The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park

TravelCaliforniaUSAWest CoastJoshua TreeNational Parks

May 17

If you're anything like me, you'll absolutely love Joshua Tree and the surrounding area. I went for my 30th birthday with a group of friends, and we all agreed—it was one of the best trips we've ever had. The views were unreal, the vibe was super chill, and the food was good. We stayed at a really cool Airbnb, which made things even better. It was hot (because, desert), but we went in the spring (May), so it wasn’t too crazy. If you're planning a trip here, trust me, it's totally worth it! I’m going to cover some of the basics, before diving into my itinerary for the trip.

How to Get There

Fly into LAX (about 2.5 hours, 130 miles) or Palm Springs International Airport (about 1 hour, 40 miles) for easy access to Joshua Tree. LAX typically offers more affordable flights, but Palm Springs gets you closer to the park.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are milder.

Park Entrance Fees

Entry to Joshua Tree National Park costs $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. You can also buy an Annual Pass for $55 if you plan to visit frequently.

Where to Stay

Joshua Tree has tons of cool options, from unique Airbnbs to desert retreats and camping right in the park. If you're thinking about camping in the park, definitely book ahead, especially during busy times since spots fill up fast. We stayed at this super awesome Airbnb called the Hideout. Honestly, there are so many amazing Airbnbs to pick from—it was hard to choose, but this one ended up being perfect for us.

Packing Essentials

Water + Hydration Pack: The desert is dry, so pack more water than you think you’ll need. The park recommends at least 1 gallon per person per day. We all brought hydration packs on our hikes. Electrolytes are a good shout as well.
Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light clothing for sun protection.
Hiking Shoes: Many trails involve rocky terrain, so good shoes are important.
Flashlight/Headlamp: Essential for nighttime hikes or stargazing, as it gets very dark in the desert.

Joshua Tree Adventure Itinerary

Here's your relaxed, day-by-day plan to make the most of it (i.e. this is what we did when we visited). From hiking and stargazing to local eats and a fun day trip to Palm Springs, everything’s lined up so you can just enjoy the ride.

DAY ONE: ARRIVE & EXPLORE

🌵 Arrive at Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP)

🥾 Stretch your legs with some easy midday hikes to JTNP

Cholla Cactus Garden: 0.25 mile loop
Arch Rock: 1.2 miles out & back
Skull Rock: 1.7 mile loop

🛍 Wind down and explore local shops around JTNP

😋 Dinner at Joshua Tree Saloon

Too tired? Order from Pie for the People! Pizza di Circo

🔭Stargaze at Heart Rock

Don’t forget a flashlight or headlamp for a short hike in the dark.

DAY TWO: JOSHUA TREE HIKING

😋 Start with breakfast and coffee at Crossroads Cafe

Feeling zen? Kick off the morning with a sunrise yoga session

🥾 Hit the trails at JTNP

Ryan Mountain Trail: 3.0 miles out & back
Hall of Horrors: 0.6 mile loop
Hidden Valley Trail: 1.0 mile loop
Barker Dam Nature Trail: 1.3 mile loop

😋 Refuel with lunch at The Natural Sisters Cafe

🧘‍♀️Optional: Hike, chill at Airbnb, explore shops

🗺 Head to Pioneertown for an old-west vibe and explore the quirky town

🎶 End the day with live music and dinner at Pappy & Harriet's – a local favorite

DAY THREE: DAY TRIP TO PALM SPRINGS

🚙 Grab snack + coffee at Airbnb and head to Palm Springs

😋 Eat breakfast/brunch at Farm or Cheeky's

🚲 Rent bikes and explore the different areas of Vista Las Palmas (the Art Deco houses, tall palm trees, and mountain backdrops) and Mojave Flea Trading Post