Exploring Joshua Tree National Park in a Day and a Half: My Adventure, Photography Tips, and Hidden Gems
- Karen Israel
- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
Joshua Tree National Park offers a unique blend of desert landscapes, fascinating rock formations, and iconic Joshua trees that create an unforgettable experience for visitors. My recent trip to this remarkable park revealed not only its natural beauty but also practical insights that can help anyone make the most of their visit. Whether you are an avid hiker, a photography enthusiast, or someone looking for a peaceful escape, Joshua Tree has something special to offer.
Half a Day in Joshua Tree National Park
We spent the night in Ridgecrest, California to have a halfway point from Death Valley and Joshua Tree. I spent the first half of the day working in the car (having the Starlink mini makes this all possible) to not have to take any time off. Justin had the whole week off which is what sparked this trip in the first place. A big thank you as always to Justin for putting in extra miles to make these trips possible!
We arrived in Joshua Tree shortly before lunch. I was interviewing for our open manager position so I wanted to be stopped to make sure there weren't any interruptions in service. There's nothing like interviewing your potential new boss from the parking lot of a national park visitor center!
For lunch, we ate at JT Country Kitchen. I loved the vibes there but most of all I loved that it was December and we were eating lunch outside on their patio!
I still had some work to get done so I didn't get to enjoy the views as much as I would have liked while driving through the park. Most of today's stops were fairly short so I could still complete the work I needed to today.
Our first stop in Joshua Tree was the short 1.1 mile hike to Barker Dam. I just loved wandering through the Joshua Trees and the monzogranite boulders. The dam itself offers a look at the history of the park's early ranching efforts. There wasn't a lot of water at the dam when we visited but we still got a good idea of what it would look like when it's full.
Cap Rock came up on most lists of the best things to see in Joshua Tree but I still can't say I understand why. It was on the way to Keys View though so I figured why not stop. At the end of the day, this is just a rock balanced on more rocks... This spot does offer picnic tables and a short 0.4 mile nature trail.
We continued along to Keys View which is perched on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains providing panoramic views of the Choachella Valley. The wind was whipping through here so we stopped just long enough to snap some pictures before moving on.
I was so excited to try some rock scrambling in the Hall of Horrors but found I was just a little too timid to do much. Justin was climbing up and down the rocks like the mountain goat he is! We did find this cool crevice to squeeze through. I ended up just crawling along the bottom where it was wider rather than risking getting stuck. On the other side was a small cave with an even narrower crevice on the other side. I didn't risk trying to squeeze through but Justin made it through (and back out!) successfully.
Our next stop was Skull Rock, one of the most iconic spots in the park. This granite formation looks a lot like a skull due to way water has eroded the rock. We got some pictures up close then walked the 1.7 mile nature trail for some views from further away.
I'd heard the Cholla Cactus Garden was stunning at sunset and it did not disappoint! The setting sun made the cactus appear to glow. Luckily, we ended up being there a little early as the sun set behind a mountain. We ended up with only about 3 minutes to take pictures before the sun was gone.
Our Full Day in Joshua Tree
I took today off of work to be able to have a full day to explore. After all the climbing on rocks we did yesterday, Justin was noticing a slight pain in his heel. Luckily, today he was feeling better but we decided to start with a short hike to be sure so we headed to Arch Rock. The trailhead is located in the Twin Tanks Parking Lot and is very well marked. After Arch Rock, we took the slight detour over to Heart Rock.
Feeling good, we continued on to main hike of the day - Lost Palms Oasis Trail. This was at the far southern end of the park and we hoped this would mean fewer people. Most of the people that did come here went as far as Cottonwood Springs. We only saw a handful of other hikers on the trail. The hike was nice and it was exciting to see naturally growing palm trees in the desert!
We ended with a picnic in the parking lot looking at the palm trees of Cottonwood Springs. We debated going to the picnic area up the road, but decided this was a better view. We had out camp chairs and a little folding table so our picnic area can be anywhere!
Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree can be overwhelming due to its size and variety of activities. Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy your visit:
Plan your visit early or late in the day to avoid the heat, especially in spring and summer. Temperatures can soar above 100°F (38°C).
Bring plenty of water. The dry desert climate means dehydration can happen quickly.
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for rocky terrain. Trails vary from easy walks to challenging climbs.
Check the weather forecast before you go. Sudden storms can occur, and flash floods are possible in some areas.
Use the park map and ranger advice to choose trails that match your fitness and interests.
Respect wildlife and plants. Joshua trees are protected, so avoid touching or damaging them.
Pack layers. Desert temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
Arrive early on weekends or holidays. Parking lots fill up quickly, and some popular spots may close temporarily.
Best Spot for Photography in Joshua Tree
For photographers, Joshua Tree is a dream location. The interplay of light and shadow on the rugged landscape creates endless opportunities for striking images. One spot I highly recommend is the Cholla Cactus Garden. This area features dense clusters of cholla cacti that glow beautifully during the golden hour just before sunset. Just be sure to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before sunset as the sun sets behind a mountain.
To capture the best photos:
Use a wide-angle lens to emphasize the vastness of the desert and the sky.
Shoot during the early morning or late afternoon for soft, warm light.
Experiment with silhouettes against colorful skies, especially near Joshua trees or rock formations.
Bring a tripod for stability during low-light conditions.
Pay attention to foreground elements like rocks or plants to add depth to your shots.
Discovering Hidden Gems
Beyond the well-known trails and viewpoints, Joshua Tree has quieter spots that offer solitude and unique experiences. One such place is Cottonwood Springs. This less busy spot offers the start of the Lost Palms Oasis Trail. We had the view of the Oasis to ourselves and loved the solitude and quiet that offered.
Final Thoughts on Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park combines adventure, natural beauty, and opportunities for creative expression. My trip showed me how important it is to prepare well, respect the environment, and take time to explore beyond the main attractions. Whether you want to hike, photograph, or simply enjoy the quiet desert, Joshua Tree delivers a memorable experience.
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