Joshua Tree National Park is one of our favorite parks in California. This place has so much to offer. It is full of hidden wonders and secrets. Even after countless times spending here, we feel like we barely scratch the surface of this amazing place. This is why we put together a list of our favorite amazing stops that you need to visit for your next road trip to Joshua Tree National Park. This list is in no particular order.
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1. Glass Outhouse Art Gallery
Glass Outhouse Art Gallery is a hidden gem, located right in Twentynine Palms, just right outside Joshua Tree National Park. It is a unique gallery, home to so many art pieces ranging from unique to whimsical and just plain awesome. This place exceeded our expectations for being what we thought was just a roadside attraction.
2. Arch Rock
For years, every time we visit Joshua Tree National Park, we HAVE to go see Arch Rock. This place has the best boulder formations in the park, in our opinion. It seems like we always find something new and wonderful about this area. As many times as we visited Arch Rock, both of us are still in awe of this incredible natural arch. This is a must-do on your road trip to Joshua Tree National Park.
3. Samuelson's Rocks
Talking about hidden secrets, Samuelson’s Rocks is one of Joshua Tree National Park’s best-kept secrets. In the early 1900s, John Samuelson spent his free time chiseled his unique views on life into the surfaces of the flat-sided rocks on the side of the mountain.
Until now, these rocks are still standing, hidden away in the backcountry of the park. Since there is no official sign or marked trail, most visitors to Joshua Tree National Park have never seen them, let alone even know they exist.
4. Cholla Cactus Garden
Cholla Cactus Garden is a photographer’s dream comes true. This is a special area in Joshua Tree National Park where the Cholla Cactus has thrived. It grows almost as far as the eye can see. This garden is particularly beautiful during sunrise or sunset. During this time, these cacti glow a gorgeous golden color. Even though it is a quick stop, it is something you should do as part of your road trip to Joshua Tree National Park.
5. Hidden Valley Trail
Every park has some must-do hikes. Hidden Valley trail is definitely a must-do hike in Joshua Tree National Park. Although it is short and easy, the Hidden Valley trail is a wonderful introduction to what this park is all about. This trail combines all the best features of the park: unique desert plant life, wildflowers, wildlife, the iconic Joshua trees, and the giant boulders that Joshua Tree National Park is known for. Besides the trail, Hidden Valley is also fun if you love scrambling and rock climbing. It is also home to the secret Chasm of Doom.
6. Chasm of Doom
Chasm of Doom is NOT for the faint of heart. It is a hidden maze through the giant boulders of Hidden Valley. This maze is made up of twisting tunnels, passageways, and tight squeezes. This place is not for the claustrophobic. But it is an awesome experience for the adrenaline junkies. Please make sure to read up on this particular adventure before attempting it.
7. Barker Dam Trail
Water in the desert? You read it right. Barker Dam trail is the only official trail that will take you to an oasis full of water in the desert. However, you need to time it right. For the best view of the water, make sure to go only after some really good rain. Otherwise, it is just a dry lake bed, but still, super fun to explore regardless. The trail itself is beautiful as well.
8. Geology Tour Scenic Drive
Geology Tour Road is an 18-mile scenic drive that winds through Joshua Tree National Park’s most intriguing landscapes. Although this road is recommended for 4WDs, you probably can make it through with high clearance vehicles. Along the drive, there are plenty of areas to get out and do mini hikes. It is a perfect place to get away from the crowd inside the park.
Hall of Horrors is a popular spot along Park Blvd. in Joshua Tree National Park for rock climbers and tourists alike. It is a fun place to scramble and check out the enormous boulders. However, there is an actual Hall of Horrors, hidden in between the boulders. It is a short hallway, resembles a small slot canyon. It is definitely a short, fun stop to fill your time on your road trip to Joshua Tree National Park.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Good hiking shoes with good traction are best. Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should bring plenty of water on your road trip to Joshua Tree National Park, and on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
- Full tank of gas. Joshua Tree National Park is a big place.
- Lunch and snacks. You can’t get food inside the park. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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