Take a trip to Southern California and spend a few days in Joshua Tree and on the coast in Oxnard.
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Nestled at the meeting point of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. Famous for its iconic Joshua trees, surreal rock formations, and star-studded night skies, the park offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. This itinerary is designed to help you explore the park’s most captivating trails, viewpoints, and hidden gems while leaving room for relaxation and stargazing under some of the clearest skies in California. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories of this desert wonderland.
Getting There
When planning your trip to Joshua Tree National Park and Southern California, there are several options for getting to the region, depending on where you’re coming from and your preferred mode of transportation.
Las Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the busiest airport in the region and offers more international and domestic flights, but it’s farther from Joshua Tree (about 2.5 hours by car). LAX is recommended if you plan to explore more of Southern California and don’t mind the longer drive. Almost all major airlines operate from LAX. The drive from LAX to Joshua Tree takes about 3.5 hours (130 miles).
A rental car is highly recommended for getting to and around Joshua Tree and Southern California. Public transportation is limited, and driving gives you the flexibility to explore various attractions at your own pace. If you plan on exploring the desert or more rugged areas, an SUV is ideal. For cities like Los Angeles and Palm Springs, Uber/Lyft are available, but for Joshua Tree, you’ll need a rental car or shuttle service, as rideshare options are not as common in the area. Public transportation is available in some areas, but it is not ideal for tourists due to the park’s vast size.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park and Southern California largely depends on your preferences for weather and crowd sizes.
Spring (March to May): Spring is widely considered the best time to visit Joshua Tree. The weather is mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s °F (18-30°C), and cooler nights. This is also the time when wildflowers are in bloom, adding vibrant colors to the desert landscape. The park is less crowded compared to the peak summer months, though it can still be busy during spring break. Spring also offers great conditions for hiking, stargazing, and rock climbing.
Fall (October to November): Fall is another excellent time to visit Joshua Tree, with temperatures similar to those in spring. Days are still warm, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (24-29°C), and evenings become cooler, especially in late October and November. Fall offers beautiful clear skies for stargazing and fewer crowds than spring. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and photography, as the desert landscape starts to take on a golden hue.
Winter (December to February): Winter is the quietest season in Joshua Tree, with fewer visitors, but the weather can be unpredictable. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s °F (13-18°C), but it can dip below freezing at night. Snow is rare but can occur in higher elevations of the park. Winter can be an excellent time for those who enjoy solitude and want to avoid crowds, but it’s important to be prepared for chilly conditions and potential rain.
Summer (June to September): Summer in Joshua Tree can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C) during the day. The heat can make hiking and outdoor activities dangerous, especially in the midday sun. If you do visit in the summer, early morning or evening visits are best for outdoor activities, and make sure to stay hydrated and prepared for the heat. Although the park is less crowded during this time, many visitors avoid the area because of the extreme temperatures.
Day One
Fly to LAX
Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, roughly halfway between Los Angeles and the Arizona border. The closest airports are Palm Springs International Airport and Twentynine Palms Airport, though both are small. The nearest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From there, it’s about a 4-hour drive east into the desert to reach the Joshua Tree area, so renting a car is essential.
We flew directly from Houston to LAX. My dad wasn’t thrilled about using LAX, as we’ve had less-than-great experiences there before, but we made it through. My parents flew from Southwest Florida and had a layover in Houston so we could all take the same United Airlines flight to Los Angeles.
After landing, we took a shuttle to the car rental facility and picked up a 7-seater SUV, which was perfect for the six of us traveling together.
Dinner at Chick-fil-A in Riverside with Family
On our way from the airport to the rental home, we made a stop in Riverside for dinner at Chick-fil-A. It wasn’t just a convenient meal—it was an opportunity to reconnect with my cousin and his family, who live in the area. It had been a few years since we’d last seen them, and this visit was particularly special because I finally got to meet his young son for the first time.
Originally, the plan was for them to join us the next day in Joshua Tree National Park. However, with the approaching storm and unpredictable weather conditions, we all decided it would be safer and less stressful to just meet for dinner instead.
Drive to Rental Home in Joshua Tree
From there, we had about another two hours of driving ahead to reach our rental home—or so we thought. Looking at the distance on the map, it seemed like a straightforward trip that wouldn’t take very long. However, Los Angeles traffic had other plans for us. What should have been a quick two-hour drive turned into almost four hours of navigating crowded highways and stop-and-go conditions.
By the time we finally pulled into the driveway of the rental home, we were all more than ready to stretch our legs and settle in for the evening. Though the drive was long, we were relieved to have made it safely and were eager to begin our adventure.
Backyard of the rental house looking at Joshua Tree National Park
Sunrise the following morning at the rental house
Day One Map
Day Two
Twentynine Palms Visitor Center
I love beginning our National Park adventures at a Visitor Center whenever possible. It’s the perfect spot to gather park information, chat with a ranger about hikes and trails, collect stamps for our National Parks Passport books, and let the boys pick up their Junior Ranger booklets.
The 29 Palms Visitor Center, located in the town of Twentynine Palms just outside the park boundary, was our first stop. Our timing was spot on—we arrived right as they opened for the day.
Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Sign
Just before reaching the North Entrance, you’ll find the National Park sign on the right side of the road. When we visited, there were no other cars stopped for photos, so we got creative. We set my phone on some nearby rocks and used the timer to capture our shot.
Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park
North Entrance
We entered the park through the North Entrance. While it wasn’t the closest to our rental, we planned to make a big loop. We like to tackle the furthest points first while we’re still fresh, leaving less driving for the next day.
Naturally, we had to stop for a photo at the iconic National Park entrance sign!
Cholla Cactus Garden
Our first stop inside the park was the Cholla Cactus Garden. I didn’t know much about the cacti in the area, but the cholla cacti stood out with their fuzzy, teddy bear-like appearance and small yellow flowers.
The garden features an easy 0.25-mile trail that winds through acres of these unique cacti. The trail begins with a boardwalk at the small parking lot and transitions into a sandy path bordered by rocks.
This was a perfect starting point for the day—a simple, accessible trail to ease into exploring. Since it’s one of the park’s more remote locations, starting here allowed us to work our way back through the park efficiently.
Closeup of the flowers on the cacti
Our group walking through the cactus garden
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail
Cholla Cactus Garden
Arch Rock & Heart Rock
This was one of our favorite spots in the park! It was our first chance to see the impressive boulder formations and try some “scrambling”—a mix of hiking and climbing that’s popular here.
Both trails start from the Twin Tanks Parking Lot. After a quick street crossing, you’ll begin the hike. To reach Arch Rock, you’ll walk a little over half a mile to the loop. While you can go either direction, it’s recommended to go counterclockwise for the best views of the arch. Once there, you can scramble up to the arch itself for a closer look.
On the way back, we discovered Heart Rock, a bonus feature of the area. It’s a spur trail off the Arch Rock loop, about 1-mile round trip. It’s not marked on most maps, and there’s no sign at the trailhead, so we stumbled upon it by chance. The trail to Heart Rock is fairly straightforward, winding around a few large boulders.
Altogether, we spent about 30 minutes hiking to Arch Rock, exploring, taking photos, and finding the spur trail to Heart Rock. The Heart Rock hike, including time for photos, took another 30 minutes. In total, we spent about an hour enjoying these two trails.
Arch Rock
Heart Rock
Arch Rock
Heart Rock
Live Oak Picnic Area
When visiting the park, we packed a picnic lunch knowing we’d be out all day and that there are no restaurants within Joshua Tree National Park.
We found a picnic area nestled among the boulder fields, which made for a scenic spot. Unfortunately, it was extremely windy, making it impossible to sit at the picnic tables without everything blowing away. To avoid losing our food or leaving any trash behind, we opted to eat in the vehicle instead. While the view was beautiful, this wasn’t the ideal spot for a picnic. We kept our stop brief and quickly moved on to continue exploring the park.
Skull Rock
Skull Rock was a quick stop for us. We parked, snapped a photo with the iconic rock, and decided to skip the trail since we had a packed schedule for the day.
We parked in the Skull Rock lot off the main road and crossed the street to reach the rock. There’s a smaller rock in front of Skull Rock that makes for a great photo spot. The area was a bit crowded, but we only had to wait a few minutes for our turn. The upside to the crowd was finding someone willing to trade photo-taking duties—we took their group photo, and they took ours!
Skull Rock
Discovery Trail & Face Rock Trail
After visiting Skull Rock, we spent a few minutes exploring the Face Rock Trail. While we didn’t manage to find Face Rock, the boys (and my dad) discovered a few boulders they thought resembled a different part of the body—and found it much funnier than a face. They made sure to demonstrate their interpretations (let’s just say it involved some mooning), but I’ll spare you those photos!
The Discovery Trail, which starts in the same parking lot as Skull Rock, was our next stop. We didn’t hike the entire trail but explored a slot canyon off to the right. This trail is a newer addition to the park, created by a group of local students. Along the way, signs highlight points of interest chosen by the students, adding a unique perspective.
The full Discovery Trail is just under ¾ of a mile, with an optional spur to Face Rock that adds about ¼ mile if you want to check it out.
Face Rock
Ryan Mountain Trailhead & Indian Cave
Our original plan for this stop was simply to snap a photo of Ryan at the Ryan Mountain sign. However, we ended up spending much more time exploring the area. The boys were immediately drawn to the abundance of climbable rocks and wanted to see how high they could go, so we stayed for about half an hour.
We noticed signs for Indian Cave and decided to check it out. While it wasn’t much of a “cave,” it was a grouping of rocks arranged in a way that offered some natural shelter. From there, we wandered toward Ryan Mountain. Although we didn’t connect with the main trail, we had fun climbing the boulders and exploring the mountainside for a while.
Ryan at Ryan Mountain
Tyler in the cave
The boys had so much fun scrambling on rocks at this park
Barker Dam Trail
When I first researched the Barker Dam, it looked really beautiful in the photos. I showed them to my family, and we all agreed it was a trail we had to do and it was only a short drive from Ryan Mountain.
However, we were a bit… underwhelmed. The trail itself wasn’t bad—it had plenty of trees, nature, and even some rock art along the way. But when we finally reached the dam, it was dry. It seems we visited at the wrong time of year to see it at its best.
Barker Dam Trail
West Entrance
Since we were making a big loop around the park, we exited through the West Entrance.
Quick tip: Be sure to have your park pass ready even when leaving the park. We were caught off guard by the long line to exit and the ranger who stopped us. He asked to see our park pass (we had the 4th-grade pass) even though we were leaving. When I asked why, he explained that some park entrances don’t pass through a ranger station, so they check passes at exits to ensure visitors have paid their entry fees.
Back to Rental Home for Dinner & Dice Games
We ended the evening back at our rental home to make some dinner and played some dice games before heading to bed to rest for another day of adventure.
Day Two Map
Day Three
Our second day was a bit more time-constrained. While we were in California, we were warned about the “Pineapple Express” storm, which was supposedly coming all the way from Hawaii. As Gulf Coast natives, it just seemed like a typical tropical storm to us. We kept a close watch on the weather throughout our trip, and by the afternoon, the forecast called for scattered thunderstorms. We didn’t want to be caught out in the desert if the weather turned, so we planned accordingly.
West Entrance
The last few spots we wanted to visit in the park were all closer to the West Entrance, so we decided to enter and exit through that entrance.
Hall of Horrors
On our first day driving through the park, Ryan spotted a sign for the Hall of Horrors and was eager to check it out. At that point, we were all tired and ready to call it a day, but I promised him we’d look it up online when we got back to the rental to see what it was all about.
I’m so glad we took the time to research it for a few reasons. First, we might not have made it a priority to visit if we hadn’t known what to expect. Second, without knowing about the slot canyons, we never would have discovered them.
The Hall of Horrors trail is just under a mile with very little elevation change—an easy hike that offers great views of Joshua Trees and impressive boulder formations. It’s one of the best hikes in the park, but the highlight for us was definitely exploring the slot canyon entrances.
We started the trail going the wrong way. The best route is to go left from the parking lot, or clockwise. We went in the opposite direction and didn’t find the slot canyons until near the end of the loop.
There are two slot canyons side by side here. One is fairly wide, so everyone was able to get through without any issues, though you do have to scramble a bit to reach the entrance.
The second slot canyon, the one on the left, is much narrower in some spots. Only my dad and the boys could fit through those tight areas, so they ventured further in while the rest of us waited. We saw some rock climbers in the area; it turns out that having climbing gear and experience is essential for continuing through to the other end of the slot canyons.
Hall of Horrors
Tyler and Ryan in the larger slot canyon
Darrell and Ryan through the smaller slot canyon
Hall of Horrors
Keys View
This stop was interesting in some ways, but it didn’t quite live up to our expectations. Due to the incoming storms and the elevation of the Keys Viewpoint, we couldn’t see much during our visit.
The boys still thought it was pretty cool, though, especially since we were driving right into the clouds. The temperature was definitely much cooler up here than in the desert areas of the park.
On a clear day, it’s said that you can see all the way down the valley, including parts of the famous San Andreas Fault.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
After visiting Keys View, we were all getting hungry, so we headed to the Hidden Valley Picnic Area. We passed the main parking lot near the Hidden Valley Trailhead and drove to the second loop of parking spots.
There were very few people around, so we practically had the place to ourselves. We found a table under a tree for some shade and enjoyed our picnic lunch.
Naturally, the boys finished eating quickly and were eager to explore. We were surprised to find that even the picnic area had so much to offer in terms of climbing and exploration. As we wandered through the rocks, we discovered yet another small canyon to walk through.
Rocks behind the picnic tables
Pathways near the picnic area
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
The last trail we did in Joshua Tree National Park was the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. The trailhead was just up the road from where we had lunch, so we hopped back in the vehicle, moved it closer to the trailhead, and set off.
The trail is a short 1-mile loop that takes you through the valley. While I enjoyed some of our other hikes through the boulders, my dad said this was his favorite trail in the park. There was so much scenery to take in, and the informational signs provided great insights into the history of the area.
Natural stone steps on the trail
Always climbing on the rocks
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Boy Scout Trailhead
We didn’t hike the Boy Scout Trail, but since we’re all part of Boy Scouts and have been for many years, I wanted to at least get a photo with the trail sign. My mom joined us to take the photo, and meanwhile, my dad decided to have a little fun. He started making laps around the empty gravel parking lot, with no other cars in sight. The boys thought it was hilarious watching him zoom around!
We are Boy Scouts, so we had to have a photo by Boy Scout Trail
West Entrance
After finishing the Hidden Valley Trail, we noticed storm clouds starting to roll in. We decided it was best to head back to the house before the rain hit. There were several warnings about the potential for flash floods in the desert, and we definitely didn’t want to get caught in that.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
Our last stop of the day was the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, located in the town of Joshua Tree. Like the others, this visitor center is outside the park’s boundaries. I picked up another passport stamp and bought a Christmas ornament to add to our collection from all our travels. It was interesting to note that all the visitor centers at this park were situated outside the park boundaries.
Back to Rental Home for Dinner
We left Joshua Tree and went back to our rental home to make some dinner and relax for the evening. I took advantage of the laundry machines in the home to clean some of our clothes before starting to pack to leave the next day.
Day Three Map
Day Four
Explored the Property Grounds
On our fourth day in Southern California, we knew we had a 5-hour drive ahead of us. But we wanted to maximize time at both places, so we spent the morning slowly getting packed and ready to check out of one house and drive to the next.
My dad was outside exploring the large yard, so I went out with him. We were using the camera app on my phone to look up all of the different plants and succulents in the yard. He kept telling me he was smelling something he really liked, and we figured out that there were a few large eucalyptus trees on the property.
Eucalyptus Tree
Prickly Pear Cactus
California Barrel Cactus
Willow Acacia Tree
Gander’s Cholla
Saguaro Cactus
Wence’s Bistro
While driving through Southern California, we needed a place to eat. I started looking up locations that would be quick, but not fast food. We wanted a place with a large variety of food so everyone could find something to eat. Not far from our route was Wence’s Bistro.
Wence’s Bistro is a small restaurant that serves Chinese, Italian, American, and Mexican food. We started with some crispy fried wontons then all chose our meal. I got a plate with chicken lo mein. The boys both chose something off of the kid’s menu. Justin got a pasta meal, my dad got seafood, and my mom got chicken.
The diner was the perfect stop during our travels due to the convenience of just a few minutes off the highway, a large variety of options, and the friendly staff.
Outside of Wence’s Bistro
Appetizer
Lunch
Grocery Stop in Oxnard
When we were about 20 minutes from our next rental, we stopped at a grocery store. Justin and my dad went in to get a few essentials while my mom and I stayed in the vehicle with the boys. We love doing rental homes since they have a full kitchen meaning we can get groceries and cook for ourselves to save quite a bit of money.
Channel Islands Trip Canceled
The reason we were headed to Oxnard was to go to Channel Islands National Park. While we were sitting in the grocery store parking lot, we got a very disappointing message. Due to the rough seas and muddy trail conditions, Island Packers canceled our trip to the islands.
Their options initially were for a reschedule or store credit. We called and explained that we had only one day on our trip to the islands, and we didn’t know when we would be back in California. They were very apologetic and accommodating and gave us a refund. Unfortunately, this left us with no plans for the next day and meant we wouldn’t make it to that national park on this trip.
Email about the canceled trip
Arrive at Rental
That evening, we pulled into the driveway of our rental home just as the sun was setting, signaling the end of a long day of travel and activities. Arriving around dinner time, our first priority was to unload the vehicle, which was packed to the brim with suitcases, snacks, and supplies from our journey.
Once inside, we each carried our bags to our rooms, taking a moment to get a feel for the layout of the house and pick our spaces. The kids excitedly explored the rental, checking out all the rooms and deciding where they’d set up their things. Meanwhile, the adults began settling in, unpacking essentials, and organizing the shared spaces like the kitchen and living area.
Rainbow over the beach houses as we arrived at our rental home
Walk to Beach
We decided to have a late dinner so we could take advantage of the remaining daylight and walk down to the water. It was a particularly special moment because it marked the first time Tyler and Ryan had ever set foot in the Pacific Ocean. With this experience, they could now proudly say they had touched the waters of three major bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico.
The boys were thrilled by the novelty of the moment, despite the chilly temperatures. They eagerly waded along the shoreline, the cold water washing over their feet as they laughed and marveled at the vast expanse of the ocean. The soft sound of the waves and the cool evening air created a peaceful atmosphere that made the moment even more memorable.
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to stay at the beach for too long, as the rain clouds that had been looming in the distance finally caught up with us. The drizzle quickly turned into a steady rain, so we decided to head back to the house. Once there, we enjoyed a cozy evening, eating dinner and settling in for some much-needed relaxation after a day full of driving.
Sunset over the Pacific
Walking to the water
It was cold!
We could see the Channel Islands in the distance
Ryan staying out of the cold water
Stephanie at the beach
Day Four Map
Day Five
Beach Day
Since our trip to the Channel Islands was canceled, we decided to make the most of the day by heading to the beach. Although it was early February and quite chilly, the boys didn’t seem to mind the cold at all. They eagerly got to work building sandcastles, turning the stretch of sand into their own creative playground. The crashing waves were too tempting to resist, so they also spent time splashing around, even if only for a bit.
Despite the brisk weather, the beach provided a refreshing and fun-filled experience. The overcast skies and cool breeze added a peaceful, almost serene backdrop as we enjoyed watching the boys laugh and play. It wasn’t the trip we originally planned, but it turned out to be a wonderful way to spend the day together by the ocean.
Ryan walking on the beach
Stephanie and Ryan in the waves
Ryan in the water
Beth and Darrell relaxing by the surf
Ryan building a sandcastle
Stephanie out on the beach
We can see the Channel Islands
Tyler building a sandcastle
Ryan and Tyler taking a break
Ryan and Tyler back at work
Interesting thing that washed up
Tyler and Ryan with their completed sandcastle
Day Five Map
Day Six
Leave for LAX
In the morning, we faced another decent drive to get back to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for our flights home. To make the journey more enjoyable, we chose a scenic route that followed the Pacific Coast Highway, giving us one last chance to soak in views of the Pacific Ocean. This route also took us through Malibu, where we caught glimpses of the luxurious homes and picturesque beaches that epitomize high-end California living.
Anticipating the infamous LA traffic, especially with a major airport as our destination, we made sure to leave with plenty of extra time. This cushion allowed us to account for any unexpected delays, navigate the city efficiently, and still have enough time to turn in the rental vehicle and go through the airport security process without feeling rushed.
The coastal drive provided a peaceful and beautiful farewell to California. Once we arrived at LAX, everything went smoothly, from returning the SUV to finding our gate, and we felt grateful for having left early to avoid any last-minute stress. It was a fitting end to an adventure-filled trip, with just the right balance of planning and spontaneity to make the journey home feel relaxed and enjoyable.
Torch Cactus
Black Rose
African Daisy
Fly Home
As we prepared to leave Los Angeles, it was time to part ways with my parents. Their return route did not take them through Houston, so we separated at the airport to head to our respective flights. Then, we each headed toward our designated terminals, ready to complete the final leg of our journey.
Day Six Map
Itinerary Options
If you have more time in your Southern California itinerary, consider adding on any of the following places:
- Balboa Park
- Venice Beach
- Laguna Beach
- Newport Beach
- Santa Monica Pier
- Santa Barbara
- Huntington Beach
- San Diego Zoo
- Griffith Park
- Death Valley National Park
- San Francisco
- Beverly Hills
- Hollywood Boulevard
- La Jolla Cove
- Point Loma
- Mojave Desert
- Rodeo Drive
- Long Beach
- Catalina Island
- Disneyland Park
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Pacific Beach
- Big Sur
- Santa Cruz Island
- Manhattan Beach