Palm Springs Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
A Palm Springs getaway already gives you plenty to do, but one of the best ways to change the scenery for a day is to head into Joshua Tree National Park. The drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree Park takes about an hour, yet the landscape feels completely different once you arrive.
Joshua Tree is strange, beautiful, and wonderfully quiet in places. Twisted Joshua trees, enormous boulders, and wide desert views make this an easy day trip from Palm Springs. If you have one full day, this itinerary covers the major highlights and practical details.
Planning Your Palm Springs to Joshua Tree Day Trip
Start early to avoid some crowds, enjoy cooler temperatures, and give yourself enough time to explore. Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year. Spring and fall generally offer the best conditions, while summer can bring extreme heat. Winter is cooler and can get surprisingly cold after sunset.
Before leaving Palm Springs, fill your gas tank and pack food and water. There are no restaurants or gas stations inside the park. Cell service is also limited, so download your maps before you go.
What to Pack
Bring:
- Plenty of water and a reusable bottle
- A picnic lunch and salty snacks
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers for changing temperatures
- A portable phone charger
Also, fill the tank before entering the park.
The Best One-Day Joshua Tree Itinerary
From Palm Springs, drive north toward CA-62 and head for the West Entrance, a natural starting point for this day trip.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
Before entering, stop at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center for maps and current conditions. Once inside, the paved main roads let you see a surprising amount of the park without long hikes.
Cholla Cactus Garden
The Cholla Cactus Garden shows a different side of the park. Here, closer to the Colorado Desert, Joshua trees give way to dense fields of cholla cactus. The easy nature trail is a flat loop through nearly 10 acres of cactus. Stay on the path and give the teddy bear chollas plenty of space.
Arch Rock
Next, head to Arch Rock, a natural granite arch surrounded by huge boulders that makes Joshua Tree feel almost unreal. The trail is roughly 1.2 miles round trip. Wear proper shoes for the rocky sections. Parking is available at Twin Tanks/Arch Rock.
Skull Rock and Jumbo Rocks
From Arch Rock, continue toward Skull Rock, an easy landmark right beside the road. It can get crowded, but a quick stop is enough for photos. Then spend a little time around Jumbo Rocks, exploring the enormous boulder formations.
