Joshua Tree National Park

Friday, Nov 22: Arrival & Sunset

  • Morning/Noon: Departure from San Francisco

    • Time to Leave: To make sure you arrive in time for sunset, leave at 7:00 AM. This will give you enough time to arrive at Joshua Tree by around 4:00 PM (taking into account a 7-hour drive with stops along the way).

    • Lunch: Consider stopping for lunch on the way, perhaps in the city of Riverside or nearby for a quick break.

  • 4:00 PM: Joshua Tree Visitor Center

    • Details: Upon arrival, make your first stop at the Visitor Center to get maps, check trail conditions, and get advice from rangers. This will help you orient yourself with the park.

  • 4:30 PM: Hidden Valley Trail

    • Distance: 1-mile loop

    • Difficulty: Easy

    • Details: Start with this short and scenic trail, which is ideal for quick exploration and great for the first day. It gives you a feel of the park and offers views of iconic rock formations.

    • Trail Link: Hidden Valley Trail

  • 5:30 PM: Keys View for Sunset

    • Details: Head to Keys View for breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley. This is one of the best spots for watching the sunset as the colors change over the desert and the Salton Sea.

    • Trail Link: Keys View

  • 6:30 PM: Stargazing at Keys View or Jumbo Rocks

    • Details: Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, so stargazing here is incredible. Stay near Keys View or Jumbo Rocks to enjoy the night sky. These areas are far from light pollution and perfect for viewing constellations.

    • Packing Tip: Bring a blanket, a chair, and a warm jacket as the temperatures drop after sunset.

  • 8:30 PM: Dinner & Campfire (if at a campground)

    • Note: Campgrounds in Joshua Tree allow fires in designated fire rings. Make sure to bring wood and enjoy a cozy evening if you're camping. If not, you can opt for a nearby restaurant or your accommodation.

Day 2: Saturday, November 23 – Western Joshua Tree Highlights

Morning

  1. Skull Rock

    • Distance: 1.7-mile loop

    • Difficulty: Easy

    • Time: 1 hour

    • Details: An iconic rock formation resembling a skull—perfect for photos.

    • Link: Skull Rock Trail on AllTrails

  2. Jumbo Rocks

    • Distance: 1.6-mile loop

    • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

    • Time: 1 hour

    • Details: Huge boulders for climbing and photography, suitable for all ages.

    • Link: Jumbo Rocks Loop on AllTrails

  3. Arch Rock Trail

    • Distance: 1.2 miles round trip

    • Difficulty: Easy

    • Time: 30 minutes

    • Details: Short trail leading to a scenic rock arch, great for photography.

    • Link: Arch Rock Trail on AllTrails

Afternoon/Evening

  1. Keys View for Sunset (or another location)

    • Time: Arrive by 4:15 PM

    • Details: Watch another stunning sunset from Keys View or try another spot like Skull Rock for a unique perspective.

  2. Stargazing near Jumbo Rocks or Hidden Valley

    • Time: Right after sunset until around 8:30 PM

    • Details: Enjoy another night of stargazing, focusing on constellations, planets, and possibly shooting stars.

Day 3: Sunday, November 24—Eastern Joshua Tree Wonders

Morning

  1. Cholla Cactus Garden

    • Distance: Short walk

    • Difficulty: Easy

    • Time: 20 minutes

    • Details: Best viewed in morning light, this cactus garden glows and is unlike anything else in the park.

    • Link: Cholla Cactus Garden on AllTrails

  2. Cottonwood Spring Oasis

    • Distance: Varies (optional short walk or explore nearby trails)

    • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

    • Time: 1 hour

    • Details: A green oasis with palm trees, ideal for a peaceful stroll.

    • Link: Cottonwood Spring on AllTrails

  3. Box Canyon Road (Optional)

Afternoon

  • Depart Joshua Tree: Aim to leave by 1:00 PM for a relaxed drive back to San Francisco.

  • Arrival in San Francisco: Around 8:30 PM, depending on traffic and breaks.

Packing Tips

  • Clothing Layers: It’s cool in the mornings and evenings, so bring layers.

  • Sun Protection: Include sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

  • Sturdy Shoes: Ideal for hikes and exploring rocky areas.

  • Water: Bring at least 2 liters per person per day; there are limited water sources in the park.

  • Blankets or Camp Chairs: For comfortable stargazing.

  • Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for stargazing and navigating in low light.

  • Snacks and Food: Non-perishable snacks like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit.

Weather Considerations

  • Daytime: Temperatures in November typically range from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Bring layers to stay comfortable during the day.

  • Nighttime: Nights can be chilly, dropping to 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C), so make sure to pack a warm jacket and blanket for stargazing.

Off-Road Vehicle Consideration

For most of the park’s popular trails and viewpoints (like Hidden Valley, Arch Rock, and Keys View), a regular car is fine. However, if you plan to venture down Box Canyon Road or explore more remote backcountry areas, you may encounter rougher roads that require a high-clearance vehicle. If you're not planning on exploring deeper areas, a regular vehicle should suffice for the main attractions.