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Joshua Tree

High desert where two deserts meet. Strange trees, giant boulders and some of the darkest night skies near LA.

Plan a custom trip here See everything in Explore

Best timeOct–Apr. Summer days pass 100°F.

Getting thereAbout 2.5 hours from LA

Known forBoulders, desert light, dark skies

Heads upBring more water than you think. Gas up in Yucca Valley or Twentynine Palms.

Neighborhoods and areas

Joshua Tree Yucca Valley Pioneertown Twentynine Palms

Trips in Joshua Tree

Focus cabinJoshua Tree

Monk Mode, California2 weeks · $$ · California

Weekend awayJoshua Tree

Desert Weekend Reset2 days · $$ · Joshua Tree & Pioneertown

Date nightJoshua Tree

Night Under Desert Stars1 evening · $ · Joshua Tree NP

Group tripJoshua Tree

Desert House Crew2 nights · $$ · Joshua Tree

Where to stay

StayJoshua Tree

Joshua Tree InnJoshua Tree · $$A small historic motel around a pool, close to the park's west entrance.

Where to eat

FoodPioneertown

Pappy & Harriet'sJoshua Tree · $$Old West saloon with barbecue and surprisingly big live music.

FoodJoshua Tree

Crossroads CafeJoshua Tree · $The breakfast stop before the park.

Things to do and see

SightJoshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park · Hidden ValleyJoshua Tree · $A one-mile loop through giant boulders.

SightJoshua Tree NP

Keys ViewJoshua Tree · $A ridge-top viewpoint over the Coachella Valley. Best at sunset.

SightJoshua Tree NP

Cholla Cactus GardenJoshua Tree · $A field of fuzzy-looking cactus that glows at golden hour.

Thing to doLanders

The IntegratronJoshua Tree · $$A domed wooden building famous for sound baths.

Events

EventJoshua Tree

Geminid meteor showerPeaks around Dec 13–14One of the year's best meteor showers, under some of the darkest skies near LA.

EventJoshua Tree

Perseid meteor showerPeaks around Aug 12–13Warm-night meteor watching. Go late, after the heat breaks.