There is something so magical about visiting Joshua Tree National Park. I love a trip out to the desert, and the prime location of Joshua Tree National Park makes it an easy weekend getaway from most Southern California destinations. Palm Springs is less than an hour away, so we usually take a day trip up to the national park when we stay in the desert. Exploring Joshua Tree National Park is a must-do, especially with kids! The park is full of stunning desert landscapes, and the unique rock formations, hiking trails, and 4wd roads create a massive playground for kids of all ages.
Kids of every age will love climbing the different boulder formations and exploring the desert’s nooks and crannies. Joshua Tree National Park features some of the best landscapes in the Mojave Desert. If you are looking for details on a particular spot or hiking trail in the park, use the table of contents to jump ahead. Otherwise, read on, and I will cover all you need to know about visiting Joshua Tree with kids!
Table of Contents
WHEN TO VISIT JOSHUA TREE
The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during Fall or Spring when the lower temperatures make exploring all-day comfortable. However, this is not a secret; with those comfortable temperatures come many visitors. You may find snow on the desert floor in winter, which is awesome. We love visiting in the winter for this reason. I also love Spring visits due to the wildflowers popping up all over the desert. Joshua Tree National Park’s peak season runs from September to May.
Joshua Tree National Park is in the high desert, and summers get VERY hot. June to September almost guarantees temperatures over 100°. So don’t take your kids hiking in Joshua Tree National Park in the summer. If you plan to venture in the summer, plan on very early mornings and wrap your day up by 10 am. Whether trying to avoid crowds or heat, early starts are essential for a successful day.
BEST TIME OF DAY
Joshua Tree National Park is stunning throughout the day. Sunrise is spectacular as the crowds are low, and the views are unforgettable. Planning your day by starting early at a more popular destination makes for less frustration and masses. Mid-morning brings traffic and parking struggles. So being flexible with your plans is essential.
Early evening and sunset are easy times to grab incredible views. I love pulling over into one of the pullouts to watch the cotton candy sky melt into the night. There is something so beautiful about the desert landscape sprinkled with Joshua Trees against the vibrant colors of sunset. Then, as the sun disappears, the stars come out to shine in the night sky. No visit to Joshua Tree is complete without some time spent stargazing. The National Park is open 24 hours and is a designated international dark sky park.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A DAY IN JOSHUA TREE
A few things make Joshua Tree National Park unique and should be considered when packing. Of course, safety is essential no matter your age, but planning for the elements is even more critical when visiting Joshua Tree with kids. You can read more about our favorite things to pack when visiting National Parks with kids here. First, however, here are some specifics for a visit to Joshua Tree National Park with kids.
THERE IS NO WATER AVAILABLE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
It is important to overestimate how much water you may want. I recommend stainless steel water bottles that keep your extra water cold in the car—plan for at least a gallon per person or two gallons per person in hotter temperatures. Our son loves his hydration pack too, which is great because it allows him to carry his water and binoculars. The visitor centers do have water fountains to refill water bottles, but they are located by the entrances to the park. There is nowhere to refill once you are inside the park enjoying your day.
THERE IS NO FOOD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Definitely have a picnic packed when you visit Joshua Tree, National Park. We bring things from home and love loading up at Roadrunner Grab+Go or Natural Sisters Cafe for anything else we need. Make sure to have a quality cooler to load everything into, as temperatures in your car can soar in the summer months. I love packing a blanket for impromptu picnics and snacks along our route. A few camping chairs are not a bad idea for this same reason. I cover our favorite places to eat near Joshua Tree National Park below.
THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE INSIDE JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
In addition, no cellular service means you cannot access maps or blog post information. Make sure to pick up hard copies of maps when you enter or screenshot anything you may want access to when visiting.
THERE IS NO GASOLINE AVAILABLE IN THE PARK
Make sure you have plenty of gas for your day of exploring. The drive through the park is under 2 hours, but it is best to head in with a fuller tank to add side trips along your way without any worry. From the west to the north entrance is 25 miles and takes about 40 minutes straight through. To drive from the south entrance to the north is about 40 miles and takes about an hour. An ideal day combines northern Park Boulevard and Pinto Basin Road destinations towards the south entrance to cover about 70 miles.
PACKING FOR DESERT WEATHER
Desert weather can change quickly, so you want to have layers for everyone. Pack many layers, sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. To give your kids more information about the park’s conditions, check out books from your local library or order a book about the park to read ahead of your visit. We love this collection of cheap National Park Readers. They double as fun souvenirs, too! When you stop at the visitor center, stamp the national park service passport stamp and date inside the front cover. Grab a Joshua Tree National Park Junior Ranger book for a great free souvenir when you enter the park.
PACKING FOR ROCK SCRAMBLING & CLIMBING
Joshua Tree National Park is filled with lots of boulder climbing opportunities. This is a lot of fun for kids, but scrapes are bound to happen. I recommend a small first aid kit for minor scrapes that a band-aid magically fixes. You should also be prepared for pokes and scrapes from plants along the trails.
As much as I love my athleisure leggings and joggers daily, I suggest comfortable yet durable pants like my Kühl Weekendr Tight to explore the boulders with your kids. These versatile pants give you the flexibility of leggings while holding up against the jagged rocks. Also, strong hiking shoes are essential for everyone. They help your kids stay safe on the boulders and are extra important if you carry an infant in a babycarrier.
STARGAZING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours and has some of the darkest skies in southern California. Stargazing is spectacular, and if you plan to stay at night, have a headlamp or flashlight to navigate the desert landscape in the dark. If your kids are into stargazing, pack a guide to help them learn more about what they are looking at in the sparkling night sky.
WHAT TO DO IN JOSHUA TREE WITH KIDS
Although Joshua Tree covers almost 800,000 acres of desert, you can drive through the park’s main road, Park Boulevard, in under two hours. However, you want to allow plenty of time for stops along the way. Driving Park Boulevard from the West to North Entrance Station or vice versa gives you great views and plenty of great opportunities to explore Joshua Tree National Park with kids.
STOP BY THE JOSHUA TREE VISITOR CENTER
If you follow my blog, you know my first stop in National Parks is always the visitor center. I love this opportunity to pick up park and hiking brochures and our son’s Junior Ranger books, and talk to a ranger for feedback on my plan and other recommendations. Of course, you can research ahead and think you have everything planned, but talking to a ranger about current conditions during your visit is always wise, especially when visiting with kids.
Stopping by the visitor center is also a great time to review some desert safety basics with your kids. In addition to the elements, kids should watch for snakes, especially when rock climbing. Teach them to look before putting their hands or feet into a crevice. Children should also be aware of different plants like the Cholla Cactus and Yucca Plant and understand that they are incredibly painful if touched.
WEST ENTRANCE STATION
There are three main entrances to Joshua Tree National Park. Pick the best one for your itinerary, depending on where you come from in Southern California and what you want to accomplish first.
When visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids, we love the West Entrance Station because it quickly gets you to some of the most popular hikes for families. It is also the first entrance station from Palm Springs or the Black Rock Campground, our favorite campground for visiting Joshua Tree with kids. In addition, the Joshua Tree Visitor Center and Roadrunner Grab+Go are on the way to this park entrance. However, this entrance can have long waits when entering during busy times.
OTHER ENTRANCE STATIONS TO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
- North Entrance Station – This entrance is in Twentynine Palms and tends to have fewer crowds (so less wait time). The Oasis of Mara Visitor Center is located here. This entrance is also close to our favorite local hotel – The Fairfield Inn & Suites. If you are staying here, this entrance is ideal for you in the morning.
- Cottonwood Visitor Center – This entrance is on the south end of the park, so not something to consider if you are staying in Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley. This south entrance is closest to Indio and requires some extra driving time to the main areas in the park.
The National Park Service has a great planning tool on its website. This link takes you to a list of driving distances from each visitor center to popular destinations.
I love entering the park and, within minutes, driving through a “forest” of new and mature Joshua Trees scattered across the desert. Joshua Tree National Park is family-friendly because so many main stops are right off the two main roads, Park Boulevard, and Pinto Basin Road. In addition, pullouts all along the road let you pull over and stretch your legs without sacrificing any views.
HIKE THE HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE TRAIL
The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is an absolute favorite of mine when visiting Joshua Tree with kids! The hiking trail is an easy loop, and your kids will love rock climbing along the way. However, many people feel this way which makes parking difficult. I recommend this stop first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. The trailhead is in the Hidden Valley picnic area (across from the Hidden Valley Campground), so you can always pack a breakfast picnic or happy hour to enjoy after your hike.
Hidden Valley is an old cattle ranch and a true gem inside the park. The Hidden Valley Trail is an easy, one-mile loop inside the valley. There are interpretive signs all along the path telling you about the flora and fauna of the area. If you are visiting early in the morning, you may be lucky enough to see desert bighorn sheep or mule deer enjoying the valley as well.
This trail loops around the valley’s edge, and the circle makes it hard to get lost even when adventuring in different directions. The highlight of this trail is all of the boulder formations for kids to enjoy. My son had so much fun climbing along as we walked the path. If your kids are into climbing, definitely have some bandaids with you for potential scrapes and cleanup.
TRAIL GUIDE
The trail starts up a few stairs and through some large boulders to enter the valley. After this portion, the next half mile is very flat. Watching rock climbers take on some of the national park’s most notable boulders is entertaining for everyone. Although mostly flat, there are stairs towards the end, so I do not recommend strollers on this trail.
Hidden Valley Trail is one of my favorite trails when visiting Joshua Tree with kids. The short length, relaxing vibe, and pleasing surroundings make it one of my absolute favorite hiking trails for kids of all ages.
You have an incredible view of the desert landscape and Joshua Trees as you exit Hidden Valley to return to the parking lot. Don’t forget this stop is also a day-use picnic area, so take time to enjoy a breakfast picnic or snack before heading to your next destination. There are pit toilets at the trailhead as well. I love this stop! Hidden Valley Campground is located just across the road and would be a fun place to camp with kids if you can score a spot!
HIKE TO BARKER DAM
The Barker Dam Nature Trail is another one of the most popular hiking trails for families. Again, I recommend targeting this trail first thing in the morning. We arrived just before 7:30 am and had no problems parking. After our hike, the line of cars waiting for parking was backed up to Park Boulevard.
Barker Dam is a unique area of the park and a piece of Joshua Tree’s cattle ranching history. The dam was created to catch rainwater for cattle and, at its maximum, covers 20 acres. The Barker Dam Nature Trail is a great place to look for bighorn sheep and mule deer in the early hours. The dam now acts as a watering hole for desert wildlife.
The Barker Dam trail is an easy 1.1-mile loop that is great for families. This trail has minimal shade, so pack accordingly. Bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs are not allowed on the trail due to some steps and ecological concerns.
We visited in mid-January after a recent storm, and some snow was on the ground. The trail to the dam was primarily flat and very easy for the kids. Interpretive panels tell you about the area’s plants, animals, history, and culture.
Barker Dam changes over the seasons, and unfortunately, the dam was dried up when we visited. However, you can see the different water lines on the boulders that make up Barker Dam.
After some fun boulder scrambling away from Barker Dam, the desert opens up, and you walk between the Joshua Trees and Yucca plants.
BARKER DAM PETROGLYPHS
Towards the end of the loop, you will encounter a large boulder filled with Petroglyphs and mortars. These ancient rock shelters were home to Native Americans who passed through the land searching for food and water. It is cool to check out and even better if your kids study Native American history in school. Make sure to enjoy them from a distance to preserve the site for future visitors. This site is estimated to be over 2,000 years old!
The trail then takes you back to the parking lot. This 1.3-mile loop is a great hike when visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids. The parking lot has pit toilets and is the same parking area for another popular hike, the Wall Street Mill Trail.
HIKE TO THE WALL STREET MILL
The Wall Street Mill Trail leaves from the Barker Dam parking lot and is one of the more challenging hikes we have done when visiting Joshua Tree with kids. The hike is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail to an old gold mine through the sand. You pass several old abandoned cars and an old homestead along the way.
The hike is not challenging due to the elevation gain. It feels extra long as you head straight into the desert in heavy sand. Shade is minimal, and the straight path can sometimes feel neverending when kids are hiking with you.
However, you will begin to see old relics of the ranchers and miners in the area before too long. Along the way, you pass the famous Worth-Bagley Stone, which marks the site of a renowned shootout over local ranchers and property lines.
Shortly after, you reach the old Wall Street Stamp Mill last used in 1966. It was listed in the National Registrar of Historic Sites in 1975. Our son thought this was very cool. Please respect the signage around the mill, as these are ancient buildings with massive drops. It is crucial to remember these old mines all over Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave Desert are not playgrounds and can be very dangerous.
The abandoned cars were a highlight for my son as well. It is impressive how they appear to grow into the desert landscape. From here, we headed back towards the parking area but took the trail closest to the boulders to check out the old homestead and another rock scrambling highlight when visiting Joshua Tree with kids – Wonderland Wash.
WONDERLAND WASH
Wonderland Wash is a MAJOR highlight of any visit to Joshua Tree National Park with kids and the Wall Street Mill hike. Just behind the abandoned Wonderland Ranch, you can enter a large with boulders of all sizes. This wash is an incredible playground of boulders for enthusiasts of all ages. You will notice people walking in through the rocks, especially those with climbing gear. This is a great place to enjoy rock climbing or watch rock climbers practice their sport. We followed the overgrown trail through the rocks below, just across from the Wonderland Ranch. It is hard to get lost if you continue into the wash along the boulders.
The Barker Dam parking area gives you access to the Barker Dam Trail, Wonderland Wash, and Wall Street Mill Trail, which are great things to do with kids in Joshua Tree. This parking area is a great place to start your day, as parking gets very hectic later in the morning. As I mentioned before, we arrived at 7:30 am and explored all three areas. We took our time and left the parking area shortly before 12:30 to head for a picnic lunch.
TAKE IN THE SIGHTS FROM KEYS VIEW
Keys View is more of a viewpoint than a trail. It is the highest viewpoint in Joshua Tree National Park. Just a 20-minute detour from Park Boulevard, the panoramas make the excursion well worth the drive.
Scenic views look out at the San Andreas Fault, Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio (the highest peak in southern California), Coachella Valley, and the Salton Sea. The San Andreas Fault is the cause of California’s famous earthquakes. It is very cool to look out and see part of the 700 miles where the fault runs.
Keys View is a short, 1/4-mile paved path through different viewpoints. This stop is accessible, stroller-friendly, and short, with great views.
Keys View parking can be challenging during peak seasons and times. The parking lot sometimes closes an hour before sunset due to the congestion. So if you want to watch the sunset, make sure to head up earlier. If you score a spot for sunset, definitely venture out with a picnic blanket and chairs to soak it all in. Stay awhile to check out the night sky beginning to twinkle above you!
RELAX AT CAP ROCK
Cap Rock is a great stop when visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids. The parking lot is large, which can be helpful on busy days. Rock climbing opportunities are endless, and there are pit toilets and picnic tables.
In addition to making a great snack or happy hour stop, Cap Rock also has a short, .4 mile self-guided nature trail loop through boulders, Joshua trees, and other plants. This is a great spot to relax on a hot day. As the sun moves across the sky, the surrounding rock formations offer shade which is much appreciated on a warm day. Kids can explore little caves and boulders while adults can chill. We stop here during every visit to Joshua Tree National Park with our kids.
Cap Rock is a great place to stop if other areas are crowded, the kids need a break, or you need to regroup in any way. It has a very central location in the park at the intersection of Keys View Road and Park Boulevard.
ROCK SCRAMBLE AT SKULL ROCK
Skull Rock is a great spot for rock scrambling and climbing. Named for the giant rock that looks like a skull, you can choose to pull off the road to view the famous Skull Rock or stay awhile to explore and/or loop the 1.7-mile Skull Rock Nature Trail.
Although Skull Rock is a popular stop, there is still ample street parking, The Skull Rock Nature trail goes through Jumbo Rocks Campground and the surrounding rock formations. If you are camping in Jumbo Rocks Campground, this trail is especially convenient to explore with kids as skull rock is next door.
No matter which way you turn in the Skull Rock area, you will see kids of all ages rock climbing and scrambling and LOVING every second of it!
CHECK OUT THE UNIQUE ARCH ROCK TRAIL
The Arch Rock Trail is located next to the White Tank Campground and makes for a fun little adventure with kids. The highly trafficked, flat, 1.2-mile out-and-back trail starts along Pinto Basin Road. The trail is surrounded by unique boulder formations that are great for rock scrambling and exploring. Although Arch Rock is the destination, there is plenty to see along the trail.
Parking is on the right of Pinto Basin Road in Joshua Tree National Park. When you begin the Arch Rock trail, it soon has you crossing the road. Looking ahead, you can see the boulders you are heading towards. Continue along the path and follow signs to Arch Rock.
Our entire stop took just over 45 minutes. However, we did not wait in the giant line for a picture under the famed arch rock. Please plan your time accordingly, as there is sure to be a line of people grabbing their insta-worthy photos in front of arch rock. We did pop up for a quick selfie as a group set up their next pose! Kids may lose interest when waiting an hour to take a photo, but the Arch Rock Nature Trail is a great place to explore when visiting Joshua Tree with kids.
WATCH THE SUN GO DOWN IN THE CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN
The Cholla Cactus Garden is a beautiful spot, especially at sunset. Located on Pinto Basin Road, the Cholla Cactus Garden is an easy stop with several viewing points. You can take in the views from the parking area or enjoy the 1/4-mile loop through the naturally growing cholla cactus garden. The garden appears to go on and on, and the colors of the cholla cactus shining in the sunlight are spectacular.
When visiting Joshua Tree with kids, Cholla Cactus Garden is not a place to let your child wander. Unfortunately, the needles are sharp, painful, and all around on the ground. However, the park does an excellent job of marking the trail to keep everyone safe, so stay on the path.
PICNIC AMONG THE JOSHUA TREES
When you visit Joshua Tree National Park, picnicking is a must. There are no restaurants or food options inside the park, so planning ahead is key to a successful trip, especially with kids! We tend to picnic, snack, or have a “happy hour” several times a day during our big days of exploring. Joshua Tree National Park has several places with picnic tables and day-use areas. I will go over a few of my favorite spots here.
LIVE OAK PICNIC AREA
This day-use picnic area is a great stop for groups looking to meet up or families that want to enjoy a larger meal. We enjoyed the Live Oak Picnic Area because it was less crowded than some of the more popular areas but still had large picnic tables, a BBQ, and plenty of rocks for our son to climb. There were a ton of chipmunks that were not afraid of us, so prep your kids if needed.
HIDDEN VALLEY PICNIC AREA
Hidden Valley Picnic Area is popular, as is the trail and campground next to it. However, during hotter summer months, this is a great pick for a moment of relaxation! The rock formations surrounding the picnic tables offer shade and respite from the temperatures. I have noticed the area slows down in the evening as well, making it a great spot for happy hour as the sun begins to set.
Other popular day-use picnic areas in the park are Cap Rock, and Quail Springs. These sites all include picnic tables, grills, and pit toilets. Split Rock is a smaller area with tables across Park Boulevard, but it gets full quickly and does not have grills. Indian Cove has a nice picnic area, but it is only accessible from outside the park on Highway 62 (near the Indian Cove Campground).
PARK BOULEVARD PULLOUT PICNIC
One of my favorite things about Joshua Tree National Park is how many pullouts were created along Park Boulevard. These make taking in the views easy when driving through the park. In addition, you can pull over, park, walk out a bit, and set up a blanket and camping chairs to make your picnic spot away from any crowds.
It is crucial to have a trash bag to ensure everything you bring in is packed out. We have had some beautiful views just throwing down a blanket a short distance from our car. Depending on where you are, you will watch rock climbers, desert iguanas, wedding photography sessions, and unforgettable cotton candy sky sunsets. This is my favorite way to end a fantastic day in Joshua Tree with our kids.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING JOSHUA TREE
Joshua Tree makes for a great day trip, but giving yourself more time by turning your visit into a weekend getaway is also nice. There are several options for lodging when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. The most popular are camping, hotels, and vacation rentals.
CAMPGROUND OPTIONS IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Joshua Tree is known for its great camping. I cannot recommend a night under the Joshua Tree stars enough. As a family, we love Black Rock Campground for many reasons. Joshua Tree National Park has eight campgrounds, and scoring the best sites can be challenging. The list below gives you the basics and each campground. Five campgrounds require reservations during the peak season of September to May. They are Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan, and Black Rock Campground.
- BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND – 99 sites, $25/night, water, flush toilets, fire grates, dump station
- COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND – 62 sites, $25/night, water, flush toilets, fire grates, dump station
- INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND – 101 sites, $25/night, water at the ranger station, pit toilets, fire grates
- JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND – 124 sites, $20/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
- RYAN CAMPGROUND – 31 sites, $20/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
- BELLE CAMPGROUND – 18 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
- HIDDEN VALLEY CAMPGROUND – 44 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
- WHITE TANK CAMPGROUND – 15 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
If you are interested in camping in Joshua Tree, make sure to check out my post about camping at Black Rock Campground.
HOTELS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY
If you want to stay close to the park, I recommend the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Twentynine Palms. The rooms are spacious for families, and the hotel is one of the cleanest in the area. In addition, they have a complimentary continental breakfast which I love, especially when traveling with kids. The North Entrance Station to Joshua Tree National Park is only about 5 minutes away.
PALM SPRINGS & PALM DESERT
Another option when visiting Joshua Tree is to stay in Palm Springs. Palm Desert and Palm Springs have many hotel options that make an excellent home base for a desert adventure. However, it does take about 45 minutes to get to the Joshua Tree Visitor Center and West Entrance Station. If you are visiting in winter when the sunsets right at 5 pm, this gives you ample time for stargazing before heading back for dinner in Palm Springs.
One of our top family picks is the Westin Desert Willows Villas in Palm Desert. This hotel is wonderful for longer stays as each villa has a full kitchen, living area, and separate bedrooms. The property has several pools, waterslides, and activities for kids. Staying here and taking a day to explore Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent pick for families looking to get away longer.
VACATION RENTALS NEAR JOSHUA TREE
The towns surrounding Joshua Tree National Park have beautiful and unique vacation rentals. Joshua Tree’s “desert vibes” are becoming trendier and trendier, and the rental options are doing the same. Joshua Tree features boho retreats, glamping adventures, glasshouses, and other unique desert compounds to rent. Check out VRBO for some of these exciting options near Joshua Tree.
WHERE TO EAT NEAR JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
I definitely recommend packing a picnic for your Joshua Tree National Park adventure. Once you are in the park, driving out of the park to grab food in the town of Joshua Tree is an inconvenience and bound to cause frustration. We love to load up before heading into the park to snack and sip throughout the day with no rush due to hungry kids!
BEFORE YOUR DESERT ADVENTURE
These are our favorite morning spots to hit before we head into the park! These options have your morning covered. Whether you want to grab a coffee, create a picnic, add to your snacks, or sit for a full breakfast to fuel your day!
ROADRUNNER GRAB+GO
Roadrunner Grab+Go is a deli and coffee shop attached to the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center. Pre-made sandwiches, salads, cheeses, crackers, drinks, and other snacks give you everything you need to load up for the day. They also have breakfast options for those starting early.
My son loved his Junior Ranger sandwich (plain ham and cheese) and was thrilled to try the impressive “smores bar” as a treat after lunch. There are a variety of vegan and gluten-free options as well.
JOSHUA TREE COFFEE COMPANY
Make sure to grab a cup of coffee on your way to the park as you drive through the town of Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree Coffee Company will not disappoint! However, weekend mornings do bring long lines, so save more time for your desert adventure by ordering ahead!
NATURAL SISTERS CAFE
The Natural Sisters Cafe offers healthy vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch options. Dine in and enjoy the art, or order ahead for pickup. You can’t go wrong on the menu here, and the sandwiches are loaded with delicious veggies that hit the spot on the trail. They also have many great smoothie options that kids are bound to love!
JOSHUA TREE COUNTRY KITCHEN
If you love a big, hearty classic breakfast, Joshua Tree County Kitchen is your spot! This local diner has been serving classic breakfast dishes since 1977. The service is great. You may have to wait a bit for a table, but you will not be disappointed. The kindness of the servers, the delicious food, and the cozy atmosphere are worth the wait.
AFTER YOUR DESERT ADVENTURE
After a full day in the desert, you are likely ready for a great dinner! These spots are favorites as they are unique and finish a desert adventure right.
SPAGHETTI WESTERN
This restaurant is a great pick after a day of adventuring in Joshua Tree National Park. Right off of the highway, the pasta is delicious, and the menu has the exact comfort you need to fuel yourself after a busy day. The owners are from Rome, Italy, so the food is great, and the ambiance is awesome! The drinks are great, too, which is always nice after a long day in the desert! Please note Spaghetti Western is open from Thursday – Sunday.
PIE FOR THE PEOPLE
Sometimes a pizza is exactly what you feel like after your day exploring the desert, and Pie for the People delivers! The delicious pizza is perfect for picking up on your way out of town. The key is to order ahead. This is a small shop with very little seating. I know they are working on expanding, but I recommend calling ahead (about 30-45 minutes) so you can swoop it up quickly! Please note Pie for the People is closed on Friday and opens at 3pm every other day of the week.
PAPPY & HARRIET’S PIONEERTOWN PALACE
Pappy & Harriet’s is an experience. About 15 minutes north of Yucca Valley in the Mojave Desert, this saloon-style barbeque restaurant is always busy. The staff is great, the food is delicious, and the drinks hit right after a day in the desert. The rustic venue is full of history and is known for the live music that draws crowds from all over Southern California.
Check the calendar for live shows to avoid showing up to a sold-out venue, and don’t miss this awesome spot for dinner. Prepare to wait a bit for your table. It will probably go faster than expected and will be worth the wait! Please note Pappy and Harriet’s is open Thursday – Monday and does not take reservations.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST NEAR JOSHUA TREE
If you are looking for an adventure on your way home, consider stopping in one of these interesting places near Joshua Tree National Park. Here are some of our favorite stops if you want to explore more!
PIONEERTOWN
Pioneertown is home to Pappy and Harriet’s and a strip of shops that feel like you are walking back in time. In a way, you are because Pioneertown was created by a group of Hollywood investors in the 1940’s looking to create a live western movie set. Over 50 westerns were filmed in Pioneertown during this time. Pioneertown is a fun place for kids to see and worth the 15-minute detour up the highway.
THE SALTON SEA
If you want to continue your tour into old-time Hollywood destinations, head south to one of California’s lowest points, the Salton Sea. This area was once a thriving destination. However, the Salton Sea became toxic due to the lack of drainage needed for salt balance in the water. What was once a Hollywood destination is now a somewhat abandoned trailer park.
As the toxicity increased, it killed everything inside, destroying the dream of the Los Angeles and Palm Springs lakeside destination thriving on the salty banks. Coming into town, you can still see the remnants of the heyday. We did a drive-through as the remnants now appear sad, broken, and not really where you should stop to hang out with no destination.
SALVATION MOUNTAIN
If you share my quest for adventure, keep driving to Salvation Mountain, a piece of artwork that needs to be seen to be believed. We waited almost 30 minutes to cross the train tracks to get there, but once we pulled up, we knew we had arrived. The message “GOD IS LOVE” can be seen from the road near Slab City.
ANZA-BORREGO DESERT
If you are looking for more desert adventure, Anza-Borrego delivers. Check out my guide to the area here.
