Joshua Tree Guest Guide

Day Pass for entry into the park is $30/car.

We recommend using the West entrance of the park, and downloading offline maps, or grabbing a map at the visitor’s center. Download the app AllTrails for hikes.

Entrance
Offline maps
Visitor’s center
AllTrails app

We recommend you bring a windbreaker, layers and sun protection (spf, hat, glasses). Temperature can be misleading if it is a windy day. There is not much shade or protection in the park.

Attractions/Views
Skull Rock: large boulder said to look like a human skull. Can drive by this attraction as it’s just off the side of the road.

Cholla garden: *must see*, especially at sunset. Large natural cactus garden.

Key’s View: spectacular view of the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs. AllTrails Link.


Hikes
Hall of Horrors: A bit challenging to find, 0.6 mile out & back hike. A natural hall created between two gigantic boulders. Includes small amount of scrambling on/around rocks. Option to continue through the hall, into some cave-like passages and out the other side of the rock formation. Another option includes making your way to the top of the rock formation, which includes intermediate-level scrambling and minor rock climbing. Can be done in grippy tennis shoes/hikers. Top is sandy with some interesting vegetation and offers an incredible view of the park. Recommended early morning as parking is limited and does fill up since this is a very popular attraction. AllTrails Link.

Ryan mountain: Steep, 2.9 mile trail (out & back). Highest point in all of Joshua Tree. Great 360 views of the park, but again parking does fill up fast as this is a popular hike. AllTrails Link.

Barker Dam: Flat, sandy, large area with many trails to explore. You’ll find maps that explain how to get to the dam and read about the history of the area along the way. This is a loop trail. AllTrails Link.

Arch: This hike is best done right before you head to the Cholla Garden for sunset as they are in a similar area of the park. Easy out & back hike, total of 1.2 miles. AllTrails Link.


Recommended Timeline:
West Entrance (45 minute drive from Palm Springs)

Optional: Drive by Key’s View (20 minutes)

Palm Spring Guest Guide


Daytime activities:
Aerial Tram: This attraction is $35/person for the tram ride and $15 for parking. You can purchase tickets here. There are a variety of hikes at the top of the tramway, as well as a lodge where you can purchase food and drinks. You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks as well. It is always significantly colder at the top of the tram than it is in Palm Springs, so dress accordingly.

Local hikes
Palm Springs
Aerial Tram Hikes
North Lykken Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/south-lykken-trail-to-palm-springs-art-museum
Tahquitz Canyon: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/tahquitz-canyon-loop-trail

Palm Desert
Bump & Grind: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/bump-and-grind-trail
The Cross: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/the-cross-trail
Art Smith: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/art-smith-trail
Randall Henderson: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/randall-henderson-loop-trail
- Ladder Hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/ladder-canyon-and-painted-canyon-trail--4 (4 wheel drive highly recommended)


Living Desert: This zoo is $40/person for entry. There is a rhino encounters, giraffe feeding, hiking trails, and botanical gardens to name a few of the attractions.

Vintage Shopping
Clothes:
Bustown Modern: 2235 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
Melody Note: 2277 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
Gypsy land: 2675 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
Consignment:
Misty’s: 70007 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Consign Design: 71550 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Victoria’s Attic: 69930 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Golf (DIY)

Nighttime activities:
Villagefest (Thursday nights ONLY): https://villagefest.org/

Casinos
Agua Caliente: 401 E Amado Road Palm Springs, CA 92262
Casino Morongo: 49750 Seminole Drive Cabazon, CA 92230