables, bars, prisons, motels, and all manner of paraphernalia make up this small town, which was used as a movie set in the 1940s and 50s.
The main attractions of this town today are: Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown PalaceIt’s a place where you can enjoy live music and traditional town fare like burgers, ribs, and as much greasy food as your stomach can handle.
Insider Secrets: Garth’s Boulder Garden
If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, follow these specific steps to visit Garth’s Boulder Garden, a world outside of your current world.
Created over 30 years ago, this garden is a sanctuary of community, crystal and quirky outdoor living areas. Although many locals have never heard of it, the gardens are becoming increasingly popular with visitors to Joshua Tree as a secret oasis to seek out and explore.
The gardens are located 20 minutes north of Pioneertown. Look for the welcome sign (pictured below). You’re on the right path. Follow the path when you come across some caravans and an amphitheater and continue in the same direction until you reach the end. here we go! We have arrived.
The iconic teepee is where Garth has lived for over 30 years and has created a community atmosphere around it that has seen many people come and go over the years.
Where to eat, drink, and shop in Joshua Tree
Although the town of Joshua Tree itself is quite small, there is plenty to see and do around town, including a huge market for vintage shopping and antique finds, and a wide variety of dining options (even vegans have plenty of options!).
Frontier Cafe – My favorite lunch spot that I go to twice a day, every day! The vegan avocado sandwich is a big hit, and it’s also a great place to recharge and use Wi-Fi while camping or when you don’t have power.
Crossroad Cafe – A great option for vegan dishes, especially for lunch and dinner. The Thai tofu salad was so delicious that I went there twice!
Joshua Tree Coffee Company – Arguably the best cafe in town and an institution in itself. Please stop by to get your energy back!
Tips to make the most of your visit
Below are some handy tips on when to visit, how long to spend in the city, and local tips you’ll find along the way.
If you’re looking for a milder climate and want to get the most out of the trails and rock climbing, we recommend visiting in early spring (March or April). As summer winds down and fall begins (late October to late November), wildflowers bloom in the desert. This time of year is also a great time for photographers, as soft light illuminates the sky. If you’re looking forward to some summer sun, visiting in July or August has the benefit of significantly fewer crowds, lower prices, and a chance to get a local experience before the crowds return.
We spent a long weekend (several days) in Joshua Tree. The overall experience was ideal, although it was certainly very busy from sunrise to sunset. If you want to spend more time by the campfire and relax, I think staying 4-5 nights is ideal.
