Itinerary · 2 days · California
2 Days in Joshua Tree National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Joshua Tree National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov. Closest major airport: Palm Springs (PSP), about 1 hour.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Scramble around Hidden Valley. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Walk the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunset.
- Evening: Look out over the Coachella Valley from Keys View.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: See Skull Rock and Arch Rock.
- Afternoon: Stargaze from a campground.
Campgrounds book out months ahead from October to May. Weekdays are noticeably calmer than weekends.
When to go
The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is February–April and October–November.
Best time to visit Joshua Tree, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Joshua Tree National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: scramble around hidden valley and walk the cholla cactus garden at sunset on day one, then see skull rock and arch rock on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Joshua Tree itinerary?
Go in Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov, when the park is rated at its best. February and October offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Joshua Tree in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss see skull rock and arch rock. Two days is the sweet spot.