Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning destination in California. The park is open year-round, 24/7, seven days a week, and you don’t need to worry about making a reservation to enter the park, but get your pass ahead of time! The best time to visit is in the spring, when you can experience the exploding color of blooming flowers. This park is in southern California, so it can get toasty in the summer. If you visit during that time of year, make sure you have plenty of water. Now, let’s get this adventure started!
There are over 500 campsites at this park, so you’ll have plenty of space. You can often get same-day reservations, especially during the slower season. They even have first-come, first-serve campsites! Just make sure you get there early to secure your spot. Our top recommendations are Black Rock, Indian Cove, and Jumbo Rock. Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle Campground are the first-come, first-serve locations. Learn more about the campgrounds and how to make reservations on the National Park Service website.
Denver: 967 miles – 15 hours
Salt Lake City: 644 miles – 9 hours 40 min
Las Vegas: 218 miles – 2 hours 30 min
Phoenix: 222 miles – 2 hours 45 min
You will arrive at Joshua Tree National Park in your campervan rental around noon, depending on which location you leave from. This means you have a whole afternoon to explore, relax, and get acquainted with the park. The first thing you’ll want to do is stop at the visitor center to pick up your park map. There are four different visitor centers. They all have a bookstore if you are looking to get a souvenir, but the Joshua Tree Visitor Center has a cafe! Once you have learned more about the park, it’s time to hit your campsite! Park your campervan rental and start cooking up a delicious lunch. If you need recipe ideas, check out our favorite lunch recipes! After you spend some time digesting and getting acquainted with your campground, it’s time to explore! Head over to Ryan Ranch hiking trail. Ryan Ranch is an easy 1-mile out-and-back hike that will take you along historic structures. Another great option for a late afternoon hike is Key Views. This hike has a tough incline but is only 0.25 miles. The views make the trek to the top worth it! You’ll be able to see the San Andres Fault, Mount San Jacinto, and the Salton Sea from the top! After your hike, enjoy a warm campfire (ensure there aren’t any fire restrictions!) and star gazing before heading to bed. You’ll want plenty of rest for your second day!
Today is going to be an adventure-packed day! There are so many opportunities for thrill seekers. Biking is limited to vehicle roads only, but exploring the park on two wheels is a unique experience. If you want something more challenging, grab your harness and ropes and head to the rocks for some epic rock climbing. There are 8,000 climbing routes and 2,000 bouldering problems. There is something for everyone, and you will never be bored when you’re climbing in Joshua Tree. If you are new to climbing and want to learn more, this is a great park in which to do it. You can hire climbing guides to help teach you the climbing methods! Just be sure they have a permit with the park, and don’t forget always to follow good climbing etiquette.
Another great way to spend your day is by hiking through the stunning landscape. Joshua Tree has a plethora of hikes to try. From an easy 0.1-mile stroll to an 8-mile strenuous climb, there is a hike for everyone! It’s important to have plenty of water with you no matter how long the hike is, especially when the weather gets warmer. Explore all of Joshua Tree’s best hikes here!
If your campervan rental journey to Joshua Tree involves taking it easy, then this option is for you. There are still plenty of activities to do that don’t involve strenuous activities. Birding, better known as bird watching, is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and experience beautiful wildlife. There are over 250 species of birds in Joshua Tree, which makes it the perfect place to learn, observe, and appreciate! You can explore a list of all species you might see on the Joshua Tree website. Additionally, you can pick up a more in-depth bird book at the visitor’s center. Pull out those camping chairs (included in your rental), grab the binoculars, and relax.
If you are into history, then you will want to explore the Keys Ranch Guided Walking Tour. This 90-minute tour takes you on a half-mile walk through the old ranch. You will learn about everything from mining to homesteading and everything in between. The tour runs from October to May and is unavailable during the hotter months. Tickets are $10 a person, and you can purchase them ahead of time on Recreation.Gov.
It’s your last day in paradise, so you want to make the most of it! If you’re an early bird, you can hit the ground running on a longer hike. We recommend West Side Loop in Black Rock, a stunning 4.7-mile hike with the best views of the mountains and the Joshua trees. If you are someone who likes a slow morning, enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea and lounge around your campsite for a few more hours to soak in the last of this gorgeous park. Then, check out Cholla Cactus Garden for a short 0.25-mile stroll where you can explore unique cacti. Wrap up your adventure at noon, hop back into your campervan rental, and head back to the shop!
We hope you have an epic time in Joshua Tree National Park in your campervan rental! Don’t forget to share photos of your adventures with us on social media @nativecampervans. Happy trails!
Denver | Salt Lake City | Las Vegas | Phoenix | Los Angeles
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