Here are some standout things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, blending nature, art, culture, and soulful desert vibes:
Top Activities in Joshua Tree National Park
1. Hiking & Iconic Landmarks
- Hidden Valley Nature Trail: A scenic, one-mile self-guided loop winding through massive boulders and diverse plant life—great for spotting climbers or enjoying a peaceful stroll.Just Chasing Sunsets+14Wikipedia+14The Traveling Child+14
- Barker Dam Trail: A short 1–1.3 mile loop with historic dam, rock formations, and seasonal water—family-friendly and picturesque.The Traveling Child+2Reddit+2
- Ryan Mountain: A challenging 3-mile round-trip climb with ~1,050 ft elevation gain, rewarding you with sweeping vistas across the park.Mommy Poppins+13Bon Traveler+13The Traveling Child+13
- Arch Rock & Skull Rock: Easy, short hikes leading to natural rock formations—ideal for quick photo ops.Reddit+6Bon Traveler+6The Traveling Child+6
- Lost Palms Oasis Trail: A longer (7.2 mi) loop reaching a serene oasis with palm trees, bouldering spots, and occasional wildlife like bighorn sheep.Wikipedia+1
- Cholla Cactus Garden at Sunset: A flat, walkable trail through hundreds of glowing teddy bear cacti—especially magical in the golden light.The Traveling Child+3Bon Traveler+3Red Around the World+3
Joshua Tree National Park Tours
Explore Joshua Tree National Park on a guided private adventure. A tour guide will drive you through the Joshua Tree Park and show you all the best areas. You’ll get a first hand experience of the surreal landscapes and Joshua Trees as you do some short walks and an easy hike through a nature trail.
Discover the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park on a private group tour. Quick Day Trip from Palm Springs.
Pick up and drop off included if you book a private tour.
And as one visitor on Reddit shared:
“Easy/not hard hike? Cholla gardens loop, arch rock or the Barker Dam trail… all about one hour or less.”Reddit+2The Traveling Child+2
2. Scenic Overlooks & Drives
- Keys View: Perched over 5,000 ft, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of Coachella Valley—and on clear days, even Mexico. Spectacular at sunset.The Traveling Child+2Bon Traveler+2
- Scenic Drives: Explore Berdoo Canyon Road, Geology Tour Road, Black Eagle Mine Road, and Covington Flat for varied desert vistas and solitude.Red Around the World
3. Stargazing & Night Sky
- Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the clearest, most breathtaking night skies in the U.S. Stargaze freely or join guided tours for telescopes and expert insights.The Traveling ChildWisco ExplorerAdventures of A+K
4. Junior Ranger & Ranger Programs
- Great for families—grab a brochure at a visitor center, complete activities, and get sworn in as a Junior Ranger. Ranger-led programs and evening talks are also available depending on season.The Traveling Child+1
Joshua Tree Architecture & Art Culture Tour
From clay houses to dome houses to modern homes discover the artistic soul and visionary architecture of Joshua Tree.
This immersive 4 hour private tour takes you through the entire high desert region surrounding Joshua Tree starting from the Joshua Tree National Park areas to Pioneer Town and Rimrock you will explore the Joshua Tree desert and discover it’s unique art and architectural beauty.
✓ Experience the Joshua Tree Desert
Cultural & Local Exploration Near Joshua Tree
5. Art Installations & Quirky Museums
- Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum: Outdoor gallery of over 100 found-object sculptures, spread across 5+ acres and open day or night—for free.Bon Traveler+4Wikipedia+4The Traveling Child+4
- Transmission Sculpture: A massive outdoor piece by Daniel Popper—best seen in person for its scale and impact.Bon Traveler+1
- World Famous Crochet Museum: A tiny roadside spot showcasing crochet art in a repurposed photo booth—charming and free.Wikipedia+1
- A-Z West / High Desert Test Sites: Contemporary art meets functional living, with cabins, workshops, and installations built by Andrea Zittel.GQ+2Wikipedia+2
6. Live Music, Dining & Desert Towns
- Pappy & Harriet’s (Pioneertown): Iconic BBQ spot and music venue—performances by big-name artists in a Western film-set town.Condé Nast Traveler+2Wikipedia+2
- Dining & Shops: From upscale eateries like La Copine to boho cafes and boutiques in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms—there’s something for every appetite and aesthetic.destinationdaydreamer.com+8Condé Nast Traveler+8vogue.com+8
Quick Overview Table
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hiking & Nature | Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Ryan Mountain, Arch & Skull Rock, Lost Palms |
| Scenery | Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, scenic drives |
| Stargazing | International Dark Sky Park, telescope tours available |
| Ranger Programs | Junior Ranger, evening programs, visitor center experiences |
| Art & Culture | Purifoy Museum, Transmission Sculpture, Crochet Museum, A-Z West |
| Nearby Delights | Pappy & Harriet’s, local dining, shopping, boutique lodging |
Whether it’s adventurous hikes, night sky magic, quirky roadside art, or live music—there are lots of things to do in Joshua Tree.
Archery Session
Private 1 hour archery session near the Joshua Tree National Park
Get an introduction to the fun sport of archery in the beautiful setting of Coyote Dry Lake Bed in Joshua Tree. To start, we’ll set you up with a beginner bow and a bucket of arrows to shoot from any distance you choose. We’ll instruct you in the proper form to aim and shoot. When you are ready, you can move up to a more advanced bow and heavier arrows.
✓ Basic archery
✓ Fun for everyone
