I drive the Los Angeles to Joshua Tree road trip several times per year, without fail. Since Joshua Tree National Park is my all-time favorite road trip from LA, I know by hear all the best stops along the way. Let’s dive in to learn the best route, distance, and stops between Los Angeles and Joshua Tree!
Joshua Tree is my all-time favorite of all the national parks in the southwest. The alienlike landscape and the otherworldly desert vibe makes it truly one of a kind.
This popular road trip destination has Southern Californians flocking into the desert for years and years, and frankly, I am one of them!
No matter if you plan to spend just one day in Joshua Tree National Park or have a whole weekend planned, this guide will outline the best stops along the way. Let’s dive in!
How to Plan the Best Los Angeles to Joshua Tree Road Trip
Let’s start with the most frequently asked questions about this drive.
How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree?
It is 127 miles from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park. In driving time, it will take roughly 2.5 hours, though be warned – Los Angeles rush hour is a force to be reckoned with! Avoid both morning and evening rush hour or it will likely take much longer.
Can you do Joshua Tree in one day from Los Angeles?
Yes, if you leave early in the morning and drive back later at night, you can visit Joshua Tree in one day from LA.
However, I would recommend planning a two to three days trip if possible, so that you can see all of what Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas have to offer. Staying overnight means that you can experience some of the most epic sunrise spots in Joshua Tree, and explore more of the incredible hiking trails, too.
This national park also has endless stretches of scenic landscapes and camping and stargazing opportunities. Also – we’ll dive into to this more below – but there are several stops along the way that are worth a visit, too.
If you are a local, I’d recommend at least three days and two nights. If you are from out of state, I’ recommend a one week trip to hit all the spots.
You May Also Like: The Best Joshua Tree Photo Stops
Where should you stop between Los Angeles and Joshua Tree on your road trip?
There are plenty of places to stop on your road trip! I’ll break down each location below as well as mention things to do in each place.
Los Angeles
If you’re from out of state and fly into Los Angeles, you will be landing at LAX, or Los Angeles International Airport. I recommend getting your rental car here, as they always seem to offer the lowest rates.
Once you’re ready to go, here are some of my favorite must-see areas and attractions around LA.
- Visit the beaches and trails of Malibu. In Malibu, you will find everything from world-class surfing to boutique yoga spots to mom and pop restaurants lining the Pacific Coast Highway. This is one of my favorite places in LA. Be sure to check out El Matador State Beach for the most epic cliffside beach!
- Hike to some famous landmarks, like the Hollywood sign or the MASH filming location. Details for each of these hikes (and many more) are found in my 52 Hikes in Southern California e-book.
- Take a Santa Monica & Venice Beach bike tour. You’ll get to see the famous Muscle Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, and much more.
- Explore the Griffith Observatory on a guided tour. Anyone with an interest in science or astronomy should not miss this! This experience will cover everything from science to history to the moon landing with a knowledgeable guide.
- Go on a downtown LA food tour. This 3 hour walking tour hits some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles.
After you’ve seen all of your top choices in LA, it’s time to drive toward Joshua Tree National Park. Roughly 1.5 hours into the drive, you’ll reach your first stop: Cabazon.
Cabazon
Whether you’re a roadside oddity-seeker or just a dinosaur enthusiast (who isn’t?!) then Cabazon is a must see stop. Particularly because of the famous Cabazon Dinosaurs! But, there are even more things to do in Cabazon.
- Take photos with the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Whether you are on a solo road trip or with family or friends, you can snap some fun photos with these life sized reptiles (T-Rex is 27 feet tall.) Their theme changes regularly, so on any given trip they could be wearing completely different clothing!
- Hadley Fruit Orchards. This family owned business is famous for their date shakes, dried fruits, nut products, and honey.
- The Cabazon Outlets. Anyone looking for a shopping fix might want to check out the Cabazon Outlets on their drive from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree. This open-air desert shopping center features 18 popular retailers.
Unless you plan to shop, Cabazon can be a quick 30-minutes to one hour stop on your road trip.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a great place to spend a night or a weekend. From sparkling swimming pools to the hip downtown, this is a fun desert town.
If you are only visiting Joshua Tree for one day, Palm Springs might be an ideal home base. But if you plan to visit Joshua Tree for two days or more, I would not recommend staying in Palm Springs, since it takes nearly an hour to reach the entrance. (Recommendations on where to stay are below.)
Nevertheless, Palm Springs is an awesome retro oasis in the Coachella Valley of Riverside County, California. Summers are super hot and winters can get cold, but there is plenty to do here year round.
- Hike the Andreas Canyon trail. This is one of my favorite hikes in Palm Springs! Expect to see groves of California fan palms, natural oases, jagged rocks, and desert views for days. This hike is great for all seasons as it’s not too strenuous but very scenic. Pack your desert hiking essentials for safety.
- Book a Guided Bike and Hike at Indian Canyons. Want to make it more adventurous? Try this bike and hike instead!
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Possibly the most famous attraction in all of Palm Springs, the aerial tramway gives you a birds’ eye view of the entire valley. This is a must do, particularly if it is your first visit to Palm Springs!
- Take a Mojave Desert ATV Tour. If you love the desert, and you are in the mood for a bit of an adrenaline rush, then this one is for you. You’ll get to race through the desert with a small group through a 28-mile loop across dirt, sand, and rocky terrain.
For more things to do in Palm Springs, check out this article. When driving from LA to Joshua Tree, you absolutely must explore Palm Springs!
Joshua Tree National Park
Finally, we reach the ultimate destination, Joshua Tree National Park. This park is one of the most unreal destinations on the planet. The giant round boulders, the rugged landscape, and the tall and spindly Joshua Trees make it feel otherworldly.
There is a lot to see in Joshua Tree. You could easily spend a week here and not do it all! Let’s cover some of my favorite Joshua Tree National Park activities.
- Go hiking in Joshua Tree. These are some of my favorite hiking trails in all of Southern California. The scenery is just gorgeous and you have lots of choices between easy, moderate, and difficult trails. Hike to the famous Arch Rock or to a lush green oasis.
- Take a Self-Guided audio tour. For a deeper understanding of this desert park, listen to the dramatic tales of the McHaney Gang, gold thieves, and other infamous men and women who used to live here.
- Take a San Andreas Fault tour. This open-air Jeep tour guides you across the desert landscape, where the famous active earthquake zone – the San Andreas fault – is located. This tour is also available from Palm Springs, FYI.
- Camp underneath the stars. Camping in Joshua Tree is like nowhere else on earth. Designated a Dar Sky Park, the stargazing is unreal, far from the city lights. Even if you are not typically a camper, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Whether you’re a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie, there’s something for everyone in Joshua Tree. It truly is unlike anywhere else on earth.
Where to Stay on your LA to Joshua Tree adventure
The most logical places to stay for this excursion are either in Palm Springs area or near Joshua Tree’s park entrance.
Palm Springs Hotels
No matter where you staying Palm Springs, one thing is certain: a pool is never far away. Some of the most beautiful and relaxing resorts are:
Joshua Tree Hotels
If camping in the desert is not your thing, then these hotels will be your best bet. All reasonably close to the entrance, these each make a good home base:
More Joshua Tree National Park Resources:
- One Day in Joshua Tree National Park
- The Best Joshua Tree Sunrise Hikes and Locations
- The Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
- A Joshua Tree Photography Guide
- All About the Joshua Tree: A Mojave Desert Staple
- Five Drawbacks of Joshua Tree – and How to Beat Them
- 10 Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
- A Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park Road Trip
- National Parks Near Los Angeles
- Desert Wear and Hiking Essentials for the American Southwest
- Ten Desert Hiking Safety Tips
What to pack for the trip
We are in the desert after all, so expect scorching temperatures in the summer; mild temperatures n the winter (and downright cold overnight). Spring and fall will be pleasant.
No matter when you visit, be sure to bring:
- sunscreen
- a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun’s rays off your face
- a moisture-wicking tank top layer to keep you cool and dry
- great hiking shoes for walking and hiking
- trekking sandals for the hot summer months
If you would like even more details and information, check out my desert hiking essentials post.
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A visit to Joshua Tree National Park is a must-do for anyone interested in incredible nature or outdoor recreation. If you are looking to make an easy weekend road trip from Los Angeles with family or friends, Joshua Tree is a great choice!
Let me know below – which sight was your favorite?
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