Have you ever wanted to go on a road trip but you weren’t sure where to start? The perfect spot to start a road trip is one where the city or state is worthy of exploring. Some of the greatest fun of a road trip isn’t so much about the destination as it is the journey. One such journey is a Joshua Tree road trip. Think Joshua Tree for an unforgettable road trip.
Just imagine—setting out early and avoiding the crowds, having plenty of time to enjoy the sights and temps. There’s plentiful wildlife in every national park, and Joshua Tree is no different. You might even catch an annual migration, birthing season, or other special event.
No matter when you decide to pack up the car, it’s important to keep your schedule loose. You never know when you’ll find a roadside stand selling pick-your-own fruits, after all. There’s something to be said about planning—and we’re not saying, “don’t plan,” but playing it by ear can be a lot of fun.
Your road trip through Joshua Tree will take you through some of the most beautiful California lands there are. Joshua Tree’s scenic drive is about 70 miles driving straight through, or a little over an hour long, but there are a lot of scenic turnouts, hikes, and, of course, Joshua Trees, that you’ll want to stop and take part in, or pics of.
There are a few ways you can get to and enter Joshua Tree National Park. For instance, if you start your road trek in Palm Springs, it’s a little under 60 minutes to the south entrance to Joshua Tree. You just take I-10 East and take the Cottonwood Springs Road turnoff. Stop off at the visitors center to grab a map of the park and then head to the spot called Colorado Desert. The elevation here is just about at sea level. It’s here that you’ll find various prickly cactus and ocotillo plants with shiny red blooms. Be careful of the prickly plants—these are much tougher than rose thorns.
As you work your way through the park, you’ll see the park’s moniker everywhere, the Joshua Tree. Early settlers from the Mormon faith named the trees such due to their outstretched branches reminiscent of Joshua praying, with arms wide open. If you’ve got the time, take the side road up to Keys View for a panoramic view of the park from 5,000 feet above.
As you continue through the winding roads of Joshua Tree, you’ll find campgrounds, places to picnic, and abundant wildlife, thanks to the cooler temps of the elevated altitude of the Mojave. At the end of Highway 62, you can exit the park and go east if you’re finishing up your trip in Palm Springs, or west if you want to see the lights of Los Angeles.
Think Joshua Tree for an unforgettable road trip and you won’t be disappointed!
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