Kids in Joshua Tree National Park have a blast. Joshua Tree provides the ultimate natural playground for kids of all ages to explore and adventure. You’ll love the distinct and varied desert plant life, animal encounters and the rocks to climb.
Before you set out on your adventure to Joshua Tree, the following information and essential tips will help your trip be memorable for all the right reasons.
How to get to Joshua Tree Nationl Park?
- How to get to Joshua Tree Nationl Park?
- Where to Stay in Joshua Tree?
- What Ages are Best Suited for Joshua Tree?
- How Long Should I Plan to Stay?
- How Much Does it Cost?
- Best Time to Go to Joshua Tree National Park
- Essential Tips for Travel through Joshua Tree National Park
- Visitors Centers in Joshua Tree National Park
- Should I Enter at the North or South of the National Park
- What to do in Joshua Tree National Park
- What to See in Joshua Tree National Park?
- Nature Trail at Cottonwood Springs
- Cottonwood Spring Oasis
- Ocotillo Garden
- Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Walk
- Keys View
- Skull Rock
- Stars at Night
- Best Hikes
- Easy Hikes
- Cap Rock
- Barker Dam Nature Trail
- Hidden Valley
- Skull Rock and Discovery Trail
- Challenging Hikes
- Ryan Mountain
- 49 Palm Oasis
- Black Rock Canyon to Panoramic View
- Lost Horse Mine Trail
- Sample Itinerary
- One Day in Joshua Tree with Kids
- Two Days with Kids in Joshua Tree
- Three Days or More in Joshua Tree with Kids
- Essential Items to Pack for Joshua Tree
- Clothing
- Food and Drink
- Travel Map
- Is Joshua Tree Open during COVID?
- Other things to do near Joshua Tree National Park?
- What to do with Kids in Joshua Tree
Where is Joshua Tree National Park? Joshua Tree is located an hour East of Palm Springs in Southern California.
Joshua Tree is about three hours from the western coast of USA.
From LA or San Diego it is about 2 hours drive to Joshua Tree National Park
Or you could fly into Palm Springs Airport (code PSP). Joshua Tree is a short 45 minutes from Palm Springs.
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree?
There are no hotels in Joshua Tree. The only option for staying inside the park is camping.
Camping in Joshua Tree is perfect with multiple campgrounds for your convenience. I think staying in the park is the best option to let the kids climb and explore to their heart’s content. Jumbo Rocks Campground looked like the most fun location right next to massive boulders.
Make a reservation to camp at Joshua Tree.
- Black Rock Campground (Water & Flush toilets!)
- Cottonwood Campground (Water & Flush toilets!)
- Indian Cove Campground (No water, pit toilets)
- Jumbo Rocks Campground (No water, pit toilets)
- Ryan Campground (No water, pit toilets)
- Belle Campground(No water, pit toilets)
- Hidden ValleyCampground (No water, pit toilets)
- White Tank Campground (No water, pit toilets)
If you aren’t able to camp in Joshua Tree in a tent or RV (or prefer not to camp at all), you’ll find plenty of hotels at Joshua Tree just outside the park limits.
North of the Oasis Visitors Center is a city called Twentynine Palms with multiple hotel chains and places to stay near Joshua Tree. You’ll find a Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn & a Best Western, and one Palms Resort for more luxury.
Booking.comIf you don’t mind a short drive, there are plenty of accommodations in Palm Springs. Palm Springs is only 45 minutes away from Joshua Tree and offers many hotels, Airbnbs, and resorts for a luxurious stay.
We used points at a Marriott Hotel and a Hyatt Hotel for a free hotel near Joshua Tree. Earn hotel points easily with credit cards you can get here: Hyatt Marriott.
What Ages are Best Suited for Joshua Tree?
Like most National Parks, Joshua Tree is great for all ages! Getting into nature and being in awe of the world around us is perfect for everyone.
There are boardwalk hikes and nature walks that will have toddlers running for joy or grandparents walking through beauty. You’ll find
However, if I had to pick and age, I would say Joshua Tree National Park is best enjoyed by tweens or grade-schoolers. The rocks are the best playground providing endless adventures, imagination, and challenges. Younger children wouldn’t be able to climb around the rocks as well so it might be challenging to follow them around.
How Long Should I Plan to Stay?
You can hit most of the amazing highlights in Joshua National Park in one day. However, if you want to hike a bit longer or give time to play in the boulders, you will want to stay in Joshua Tree National Park. If you combine a trip to Joshua Tree with Palms Springs and some of the surrounding areas (see below) you could spend a week in the area with plenty to explore.
How Much Does it Cost?
National Parks cost $30 per car for entrance. Or you can buy an Annual pass for entrance to all the National Parks in the country for only $80. This is your passport to the most amazing sights this country has to offer. I highly recommend an annual pass.
‘Read here for tips for getting into National Parks for free or reduced rates.
Best Time to Go to Joshua Tree National Park
The weather in Joshua Tree National Park is mild enough to go throughout the fall, winter and spring. You can go to Joshua Tree in the Summer, but it can be hot and dry. In the summer, bring plenty of fluids and try to visit in the early morning or evenings to avoid heat exhaustion or sunburns.
Our family went to Joshua Tree in February. It started out warm enough in the southern part, but as the day wore on and we travel north, the winds picked up and temperatures dropped. We were chilled even in a coat and jacket. Plan to pack layers for a variety of weather.
Any time you go to Joshua Tree NP, remember to bring lots of water as it is a desert and you will be dry. Wear sunscreen and bring layers for the varying temperatures.
Essential Tips for Travel through Joshua Tree National Park
**There are no gas stations inside Joshua Tree National Park, so be sure to fill up before you enter the park.
**You will not find any Joshua Tree restaurants or food options. Be sure to pack in your own food and snacks (and pack it out!). This RTIC cooler is an easy way to have a cold drink whenever you need in the desert of Joshua Tree.
**Bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. There is very little shade produced by the Joshua Tree and in the desert, you will want protection from the sun.
**There is no cell reception inside Joshua Tree National Park. So unplug and relax away from the demands of wifi reception. But make plans ahead of time for meeting people.
Visitors Centers in Joshua Tree National Park
There are three Joshua Tree Park Entrances and each have a visitor’s center to welcome you.
Joshua Tree Visitors Center
Main Entrance
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Hours 8:30-5
Oasis Visitors Center
NorthEast Entrance
74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Hours 8:30-5
Cottonwood Visitors Center
South Entrance
Pinto Basin Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Hours 8:30-4
Should I Enter at the North or South of the National Park
Most people enter Joshua Tree in the north and stay mainly in the north part of the park. This is where most of the hikes, rocks and adventures are.
Due to where we stayed in Palm Springs we entered the Park at the South and stopped at the Cottonwood Springs Visitors Center first. It is very small, but offers all the maps and programs you need.
Entering from the south you really get to see the difference between the Colorado Desert (in the south) and the Mojave Desert (in the North). The line between the deserts offers a pretty stark contrast, which is interesting to notice. There are no Joshua Trees in the south so when we finally saw our first one, we celebrated!
It is about an hour’s drive from the south visitors center to the main area attractions in the north, but there are several stops along the way.
Most people enter in the north and spend most of their time in the Mojave Desert. If you are short on time, I recommend staying in the north as most of the hikes and interesting features are there.
What to do in Joshua Tree National Park
The best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park include hiking, climbing, exploring, and seeing the views. Here are the best stops to make and get out of the car. Most of these are just a short walk from the parking lot. Longer hikes are listed below.
What to See in Joshua Tree National Park?
Nature Trail at Cottonwood Springs
Around the Visitors Center is a short and easy trail. The trail includes plant identifying markers. Get to know your plants before you start your adventures.
Cottonwood Spring Oasis
Just a few steps from the parking lot you will find a massive growth of Palms and trees. This Oasis sticks out in contrast to the rocks and shrubs found all around it. Take in the 360 degree views to capture just how unique this patch of growth is in the desert.
Ocotillo Garden
Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Walk
Keys View
Just a few miles off the main road, this viewpoint is worth going to! You will get an overlook of the mountains and San Andreas Fault. It is a short climb from the parking lot. If the lot is full just be patient. Cars are constantly leaving as this is not a long stop.
Skull Rock
Skull Rock is possibly the most popular sight at Joshua Tree National Park. Located right off the road, its easy to access, but there is not a parking lot so you will find cars lined up along the side of the road. You will have to wait your turn for a photo!
While we liked seeing the unique Skull-like feature. We really enjoyed exploring through the massive boulder behind Skull Rock.
Stars at Night
If you are able, staying at night in Joshua Tree NP gives you a chance to view the stars without the light pollution of the big cities in California. You will love Joshua Tree at night. Obviously camping inside Joshua Tree will provide the best opportunities to see the stars late into the night when the sky gets darker. But the sun sets early in the winter so you can stay late to get a starshow if you are staying outside the park.
Best Hikes
HIking at Joshua Tree might include many stops along the way to climb into the rocks and explore on the side of the trail. Bring the best carrier to help your kids come along.
| K'tan Wrap for Baby | Front or Back Carrier for Babies | Backpack for Toddlers | Piggyback Rider for Preschoolers |
|   | | |
| $49.95 | $44.95 | $169.00 | $114.00 |
| Buy K'tan Wrap | Buy Baby Carrier | Buy Backpack Carrier | Buy PIggyback Rider |
There are plenty of trails for kid-friendly hikes at Joshua Tree National Park. The best hikes in Joshua Tree are listed below by difficulty. Read these essential tips for hiking with kids to make the best of your journey through Joshua Tree.
Easy Hikes
Cap Rock
See below for how Cap Rock got its name. With a large parking lot and centrally located, it’s easy to walk around the 1-mile flat loop hike. The massive rocks and Joshua trees spread throughout make this a perfect Picture of Joshua Tree. There are pit toilets available.
Barker Dam Nature Trail
Discover plant life, petroglyphs and even a dam along this 1.5 mile trail. This is a popular hike so start early.
Hidden Valley
You walk into a gorgeous valley surround by the infamous Joshua Tree rocks. The 1 mile loop walks all around the valley giving you amazing views at every turn. Scramble up on a rock to watch the sunset in spectacular fashion.
Skull Rock and Discovery Trail
Challenging Hikes
Ryan Mountain
The trail to the peak of Ryan Mountain is 3 miles round trip. You will be climbing up to the top, so expect some strenuous hiking. The views from the top of the mountain make this worth the climb.
49 Palm Oasis
While you will spend most of this 3 mile hike wondering how it got its name, you will soon emerge onto a palm spring Oasis of beauty. After hopping rocks and walking through desert trails, you will want to spend time lounging at your paradise destination before heading back.
Black Rock Canyon to Panoramic View
Although this hike is a 6.4 mile loop, it is still popular and well-traveled. Start this trail at Black Rock Canyon Campground and enjoy the panoramic views of Little San Bernadino Mountains, Warren Pak, Eureka Peak and Mount San Jacinto. The Joshua Trees through out are beautiful.
Lost Horse Mine Trail
Joshua Tree was home to 300 mines before it became a national park. This trail is 4 miles that follows an old mining road to an old mine. Continue up to the ridge to look down into the mine. This hike isn’t as popular as others, so you’re likely to beat the crowds here.
Sample Itinerary
One Day in Joshua Tree with Kids
Our top ten things to do in Joshua Tree can all be fit in a one-day trip.
- Enter the park from the south.
- Stop at the Cottonwood Visitors Center for a Junior Ranger Program. Walk the Nature trail to get an idea of the plants you will find.
- Drive to the Cottonwood Oasis and find the Wild trees just a few steps from the parking lot.
- Drive north 1 hour. Take in all the desert sights and wonder where on earth all the Joshua Trees are. As soon as you cross the line between the Colorado Desert (south) and the Mojave desert (North) the Joshua Trees will appear along with the rock formations you’ve seen so much about.
- Walkthrough the Cholla Cactus Garden.
- Play in the endless boulders around Skull Rock.
- Walk the Nature trail around Cap Rock
- See the magnificent Mountains and San Andreas Fault from the Keys View
- Hike around Hidden Valley.
- Be sworn in as a Junior Ranger at the Visitors Center as you leave the park for a free badge.
Two Days with Kids in Joshua Tree
If you have another day in Joshua Tree, spend the evening watching for the stars to come out in the park. Without the light pollution you are in for a treat.
Hike the Skull Rock Trail or Discovery Trail in the same area.
Picnic at Jumbo Rocks picnic area.
Visit the Oasis Visitors Center.
Hike to Barker’s Dam
Three Days or More in Joshua Tree with Kids
If you have plenty of time to explore Joshua Tree, consider a longer hike such as Black Rock Canyon out to Panoramic loop or the Ryan Mountain Hike.
If you have 4 wheel drive, go to the Geology Road tour.
Essential Items to Pack for Joshua Tree
Clothing
It’s a good idea (if it isn’t too hot) to wear pants and long sleeves if you plan on climbing around the rocks. Although the rocks at Joshua Tree look smooth, up close they are full of tiny jagged rocks. This is a recipe for many cuts and scrapes. Not to mention the pricky cactus you will encounter all over the park.
I love these light-weight, loose-fitting pants to maximize climbing around the rocks. For the kids, these travel pants are quick-dry and no wrinkle! I love that you can make them pants or shorts with an easy zipper feature. This is perfect for climbing in one moment and being cool in another.
Closed-toes shoes are a must for climbing at Joshua Tree. Shoes with grip on the bottom are your best bet.
| Hiking Pants/shorts | Hiking Pants/Shorts | Hiking Shoes | Water Backpack |
|---|---|---|---|
  |   |   |   |
| Buy Boys Hiking Pants | Buy Girls Hiking Pants | Buy Hiking Shoes | Buy Water Backpack |
I highly recommend packing gloves if you plan on climbing around the rocks. They are sharp and rough. Save your hands and your kids hands with a simple layer of protection. Rock climbing gloves would be a perfect addition to your day in Joshua Tree.
Food and Drink
Bringing enough water into the Mojave Desert is a must. Plan on hiking with a hydration pack. My younger kids like a simple, lightweight water pack. I love to bring a backpack with water plus more storage space for snacks or other essentials.
There are no food options inside Joshua Tree National Park. Bring food and lots of water to stay as long as you can. Find plenty of ideas for simple travel food throughout Fly by the Seat of our Pants blog.
Travel Map
Refer to this map of Joshua Tree to plan your day. This is the exact route we took for a one-day itinerary. You can add more hiking or spend longer in each area if you have more time. The rocks to explore in Joshua Tree are infinite. Plan to spend as long or as short as you like in each location. But also plan to stop whenever something looks interesting to you. Our favorite sports are usually not actually mark, nor have a name on the parks list, but we made our own memories there so it is ‘ours’.
Is Joshua Tree Open during COVID?
Joshua Tree is open currently (Feb 2021). All visitors Centers require masks. You will see about half the visitors hiking and walking around in masks.
Wipe down any picnic tables you use. Use santizer after climbing in crowded places.
Since Joshua Tree NP is almost completely outdoors, it is a great way to get some fresh air and stay safe during the COVID Pandemic. Enjoy a drive in your car. Hop out with your mask on for a few exceptional views just steps from the parking lot.
Getting outside and moving your body will be so good for you physical and mental health! Joshua Tree National Park provides the best place to stay safe and travel.
Other things to do near Joshua Tree National Park?
Tahquitz Waterfall is right in Palm Springs. You can hike for a fee to see the waterfall on the Indian Reservation.
Palm Springs Santa Rosa Mountains are located just west of Palm Springs for Mountain adventures.
If you enjoy slot canyons and ladder hikes, try Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Trail in Mecca Hills Wilderness just south of Palm Springs.
The Aerial Tramway is a scenic canyon Ride rotating as you rise to the top of a mountain. (Closed during COVID)
Living Desert Zoo and Garden could be a fun option with the kids. the animals in Joshua tree are nocturnal and you may not catch a glimpse, but you can see them at the zoo!
What to do with Kids in Joshua Tree
Top 10 Activities In Joshua Tree NP With Kids by FlyByTheSeatOfOurPants on Jumprope.
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