36 Hours
36 Hours at Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park, 800,000 acres of Southern California desert populated with the crooked, spiky-leafed trees that give it its name, is luring more people than ever. Today, the park — 140 miles east of Los Angeles — attracts twice as many visitors as it did a decade ago. Demand for short-term rentals in the surrounding communities of Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms skyrocketed during the pandemic, raising housing prices and putting pressure on the delicate ecosystem, issues to be mindful of as you seek respite in the desert. Still, creative life continues to flourish amid this influx, and environmental initiatives have taken off: Visitors can support a new sanctuary for displaced mustangs. This is a vast place to unwind and stargaze, where there is enough dreamlike desert for all who wander with awe and respect.
Recommendations
- Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture is named after the artist who created the more than 100 sculptures, made from repurposed materials, on display.
- Barker Dam Trail is an easy hike in Joshua Tree National Park where you can encounter rock carvings and diverse plant life.
- Grateful Desert Apothecary is a wellness boutique that includes an aromatherapy bar, where you can design a custom scent.
- Lou Harrison House is an arts and ecology center with a vaulted concert hall.
- Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary, home to nearly 20 rescued horses, offers a variety of equine experiences, including trail rides.
- Wall Street Mill Trail is a short hike to an old mill and the site of a Wild West-like shootout.
- La Copine, an inventive restaurant in Flamingo Heights, offers brunch and lunch.
- Kitchen in the Desert is a Caribbean American restaurant in Twentynine Palms with spacious outdoor seating.
- Snakebite Roadhouse is a new bar and diner in Yucca Valley that specializes in comfort food.
- Más o Menos is a coffee shop and bar with a relaxed atmosphere in Joshua Tree.
- Out There Bar is a colorful dive in Twentynine Palms where you can play pool, dance or sometimes play drag bingo.
- Accommodations are limited in the Joshua Tree area and often have seasonal pricing: To choose from the full range of options, try to reserve your lodging at least a few months in advance.
- In Joshua Tree, AutoCamp’s cabins and Airstream trailers have the feel of a boutique hotel, with minimalist décor that lets the surrounding desert do the talking. Airstreams start at around $269.
- For larger groups, the historic 29 Palms Inn offers a range of bungalows, cabins and guesthouses. The inn’s lush landscaping features an oasis-like garden and a pond. Double rooms from $155.
- Hicksville Trailer Palace, in Joshua Tree, offers artsy Airstreams and recreational activities like table tennis, archery and poolside dancing. The smallest trailer starts at $100 a night.
- For first-come, first-serve camping in the park, try Hidden Valley Campground ($15 per site). If it’s full, there are Bureau of Land Management-run areas outside the park and private campgrounds.
- You will need a car to get around the Joshua Tree area. Consider a vehicle with low emissions since destinations are spread out and the ecosystem is fragile.
Itinerary
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