Where is Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is located in the greater Palm Springs area of inland southern California. It’s known for rugged rock formations and varied desert landscapes. The nearest city is 29 Palms and it’s a few hour drive from Los Angeles and San Diego.

It is my home national park that never gets old because there’s day and night activities. There’s always something to do because the park is vast and each season has a different dynamic. Whether you enjoy day or night activities, sightseeing or elevation hiking, camping or birding, there’s something for just about everyone. I’m excited to share 3 scenic Joshua Tree hikes that fit into one day! After all, that is hard to figure out.

Keys View with Joshua Trees and snow capped mountains.

1. Keys View nature trail

This is a short path with amazing views. I visited late morning but I heard there’s great sunset views. The trail is only 0.1 miles with 13 ft elevation with cement ramps and stone walls to enjoy the overlook. You can complete this trail in 5 minutes or stay for a while. The views of Palm Springs and San Andreas Fault are breathless. Get prepared to get blown away (literally) as it was windy during late winter.

Quick facts:

Trail type: Loop.
Trail length: 0.1 miles.
Trail elevation level: 5,158 ft.
Trail elevation gain: 13 ft.
Trail time: 5 minutes or so.
Trail traffic: Light to moderate is likely.
Trail parking: Small parking lot near the trailhead with restrooms.
Trail restrictions: Pets are permitted.
Trail accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Trail closures: Visit National Park Service for updates.
Trail fees: Joshua Tree National Park charges an entrance fee.

2. Ryan mountain trail

If you like stairs and you’re looking for an elevation hike in the desert, Ryan Mountain is a great choice at Joshua Tree National Park. It’s fun, scenic, and a good workout. It’s an in-and-out trail with 1k elevation gain. There’s a destination feeling at the summit with 360 degree desert views. You might have to be a hawk to get parking but it’s worth it.

Quick facts:

Trail type: In-and-out.
Trail length: 3 miles.
Trail elevation level: 5,457 ft.
Trail elevation gain: 1k ft.
Trail time: 2 hours.
Trail traffic: You will encounter people since the path is narrow.
Trail parking: Small parking lot at the trailhead with restrooms.
Trail restrictions: No pets.
Trail accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
Trail closures: Visit National Park Service for updates.
Trail fees: Joshua Tree National Park charges an entrance fee.

3. Catching a fire sunset

Joshua Tree National Park is known for fire sunsets. Each sunset is different but I’ve seen reds, oranges, yellows, blues, and purples which is insanely gorgeous. There’s a variety of places to catch a sunset whether Wonderland of Rocks, Keys View, Cholla Cactus Garden, or pull over on the side of the road. As I was leaving the park I was able to catch this sunset below!

Joshua Tree National Park by the west entrance.

When is the best time to visit?

Joshua Tree is part of a desert ecosystem. The most enjoyable times to visit are spring and fall. However, it depends on what activity you’re looking to do. If you want to catch a snow day then stay on alert in January. If you want to catch the Milky Way season then you want to come in the summer months. Due to a dry winter this year the expectation is low for wildflowers this spring.