Joshua Tree National Park

If you love rocks and the desert, then Joshua Tree National Park is a must visit for you. With hundres of miles of backcountry hiking trails and dozens of well marked and maintained trails, Joshua Tree is a popular destination for Southern Californian outdoor enthusiasts. Click here, If you want to learn more about the history of Joshua Tree.

It was one random afternoon when I felt the urge to go explore, and Joshua Tree had always been on my list. I knew that it was time to go. I called a couple of my friends and we did a day trip there. We left around 6am and managed to hike 3 solid trails and visited two great roadside stops including the Keys View for one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen.

Direction: From LA and Orange County, you will most the I-10 to HWY 62 and turn right onto Park Road, which will take you to the West Entrance Visitor Center (the way that I recommend). Joshua Tree GPS Coordinate: 34.133633,-116.315453

Season: Open Year round and Joshua Tree Visitor Center is open daily as well until 5pm. However, it is really hot during the summer, which you may not get to enjoy the most of it.

Cool Things To Do At Joshua Tree (click to read more about each places)
Hidden Valley – a short easy loop and popular among rock climbers. This is also a picnic area perfect for families
Wonderland of Rocks Wash Ruins – a short walk to an abandoned building
Skull Rock – A big rock that looks like human skull
Wall Street Mill – a short and easy trail to an old abandoned mill
Barker Dam – a small lake filled with water in late spring
Keys View – highest point in the park accessible by car
Arch Rock – Natural arch rock formation
Ryan Mountain – highest trail in Joshua Tree
California Riding & Hiking Trail – East to West backpacking route