Hidden Gem
Joshua Tree National Park
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Trip length
- 2–3 days
- Budget
- $200–$700
- per person · excl. airfare
- Best months
- Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Hiking
Park entrance: $30 (Entrance - Private Vehicle) · source: NPS
Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself!
Highlights
- Twisted Joshua trees
- World-class rock scrambling
- Desert wildflower blooms
Photos
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licences.
Map
Trails (1)· Moderate
Getting there
- SAN San Diego Intl · 113 mi
- LAX Los Angeles Intl · 147 mi
- LAS Harry Reid Intl (Las Vegas) · 155 mi
Straight-line distances to nearby airports. Airfare and drive times are not included.
Permits & access
No permit required
No permit for day hiking; register for some backcountry routes — carry ample water — check the official site.
Official permit & conditions ↗Last verified 7/24/2026