The exact origin of how the Joshua Tree got its name is unknown, but legend has it that when the Mormon settlers made their way into the now designated National Park, they named the trees after the biblical figure Joshua. They saw the limbs of the trees—which are really Yucca Palms—as outstretched arms guiding the travelers westward.
Today, Joshua Tree National Park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the higher and cooler Mojave Desert. The park offers over a hundred trails—from short, easy trails off the main roads to longer day hikes to a palm oasis or through rocky landscapes.
Day trip from Palm Springs
If you are short on time or want to stick to short, easy to access trails this day trip of the park and its surrounds this itinerary is for you.
Before you go map this driving route: Palm Springs > Joshua Tree > Hidden Valley Nature Trail > Discovery Trail > Twentynine Palms > Palm Springs or click this link: Google Driving route
Stops along the way
- Town of Joshua Tree: Right before you turn off into the park entrance you’ll go through the small town of Joshua Tree. Here you can stop at the Joshua Tree Coffee Company, grab a coffee and visit a few hip places before you go into the park.
- Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center: Once you are on the park’s main road, Park Blvd, look for the visitors’ center where you can stop for maps and chat with the park rangers.
- Hidden Valley Nature Trail: About 14 miles up Park Blvd you will see the sign to the Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead. This one-mile loop trail takes you through several different environs and includes some views of the valley. This is a popular trail, but most people do turn back fairly soon.
- Skull Rock: Continue on Park Blvd until you see the signs for the Skull Rock Parking lot. Skull Rock is across the street from the parking lot. Here you have two choices for short trails:
Discovery Trail: A .7-mile loop trail, with a short spur up to Face Rock where you can grab a shot.
Skull Rock Nature Trail: A one mile out/back trail that starts across the street from the parking lot and goes to the campground parking lot. (You can either turn around at the campground or cross the road and continue on the 1.7-mile loop trail.)
Finish up the tour by continuing on Park Blvd to Twentynine Palms—a town supporting the nearby military base. Here you turn left and head back to Joshua Tree and then down to Palm Springs.
- Hidden Valley Nature Trail
- Discovery Trail
- Skull Rock Nature Trial
- Google Driving route—145 miles; 3.5 hours driving
Longer hikes for longer visits
If you have more than one day to visit the park or want a longer, more challenging hike these three trails give you the chance to see the different landscapes—from a fan palm oasis to rocky landscapes, dotted with the Joshua Trees and outstanding views of the valley.
Words of warning: Take more water than you think you will need—even in cooler temperatures— and have more water waiting for you back at the car. Also carry salty snacks on these hikes. Since there is no reliable cell service in the park, it’s a good idea to download your map ahead of time.
Fortynine Palms Oasis
This is an iconic trail where you hike up out of the parking lot to be greeted with expansive views before hiking down into a canyon where you end up at remote oasis of fan palm trees. Plan to spend an hour exploring the oasis or find a rock to enjoy a lunch. This 3.2-mile out-and-back trail is easy to follow and is not too hard on the knees.
Black Rock Canyon
This trail is home to some of the most beautiful Joshua trees in the park. The trail takes you on an open sandy trail where you’ll pass by past Joshua trees, junipers, cholla cacti, and a variety of desert shrubs. The trail narrows a bit where you’ll walk between the beautiful back rock. This is an easy 3.5-mile out-and-back trail that ends at the intersection of the Panorama Loop and Warren Peak trail.
Maze & North View Loop
This is a somewhat challenging trail that is easier by doing counterclockwise so you go up the steep switchbacks and have better footing. (Found out the hard way!) The 6.4-mile loop trail has stunning rock formations and vistas and makes for a great day hike followed by a drive through the park.
Joshua Tree NP
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Trippin' with the most fun old folks 