Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is a must if you’ve never been. It’s where two deserts meet, so you get wild rock piles, forests of spiky Joshua trees and huge open views in one park. At night the stars are incredible.

Two ways in

• South entrance (Cottonwood): about 45 minutes from our stays via I-10. It’s the quiet side and passes the Cholla Cactus Garden, which glows at sunset.
• North entrances (Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms): about an hour via Highway 62. This is where you’ll find Hidden Valley, Skull Rock and the biggest Joshua trees.

Our favorite plan: go in the south entrance, drive the park road north, and come home through the town of Joshua Tree for lunch or coffee. That’s a full, happy day.

Good to know

• Bring plenty of water and gas up first. There’s no food or fuel in the park.
• Best time: October through April. Summer days are very hot.
• Dogs are allowed on roads, campgrounds and picnic areas but not on trails.
• Keys View at sunset is worth the short detour.

Stay nearby: Our midcentury house and retro condos are dog friendly, and booking direct skips the Airbnb fees.