Joshua Tree National Park is an incredible, unique expanse of land across the southern portion of California. There are so many reasons to love this park: it is super family friendly, the scenery is incredible, and the vibes are immaculate. 

Another thing to love- you can enjoy all of the highlights in this park even if you only have a weekend to spend there. 

We spent 3 days at Joshua Tree National Park back before Maverick was born and Cooper was only 3 years old- in fact, we flew in on his third birthday (thereโ€™s a cool story that I will save for another time).

We had an incredible time, we felt everything was easily accessible even with a young child, and got to do everything we had on our itinerary.

Iโ€™m going to share a 2 day Joshua Tree itinerary here, but I will include additional information you could add on to a third day as well.

If youโ€™re planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park and want to make sure everything you do is kid-friendly and you cover all the highlights in 2 days, I got you. If youโ€™ve been on my blog before, you know Iโ€™m even going to make sure you catch an incredible sunrise on this short trip (looking at you, Cholla Garden).

Keep reading for the ultimate Joshua Tree 2 day itinerary that will have you feeling confident about visiting this amazing park and checking it off your bucket list.

ashlyn in front of the joshua tree national park sign

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows me to continue providing quality content. You can read my full disclaimer here. Thanks for your support!

Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit largely depends on what youโ€™re hoping to experience. Each season offers unique benefits and challenges, so hereโ€™s a breakdown to help you plan your trip.

Spring: March to May

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Joshua Tree. The desert comes alive with blooming wildflowers, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape. Temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-70s during the day to cooler nights in the 50s. This season is ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying the park’s natural beauty without the scorching heat.

Fall: October to November

Fall is another fantastic time to visit, with temperatures similar to spring. Cooler weather makes hiking and outdoor activities enjoyable, and the sunsets are especially stunning during this time of year.

Winter: December to February

Winter offers a unique and serene experience in Joshua Tree. Daytime temperatures can be cool, averaging in the 50s to 60s (but may be higher!), while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. This is the perfect time for stargazing, as the skies are exceptionally clear.

We visited in February and I highly recommend it. Sweatshirts were needed for hiking Ryan Mountain, but the rest of our outdoor activities were plenty comfy in t-shirts.

Summer: June to September

I donโ€™t recommend visiting in the summer, especially with children, if you plan to follow this itinerary or do any hiking or outdoor activities. 

Summer is the least popular time to visit due to extreme heat, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100ยฐF. However, early mornings and evenings can still be enjoyable for activities like stargazing or photography. If you plan to visit in summer, be sure to take precautions: bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Pro Tips for Timing Your Visit

  • Avoid Peak Holidays: Spring break and holiday weekends can bring heavy crowds, so plan your visit during weekdays if possible.
  • Consider Sunrise and Sunset: No matter when you visit, the golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most magical views and cooler temperatures.
  • Check for Events: Joshua Tree frequently hosts stargazing events and ranger-led programs, which can add a unique touch to your visit.
joshua tree 2 day itinerary pinterest pin
Like this article? Save it for later!

How Many Entrances and Which Should I Use?

There are 3 entrances to Joshua Tree National Park.

The north entrance near the town of Joshua Tree provides easy access for visitors coming from Los Angeles or Palm Springs. The west entrance near Park Boulevard also connects to many popular attractions.

If youโ€™re traveling from San Diego or southern Californiaโ€™s desert cities, the south entrance at Cottonwood Visitor Center along Pinto Basin Road might be more convenient. Most of the parkโ€™s attractions, especially the ones mentioned in this itinerary, are found in the northern half of the park.

Large Joshua tree standing prominently by a curved road under a clear blue sky, surrounded by desert vegetation and scattered Joshua trees in the distance. A vehicle is visible driving along the road.
Iconic Joshua Tree
Close-up of a Joshua tree with its twisting, spiky branches and dense clusters of green leaves, set against a clear blue sky. Additional Joshua trees and desert landscape are visible in the background.
We had fun identifying our “favorite” Joshua Tree

What Makes Joshua Tree National Park So Unique?

Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning desert destination spanning approximately 800,000 acres in Southern California. 

This incredible park is home to two distinct desert ecosystems: the Mojave Desert, known for its higher elevation and cooler temperatures, and the Colorado Desert, which lies at a lower elevation with hotter and drier conditions. 

Of course this park is known for its namesake: the Joshua tree. The unique Joshua trees are iconic, spiky plants that are technically a type of yucca and thrive in the Mojave’s arid conditions. 

Joshua Tree National Park is also known for its laid-back vibes and welcoming culture. Visitors often describe it as a haven for artists, musicians, and adventurers drawn to its serene beauty and creative energy. The nearby town of Joshua Tree complements the parkโ€™s atmosphere, offering quirky shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes that make it a hub for community and inspiration.

Okay, now let me tell you how to make the most of your 2 days you have to spend at this incredible destination.

Joshua Tree 2 Day Itinerary

Map of Joshua Tree 2 Day Itinerary

The red pins correspond with stops from Day 1 and the blue pins correspond with stops from Day 2

A tall, branching cholla cactus stands in the desert sand against a bright blue sky. The sun shines brightly overhead. The cactus has a thick trunk and many spiny arms reaching upwards.
The Cholla Cactus Garden. I could have spent all morning photographing the cacti.
ashlyn standing by a cholla cactus with a blue sky in the background
Instagram vs
ashlyn standing by a cholla cactus with a blue sky in the background
Reality. Got too close.

Cholla Cactus Garden at Sunrise

This itinerary starts off with one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree in my opinion. 

For an unforgettable start to your Joshua Tree morning, head to the Cholla Cactus Garden 30 minutes before sunrise. This area is one of the parkโ€™s best places to witness the desertโ€™s golden hour. 

Pack breakfast and hot beverages to enjoy while thousands of Cholla (choy-ya) cacti glow under the soft morning light. The serenity here is incredible. We so thoroughly enjoyed slowly wandering through the Cholla cacti while the sun came up. It matched the vibe of Joshua Tree so perfectly.

The early start is worth it. 

Desert mornings are chilly, so make sure to bring jackets and something warm to drink. 

A sandy path winds through a desert landscape with Joshua trees, yuccas, and other desert plants. A large rock formation rises in the background. A lone raven stands in the middle of the path.
hunter and cooper playing in the sand
Hidden Valley Trail
cooper and i walking among the boulders hand in hand
Hidden Valley Trail

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

The Hidden Valley Trail is an absolute treat for families. 

This easy hike is a 1-mile loop winds through a natural rock-enclosed valley. There are lots of areas of mild scrambling, smooth terrain and shady spots that make it perfect for little adventurers. Our son had so much fun on this one.

Rock climbers often scale the towering granite formations, providing an inspiring sight for kids. Plan to spend 45-60 minutes here.

Nearby, the Hidden Valley Picnic Area offers a perfect shaded retreat for lunch. Bring a pack lunch with you and enjoy it here. Bringing your own lunch means you donโ€™t have to leave the park for lunch and saves you precious time on your 2 day itinerary (and saves money!). 

While you rest, the kids can scramble on the surrounding bouldersโ€”a natural playground amidst the dramatic Mojave Desert scenery.

A jumble of large, rounded boulders in a desert landscape. A small yucca plant grows in the foreground. The sky is a clear, bright blue.
Split Rock Loop

Exploring the Split Rock Loop

Mid-afternoon is a great time to explore the Split Rock Loop Trail (if the heat isnโ€™t extreme and you have plenty of water with you). 

The 2.5-mile loop takes you through massive granite formations shaped by time and weather. Each rock formation tells a story, and your kidsโ€™ imaginations will run wild. Plan at least 1.5 hours for this hike.

For a shorter hike, the Arch Rock Trail near the White Tank Campground offers a scenic 0.5-mile trek to a stunning natural arch. The nearby boulders are perfect for climbing and exploring. The Arch Rock Trail also meets up with the Heart Rock Trail if youโ€™d like a photo with this iconic boulder.

Next, you have two options. If you enjoy ranger led tours, the Keys Ranch Tour is highly regarded. I have not personally done it, but have talked with many people who have done it and loved it.

Alternatively, walk the Barker Dam Nature Trail.

Keys Ranch Tour

For a glimpse into the past, the park rangers offer a guided tour of Keys Ranch. This 90-minute guided experience unveils the lives of Joshua Treeโ€™s early settlers. 

Advanced reservations are required, as the tour is popular. 

Children will enjoy the tales of pioneer life while adults gain insight into the resilience of desert homesteaders. The historic artifacts and preserved buildings make this a unique addition to your itinerary.

A shallow cave in a rock face, with a scattering of ancient Native American petroglyphs on the back wall. A pine tree frames the right side of the image.
Petroglyphs on the Barker Dam Trail
A panoramic view of a desert landscape at sunrise. A calm pool of water reflects the golden light, surrounded by rocky hills and sparse vegetation. The sky is a soft blend of blue and orange hues.
Barker Dam Trail. Photo credit NPS

Barker Dam Nature Trail

The 1.1-mile Barker Dam Trail combines history, wildlife, and desert beauty. Built by early ranchers, the dam creates a seasonal water source that attracts animals like bighorn sheep. This short hike is ideal for late afternoon when wildlife becomes more active. 

Please practice caution in the desert heat- this trail provides little to no shade from the sun.

A sweeping vista of a valley and mountains at sunset, seen from a high vantage point. A path with a group of people on it snakes along the ridge in the foreground. The sky is a beautiful blend of pink, purple, and blue hues.
Sunset at Keys View. Photo credit KC Welch on Unsplash

Sunset at Keys View

Sunset at Keys View in Joshua Tree National Park is an awesome experience that captures the parkโ€™s rugged beauty and expansive vistas. 

Visitors drive right up to this overlook meaning minimal effort is required. However, this spot is incredibly popular and well-known for sunset, so arrive early if this part of the itinerary is important to you. Parking is limited.

The overlook is at an elevation of over 5,000 feet, and the viewpoint provides sweeping panoramas of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and even the distant peaks of Mexico on a clear day. 

At sunset the desert the view is even better with the changing colors and dramatic shadows across the mountainous terrain. Itโ€™s a perfect, serene way to end your day at the Mojave Desert. 

Be sure to bring a jacket, as temperatures will drop quickly after sunset.

A large rock formation resembling a skull, with two hollowed-out "eye sockets" and a rounded "cranium". It stands against a clear blue sky in a desert environment.
Skull Rock. Photo credit Michael Williamson on Unsplash

Day Two: Skull Rock and Cap Rock

Start your second day at Skull Rock, a quirky formation just off the main road. The rockโ€™s resemblance to a human skull fascinates kids (and adults). This is an iconic stop at Joshua Tree National Park- everyone needs to get a photo here.

The Cap Rock Trail offers a quick 0.4-mile nature walk ideal for families. This is a fun one because of its namesake formation, where a massive boulder seems to balance precariously on a stone pillar. The loop takes only 20-30 minutes, making it a great place to stretch your legs before the more strenuous hike youโ€™re going to do next.

the 3 of us on the ryan mountain summit, the most difficult hike in the joshua tree 2 day itinerary
Ryan Mountain summit
Expansive view of desert mountains with rugged, tan-colored ridges stretching into the distance under a clear blue sky. A snow-capped peak is visible on the horizon, with sparse vegetation and rocks in the foreground.
View from Ryan Mountain Hike
A young boy stands proudly beside a weathered brown sign that reads "Welcome to Ryan Mountain Elevation 5457 ft." He wears a wide-brimmed sunhat and sunglasses, and his shadow stretches out in front of him. The background is a panoramic desert landscape with mountains in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Cooper at the Ryan Mountain summit

Ryan Mountain: A Rewarding Hike

Next up, hiking Ryan Mountain! This is the most strenuous hike you will do on this 2 day itinerary, but it is a fun one and different than the hikes you have done so far.

According to AllTrails, Ryan Mountain is 2.9 miles and 1,062 feet of elevation gain out and back. 

I wonโ€™t lie, it is a lot of work on the way up. There are stairs, not much shade, and not much of a break from the incline. And the wind is intense! BUT if that didnโ€™t scare you away, I promise itโ€™s worth it!

There is a ton of room at the summit to spread out, enjoy some snacks, and let the kids play without fear of them being too close to the edge. The 360-degree views of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts is truly special. We really enjoyed this hike!

hunter and cooper walking hand in hand into the palm tree oasis
The easily accessible Cottonwood Springs oasis

Cottonwood Springs

The final spot on this itinerary is Cottonwood Springs. This is a rare area in the desert that provides water to the vegetation, and as a result you will find an oasis of towering California Fan Palms. This stop is located only 7 miles from the southern entrance of the park.

It is a short, easy walk down into the oasis, and the natural shade provides a refreshing retreat. The drive down to Cottonwood Springs gives you an opportunity to drive through Joshua Tree National Park in its entirety and make any additional stops that appeal to you. 

ashlyn standing in the middle of a vast desert
Hard to believe this vast desert leads to an oasis
ashlyn loungin under two tall palm trees in an oasis
Lounging in the Lost Palms Oasis

Optional Add-on: Lost Palms Oasis Trail

The trailhead for the Lost Palms Oasis trail is at Cottonwood Springs. According to AllTrails, this trail is 7.4 miles and 1,046 feet of elevation gain out and back. 

I will admit, I think we were a little bit nuts doing this with a 3 year old. That meant hauling a 40ish pound pack over 7 miles through the desert. But, we like to do fun hikes, and Iโ€™m glad we did this one!

Please be well prepared with water if you decide to hike this far, especially with children. You should have at least a gallon per person with you as well as plenty of snacks. 

Okay now that Iโ€™ve lectured you on safety for the tenth time, let me tell you that this hike is really cool. This one will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I mean, you get to literally walk through the desert for miles. We didnโ€™t come across a single other person on our hike. You will go past so many neat cacti, plants, and likely see tons of lizards (and hopefully no snakes, unless youโ€™re into that). 

Itโ€™s a great taste of the Colorado Desert after spending most of your time in the Mojave Desert. They really are two different ecosystems. The hike takes you over rolling hills and fun landscapes, and you have beautiful mountain views along the way.

When you make it to the end of the trail, you get to scramble down into the oasis. This is a bit sketchy, so make sure you have a plan if youโ€™re doing this hike with young kids. My husband felt confident scrambling up and down the rocks with the toddler on his back. Iโ€™m not sure that every parent would feel as confident.

As the one who wasnโ€™t carrying a super heavy kid on my back- this part is fun!

And then, after all of that time hiking through the desert surrounded by cacti, cracked ground, and dust, you find lush palms and greenery. Right in the middle of nowhere. Itโ€™s fantastic. We probably spent a good 45 minutes just laying here and soaking it in. And still never saw anybody else.

Then you simply follow the same trail back. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. 

If you only have 2 days in Joshua Tree, it would be too much to try to do Ryan Mountain and Lost Palms Oasis with kids. Since a 7 mile hike is pretty extreme, I recommend putting Ryan Mountain on your itinerary. However, if youโ€™re up for the challenge and you truly want to experience the best of Joshua Tree, Lost Palms Oasis may be calling your name.

Nearby Attractions: Extending Your Adventure

If you are looking for additional things to do in the Joshua Tree area, here are a few suggestions:

  • Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum
  • Visit the Salton Sea
  • World Famous Crochet Museum in the town of Joshua Tree
  • Explore downtown Joshua Tree
  • Shop at Coyote Corner, a Joshua Tree Gift Store

Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park

A sunny backyard patio area with a hot tub, patio furniture, and a grill. A brightly painted yellow house with a dinosaur mural is partially visible. The yard is fenced and features desert landscaping with Joshua trees and mountains in the background.
The patio of our fantastic VRBO
ashlyn and cooper sitting by a firepit
Our VRBO made our took our stay to the next level

There are a variety of desert oasis themed hotels located near the north entrance in Twentynine Palms. These hotels are reasonably priced and make a fine budget option for your stay at Joshua Tree.

However, I highly recommend looking at a VRBO for your Joshua Tree vacation. Our VRBO rental during our Joshua Tree trip was incredible. There was a back patio with a slider glass door, a fire pit, a hot tub, and hammocks for stargazing. 

Joshua Tree National Park is a Dark Sky Park, meaning there are strict rules and regulations on light pollution resulting in incredible stargazing. If possible I strongly encourage you to stay at a VRBO just slightly outside of town to make the most of your Joshua Tree experience.

Follow this link to explore VRBOs near Joshua Tree National Park.

Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

There are plenty of options for camping within Joshua Tree National Park. When possible, we really enjoy camping with the kids because of the experience and the money it saves. 

There are numerous camping options in Joshua Tree National Park- some are paid and some are first come first served. Paid reservations need to be made well in advance because they sell out quickly. 

The paid campgrounds are: Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan campgrounds. 

First come first serve campgrounds are: Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle campgrounds. 

Information about reservations and how to secure a first come first serve campsite can be found on the National Park Service website

What to Pack for Joshua Tree National Park

There are no stops or gas stations within the park itself. Visitors need to ensure they bring plenty of snacks and water to avoid a dangerous situation in the desert. Also be sure to have plenty of fuel in the car.

What to pack:

Extend Your Joshua Tree Itinerary to a Road Trip

ashlyn with her head out of the sunroof of a black vehicle with a desert background
Such a fun road trip!

Joshua Tree National Parkโ€™s location makes it perfect for checking other National Park Service sites and State Parks off your list.

When we visited Joshua Tree, we flew into Las Vegas, rented a vehicle, and made the following loop: Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and lastly Valley of Fire State Park

This was such an incredible road trip and I highly recommend adding on to your Joshua Tree trip if you are able to!

If you found this itinerary helpful please comment, pin it for later, and share it with others. Be sure to check out more of my kid-friendly National Park guides and itineraries.

You might also enjoy:

4 Comments

  1. Oooh this all looks sooo fun! I LOVE the look of Cholla Cactus Garden – I can see why you liked that. It’s awesome that there are plenty of trails you could do with a little’un… and I am impressed you managed to do Lost Palms Oasis Trail with a 3 year old! I guess often the hardest things give the best memories eh!?

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *