Sunset House
Joshua Tree

10 Must-Do Activities Near Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park and its surrounding desert community offer an incredible range of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you're an avid hiker, a stargazer, or someone who just wants to soak in the desert vibes, here are ten activities you absolutely cannot miss during your Joshua Tree vacation.

1. Hike the Hidden Valley Nature Trail

This one-mile loop trail is one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, and for good reason. Surrounded by towering rock formations, Hidden Valley feels like stepping into another world. The trail is relatively easy and perfect for all skill levels, making it an ideal first hike when you arrive. Early morning is the best time to beat the crowds and catch the golden light on the rocks.

2. Scramble Up Skull Rock

One of the park's most photographed landmarks, Skull Rock is a massive boulder formation that naturally resembles — you guessed it — a skull. The 1.7-mile Skull Rock Nature Trail loops through fascinating desert terrain, and you can scramble up the rocks for amazing photo opportunities. It's family-friendly and a great way to experience Joshua Tree's unique geology.

3. Watch the Sunset at Keys View

At 5,185 feet elevation, Keys View offers a breathtaking panoramic vista of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and on clear days, all the way to Mexico's Signal Mountain. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and watch the sky explode with color across the vast desert landscape. This is Joshua Tree at its most dramatic and unforgettable.

4. Go Rock Climbing

Joshua Tree is one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world, with over 8,000 established climbing routes. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a complete beginner, the park's monzogranite formations offer incredible variety. Several local outfitters offer guided climbing experiences and gear rental for first-timers — it's an experience you'll never forget.

5. Visit Pioneertown

Built in the 1940s as a Hollywood movie set for Western films, Pioneertown is a quirky desert town about 20 minutes from Joshua Tree. Walk down Mane Street (yes, that's how they spell it), grab a meal at the legendary Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace — known for incredible live music and BBQ — and soak in the Old West atmosphere. Pappy's gets crowded, so plan ahead.

6. Stargaze in a Dark Sky Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning light pollution is minimal and the stargazing is absolutely world-class. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Bring a blanket, lie back, and let the cosmos put on a show. Better yet — enjoy the view right from Sunset House's view deck or hot tub without even leaving the property.

7. Explore the Cholla Cactus Garden

The Cholla Cactus Garden is a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape packed with thousands of teddy bear cholla cacti. The short quarter-mile trail is especially magical during the golden hour when sunlight illuminates the cactus spines, creating a glowing effect. Just don't get too close — those cuddly-looking cacti are called "jumping cholla" for a reason!

8. Browse Joshua Tree's Downtown Shops

The town of Joshua Tree has a thriving arts and culture scene. Spend an afternoon browsing vintage shops, art galleries, and eclectic boutiques along Twentynine Palms Highway. Stop by the Joshua Tree Saloon for a cold drink, or grab artisan coffee at one of the local cafés. The town's creative energy is infectious and uniquely desert.

9. Hike to the 49 Palms Oasis

This moderate 3-mile round-trip hike leads to a hidden desert oasis — a lush grove of fan palms fed by underground springs. The contrast between the rugged desert terrain and the verdant palm oasis is striking. The trail has some elevation gain, so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. The payoff at the end is absolutely worth the effort.

10. Catch Live Music

The Joshua Tree music scene is vibrant and eclectic. Beyond Pappy & Harriet's, venues around the high desert regularly feature live music ranging from indie rock to country to experimental desert sounds. Check local listings during your visit — you might stumble onto an unforgettable show under the stars.

Why Joshua Tree Is the Perfect Weekend Getaway from LA

Living in Los Angeles comes with a lot of perks — but the constant buzz of city life can wear anyone down. When you need a reset, Joshua Tree is the perfect escape. Just about two hours east of LA, this high desert town offers a complete change of scenery, pace, and perspective. Here's why Joshua Tree should be your next weekend getaway from Los Angeles.

An Easy Two-Hour Drive

One of the best things about a Joshua Tree weekend trip is how accessible it is. From most parts of LA, you can reach Joshua Tree in roughly two hours via the I-10 East. Leave Friday after work, and you'll be under the stars before bedtime. No flights, no airports, no stress — just an easy drive through the wind farms of Palm Springs and into the high desert.

A Complete Change of Pace

The moment you arrive in Joshua Tree, the difference is palpable. The air is drier, cleaner, and tinged with the scent of creosote after rain. The noise of the city is replaced by profound, almost surreal quiet — broken only by the occasional call of a cactus wren or the whisper of wind through the Joshua Trees. It's the kind of stillness that recalibrates your entire nervous system.

World-Class Nature at Your Doorstep

Joshua Tree National Park is the main attraction, and for good reason. Nearly 800,000 acres of stunning desert wilderness featuring the park's namesake Joshua Trees, massive boulder formations, and two distinct desert ecosystems — the Mojave and the Colorado. You could spend a lifetime exploring and still find something new. For a weekend trip, hit the highlights: Hidden Valley, Keys View, Skull Rock, and the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Desert Magic: Sunsets and Stars

The desert light in Joshua Tree is something special. Sunsets paint the sky in impossible shades of pink, orange, and purple — especially spectacular from an elevated vantage point like Sunset House's view deck. And once night falls, the stargazing is extraordinary. Joshua Tree's dark skies reveal the Milky Way in all its glory, a sight that most Angelenos rarely get to experience.

A Thriving Creative Community

Joshua Tree has long attracted artists, musicians, and creative types drawn by the desert's raw beauty and affordable space. The result is a vibrant cultural scene with art galleries, eclectic shops, live music at venues like Pappy & Harriet's, and a distinctly bohemian atmosphere. You'll find everything from handmade ceramics to vintage desert wear to otherworldly sound bath experiences.

Incredible Food and Drink

The high desert food scene has come a long way. Joshua Tree and neighboring towns now boast excellent restaurants, cafés, and bars. Start your morning with artisan coffee from JT Coffee Co., enjoy farm-to-table dining at La Copine (don't miss it!), grab tacos at the many excellent local spots, and end the evening with craft cocktails or a cold beer at the Joshua Tree Saloon. For the ultimate dining experience, fire up the BBQ at your rental and cook under the stars.

The Perfect Itinerary

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in, fire up the hot tub, gaze at the stars. Saturday: Morning hike in the park (Hidden Valley or 49 Palms Oasis), afternoon exploring downtown Joshua Tree, evening at Pappy & Harriet's for BBQ and live music. Sunday: Sunrise from the view deck with coffee, a leisurely morning by the fire pit, then a scenic drive home through Palm Springs with a stop for lunch.

Why Sunset House Is Your Perfect Base

Sunset House sits in the ideal location — just 5 minutes from the National Park entrance and a 10-minute walk from downtown. With its private hot tub, fire pit, stunning view deck, and mid-century modern charm, it's not just a place to sleep — it's a destination in itself. After a day of desert adventures, there's nothing better than sinking into the hot tub with the Milky Way overhead.

The Ultimate Packing List for Your Joshua Tree Desert Trip

Packing for a Joshua Tree trip is a bit different from your typical vacation. The desert climate can swing from scorching hot afternoons to surprisingly chilly nights, and the rugged terrain demands some specific gear. Whether you're coming for a weekend or a full week, here's everything you need to bring for a comfortable and memorable Joshua Tree desert trip.

Clothing: Layers Are Everything

The single most important packing principle for Joshua Tree is layers. Desert temperatures can vary by 40°F or more between day and night. Here's what to pack:

• Lightweight, breathable tops — moisture-wicking fabric for daytime hikes
• A warm fleece or down jacket — nights get cold, especially October through April
• A windbreaker or light shell — desert winds can pick up unexpectedly
• Comfortable hiking pants or shorts — depending on season
• A wide-brimmed hat — essential sun protection for hikes
• Warm beanie for evenings — for fire pit and stargazing sessions
• Swimsuit — for the hot tub at Sunset House!

Sun Protection: Don't Underestimate the Desert Sun

The high desert sun is intense, even in cooler months. At roughly 3,000 feet elevation with minimal cloud cover, UV exposure is significantly higher than at the coast. Pack these non-negotiables:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen — apply generously and reapply every two hours
• UV-blocking sunglasses — polarized lenses are ideal for desert glare
• Lip balm with SPF — dry desert air chaps lips quickly
• Aloe vera gel — just in case (sunburn happens to the best of us)

Hiking Gear

Joshua Tree National Park trails range from easy strolls to challenging scrambles. Even for easy hikes, proper gear makes a big difference:

• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots — the rocky terrain demands ankle support and good traction
• A daypack or hydration pack — to carry water, snacks, and layers
• At least 2 liters of water per person — there is no water available in the park (this is critical!)
• Trail snacks — nuts, dried fruit, energy bars
• A trail map or downloaded offline map — cell service is spotty in the park

Stargazing Essentials

One of Joshua Tree's greatest treasures is its dark sky. Come prepared to enjoy it:

• A red-light headlamp — preserves your night vision while letting you see where you're stepping
• A stargazing app (like SkyView or Star Walk) — downloaded for offline use
• Binoculars — even basic ones dramatically enhance stargazing
• A blanket or camp chair — though Sunset House's view deck is perfect for lying back and looking up
• Warm layers — desert nights can dip into the 30s and 40s°F in winter

Tech and Entertainment

• Camera — Joshua Tree is incredibly photogenic (golden hour is magic)
• Portable phone charger — though Sunset House has USB charging throughout
• Downloaded music/podcasts — for the drive and for offline enjoyment
• Books or card games — Sunset House provides board games, but bring your favorites too

Desert Comfort Items

• Moisturizer and hand cream — the desert air is extremely dry
• Saline nasal spray — helps if dry air bothers your sinuses
• Reusable water bottle — stay hydrated at all times
• Cooler with drinks and snacks — stock up in town or bring provisions from home

What You Don't Need to Bring

If you're staying at Sunset House, you can leave several things off your list. The house provides fresh linens and towels, a fully equipped kitchen, coffee and espresso setup (including JT Coffee Co. beans), a 65" Smart TV, fast WiFi, board games, and all the basics like soap and shampoo. Just bring yourself, your sense of adventure, and this packing list — we've got the rest covered.