A Weekend Getaway Guide to Joshua Tree
Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sequoia…When it comes to National Parks, California is home to some of the most iconic views and landscapes on the planet. We are so lucky to live in a state that is filled to the brim with places like this to explore and we’re planning on making the most of it!
Just recently we went down to Joshua Tree and were blown away by how stunning this place is!
This was our first trip to Joshua Tree; but it definitely won’t be our last!!!
Joshua Tree National Park is made up of two distinct desert ecosystems. the Mojave and the Colorado. The land is sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in So Cal. Come with us as we explore this beautiful land just 2 hours from Los Angeles…
Los Angeles to Joshua Tree…
First and foremost you should know that there are multiple entrances to Joshua Tree. The West entrance is the closest to LA so naturally we took that route. Check out all the details on how to plan your trip by clicking HERE.
There are
Three Park Entrances
The main (preferred) entrance to the Park is in the town of Joshua Tree, but there are 3 entrances you can choose from:
- West (Main) Entrance
Located off Hwy 62, in Joshua Tree @ Park Blvd
For visitors coming from Los Angeles / San Diego / Palm Springs
Make sure the stop at the Park Visitor Center (on Park Blvd @ Hwy 62) and
pay for your park pass BEFORE driving up to the park.
- North Entrance
Located off Hwy 62, in 29 Palms (You’ll see the signs)
For visitors coming from Las Vegas
Tip: The lines are much shorter here on weekends and holidays!
- South Entrance
Off Hwy 10 – East of Palm Springs/Indio
For visitors coming from Phoenix / New Mexico / Indio
This entrance takes you thru the entire park!
Joshua Tree Inn
Joshua Tree is located in the high desert. Even though February day hiking is perfect weather; night camping requires equipment we just don’t have to stay warm. So we booked a room at the charming Joshua Tree Inn. This place is just amazing. No, its not the Ritz, But hey, it has character!
~AND A PRETTY COOL GHOST STORY~
A friend of ours recommended this place and told us of a country rock legend who had died there and supposedly stuck around. Naturally we asked upon checking in and were met with a nonchalant version of the occurrences on September 18, 1973.
Gram Parsons
Gram Parsons was a country rock rising star. After getting clean for his daughters birth and recording a new album he headed to one of his favorite places in the world to celebrate; Joshua Tree. Parsons spent his time partying in room 8 only to overdosed on tequila and morphine. Apparently that combo is not so good…
BUT WAIT, THERE’S A TWIST!
Parsons had confided in his road manager, Phil Kaufman, and his wish was to be cremated and his ashes scattered over Cap Rock in the park in case he died.
However, Parsons’ stepfather Bob organized a private ceremony back in New Orleans and neglected to invite any of his friends from the music industry. Apparently Bob Parsons stood to inherit Gram’s share of his grandfather’s estate if he could prove that Gram was a resident of Louisiana, explaining his eagerness to have him buried there.
Well, Parsons friends weren’t having this. Following Parsons’ death and in order to fulfill his desires, Kaufman and some friends arrived at LAX impersonating mortuary workers. Under the impression that they had been hired by the Parsons family, Western Airlines released the body to him.
They took the body back to Joshua Tree and set it on fire!
They attempted to cremate Parsons’ corpse by pouring five gallons of gasoline into the open coffin and throwing a lit match inside. Which resulted was an enormous fireball…
The burning casket was reported by campers to the local authorities, who investigated the incident and identified them. They were accused of grand theft for the casket and fined $750 for burning it.
Parsons’ body was partially cremated. His charred remains were recovered and returned to his family which were later buried in New Orleans.
But his spirit remains wild and free in Joshua Tree!
Crossroads Cafe
When we first got there we were so hungry, so we ate at this really quant roadside grill, Crossroads Cafe.
This place is just all kinds of YASSS! From the cold beer on tap to the unbelievably delicious food!!
Entering the Park
When you get to the west entrance you have to pay for your day pass. Joshua Tree National Park has an entrance fee of $20 per car.
Sunrise at Arch Rock
We were set on getting some awesome sunrise shots at Arch rock so we got up super early and headed to White Tank Campground.
White Tank Campground
Located off Pinto Basin Road in the northern end of the park, White Tank Campground is nestled among immense granite boulders.
Trailhead address: White Tank Campground, Pinto Basin Road, Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92277
This campground tends to draw the fewest visitors, though the scenery and surroundings compare to any other campground in the park.
It’s open year round and has 15 campsites. Each campsite has a parking pad area (dirt), picnic table, fire ring and grill. White tank campground does not have water, but you will enjoy the comfort of vault/pit toilets. White tank campground is first-come, first-serve (no reservations).
Arch Rock
On this short loop you visit a natural arch within the granite formations. It’s a 0.3-mile hike fairly easy enjoyable stroll.
Clearly, since Callie did it in a dress and boots!
Arch Rock coordinates: 33.9857576,-116.0172477
Heart Rock
When we heard that there was a giant boulder out in the middle of the desert shaped like a heart we had to see it for ourselves. Being the love junkies we are we hiked around, jumping boulder to boulder trying to spot the Pedra Coração. We also found this little gem carved out on the floor left before us by some sweet hiker.
Heart Rock is about a quarter mile or so from Arch Rock. It’s really hard to explain exactly where it is but If you stay left on the trail and look around for it, it’s not too hard to spot. Hopefully someone will leave you sign as well!
Or if you find it maybe you can draw out the directions to pay it forward and share the love.
Barker Dam Nature Loop
Our day two hike was Barker Dam. It’s a 1.5 mi short nature trail that winds through an impressive series of boulders situated between Queen Valley and the Wonderland of Rocks near the Wall Street Mill.
The dam was constructed by early cattlemen, including C.O. Barker in 1900. It was raised in 1949 by rancher William F. Keys.
Barker Dam Trail
Barker Dam is a very popular area for both hikers, strollers, and rock climbers alike — and for good reason. The path is easy, the elevation gain is negligible, and the scenery is outstanding.
Plus — there aren’t many other places where you have the chance to see some beautiful reflections of the Joshua Tree rock formations in still water.
Wildlife in Joshua Tree
Joshua tree is a gathering place for a plethora of desert wildlife. Birds, lizards, and ground squirrels are most likely to be seen because they are largely active during the day. However, it is at night that desert animals come out to roam. Mostly nocturnal animals include snakes, kangaroo rats, coyotes, lynx, black-tailed jackrabbits and , bighorn sheep
Petroglyphs
Barker Dam really has it all! From massive boulders to an abundance of Joshua Trees. There is even petroglyphs on the trail left by the Cahuilla Indians.
FUN FACT: The pictographs that are visible to the naked eye are a product of the Disney Company. In the late 1950’s the ever popular movie studio shot scenes from the film “Chico, the Misunderstood Coyote” at this site.
The designs that originally covered the wall didn’t show up well on film, so they opted to paint over the designs to make them more vibrant on film. Some of the “touch up” work also included painting inside of original Native petroglyphs.
Today this would be looked at as vandalization, and would not be tolerated.
In Town
The main little strip in town is so darling!
You can start your day with a little namaste at Instant Karma Yoga. A loft-style, light filled room with a beautiful, handcrafted wood floor.
The Natural Sisters Cafe is a vegetarian venue thats offers fresh juices & organic coffee, salads & sandwiches.
Country Kitchen Home Cook’n is another really bomb place to grab a bite. The breakfast burrito with their homemade hot sauce was AH-MAZING!
After a long hike we love to re energize with a bunch of yummy carbs! At Pie for the People, these guys take the traditions of NY pizza and combine it the freshness and soul of Cascadia and the West Coast.
Shopping
Coyote Corner is a one stop shop if you wanna pick up something to remember your visit to the Mojave. They have everything from Books, Guides, Maps, Toys, Candy, Gifts, Souvenirs, Camping Gear, Supplies, T-Shirt, Hoodies, Hats…And So Much More!
Night Time in Joshua Tree
The night sky is a glittering dome peppered with stars, planets, and passing meteors—but most people no longer get to see it. In urban and suburban settings, artificial lighting and atmospheric pollutants wash out the light of the stars. This is a serious loss. For millennia, our ancestors experienced a dark night sky. Cultures around the world told stories about the constellations and used the stars as a calendar. Only for the past few generations have humans been denied the chance to stand in awe of the heavens.
Boasting some of the darkest nights in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park offers many visitors the chance to admire the Milky Way for the first time in their lives.
We absolutely LOVED our trip to Joshua Tree and cant wait to go back! We hope our adventure has inspired you to plan your next trip to Joshua Tree!
Let us know in the comments below if you try any of these places or hikes and what you think!
XO
Callie & Leo
I was born and raised in LA and to be honest, I have not been to Joshua tree. This article def made me want to plan a visit! Best part, I dont have to worry about planning anything. You did it all for us! Printing this article now! Thank you LA Couple!
OMG you are the sweetest EVER!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and we hope that it helps lay everything out for you on your trip! Let us know when you go! we will go again with you 🙂
What a fun and informative blog post! Seriously might just refer back to this on my next Joshua tree shoot! Thanks so much for being my models and waking up and 3 am for the second time for me!! Love you guys
Xoxo
OMG We adore you so much!! Thank you for getting up with US! Cant wait to do it again soon! Maybe Big Sur?
Beautiful pictures and great article, I didn’t know most of this info about Joshua Tree!!
Thank you!! We had no idea either!! Joshua Tree is such an awesome little escape and so close to home!
What a wonderful writeup of the my favorite place in the world! It’s always nice to see places you know so well through other people’s eyes. We could all do with spending a little more time out there decompressing!
AAAHH Thank you so much! And thank you for recommending The Joshua tree inn! We cant wait to go back in the summer and swim in that Pool!!
omg i am definitely planning a trip! Thanks for this! I love scary stuff! did you witness anything creepy?!! Beautiful post!
Ahh Thank you Danny! You will fall in love with it down there! We definitely got the creepy vibes just from knowing the story, and Callie swears she heard something in the bathroom but nothing too disturbing. Maybe net time we will stay in room 8!!
omg i am definitely planning a trip! Thanks for this! I love scary stuff! did you witness anything creepy?!! Beautiful post!
This was actually pretty cool. So many people complain that there’s “nothing to do,” so it’s good seeing you guys explore and go in these mini-adventures. Definitely might have to plan a little trip to Joshua Tree for me and mine. God bless!
Thats Awesome! we are glad we could surprise you! Definitely check it out one of these days!