December in California is absolutely magical! At the time, I was working full-time as a photographer, traveling the world with the JConcepts race team. Our California tour that year was unforgettable. We kicked things off in Palm Springs for the Toys for Tots Race, followed by testing and a club race at The Dirt in Perris. We wrapped it all up in San Diego at the Top Gun Shootout held at SDRC Raceway.
During our stay in Palm Springs, my friend Allison and I had one free Sunday, and we made the most of it by visiting Joshua Tree National Park! Visiting Joshua Tree had been a bucket list dream of mine, and I was so excited to finally check it off.
Before heading to the park, we stopped at IW Coffee, a charming little coffee shop just down the street from our hotel. The café had a cozy vibe, with plenty of seating and a display case filled with perfectly baked pastries. They even sourced their beans from a local roaster aptly named Joshua Tree Coffee. Earlier in the week, we had tried their gluten-free butterscotch muffin, which was incredible! That day, I opted for their avocado toast to pair with my coffee, and with our snacks in hand, we were ready to begin the adventure.
It’s surprisingly affordable to enter Joshua Tree National Park, and they charge by the car rather than per person, which is a huge plus! I think it was around $30 for the day, and knowing that the money goes directly to supporting the park makes it even better. Our first stop was the visitor center, where I got my National Park passport stamped (yes, I’m a bit of an NPS nerd). I also grabbed a magnet for my parents to add to their collection, matching the ones I brought back for them from Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Fun fact: I grew up near Shenandoah National Park and live right in its backyard. In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful park of them all. If you haven’t been, you should definitely put it on your travel list—it’s breathtaking!
Once inside Joshua Tree, we planned our stops carefully since we only had a limited amount of time. The great thing about this park is that you can drive to most of the must-see spots, making it perfect for a quick visit like ours. That said, if you have more time, I’d highly recommend exploring the hiking trails, camping, or even trying some rock climbing—it’s an adventure lover’s paradise!
KEYS VIEW
Our first stop in Joshua Tree was Keys View, and it’s the perfect place to start since it’s slightly tucked away from the other main attractions in the park. As we pulled into the overlook parking lot, we stepped out of the car and were immediately blown away—and not just by the view! The wind at the overlook was intense and completely caught us off guard. Having lived in the mountains before, I thought I was used to windy conditions, but this was next level.
We quickly jumped back into the car, threw on our jackets, and then made our way up the rocky steps to the official overlook area. Let me tell you, the effort was absolutely worth it. The view is nothing short of breathtaking! You can see the sprawling beauty of Palm Springs below, and if you look far enough on the horizon, you can even catch a glimpse of Mexico. It’s one of those places that makes you feel so small yet so in awe of the world’s beauty.
JUMBO ROCK
ur next stop was exactly what it sounds like: huge rocks, everywhere. But seeing them in person is a completely different experience. The sheer magnitude of these massive rock formations is incredible, and it’s impossible not to marvel at how they came to be. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause and appreciate nature’s artistry.
I highly recommend taking some time to explore the area, walk the paths, and soak it all in. While we didn’t spot any wildlife that day, there’s always a chance to see some of the park’s inhabitants, from lizards to birds, and maybe even a desert tortoise if you’re lucky. You’ll also get up close with the iconic Joshua Trees, which are even more unique and beautiful in person. It’s a truly magical spot that feels like stepping into another world.
SKULL ROCK TO NATURE TRAIL
kull Rock was definitely one of the park’s hot spots, and it’s easy to see why. Sitting right off the main road, this naturally sculpted masterpiece draws crowds eager to snap a photo. The rock truly does look like a skull, which makes it even more fascinating!
Rather than waiting in line for our turn with the famous formation, we decided to take advantage of the nearby nature trail and explore more of the landscape. The trail offered some peaceful moments away from the crowds, and we stumbled upon a cool set of rock stairs and an amphitheater along the way. It felt like a hidden gem tucked into the desert scenery. After soaking it all in, we made our way back to Skull Rock, where the charm of this natural wonder continued to impress. It’s definitely worth the stop!
THE ARCH
One of my absolute favorite stops of the trip was the Arch Rock Trail. What made it stand out was how engaging the experience felt—you have to hike about 1-2 miles to reach the arch, which adds a sense of adventure. Hiking in the desert was definitely a departure from what I’m used to. I’ve always been more accustomed to higher elevations and lush greenery, so this was a completely new challenge.
The trail itself was so rewarding. The massive rocks you climb over along the way made it feel like a natural obstacle course, and the desert’s stark beauty was truly captivating. The contrast of the rugged terrain, the open skies, and the quiet stillness made the hike a fulfilling and memorable experience. By the time we reached Arch Rock, the journey felt just as special as the destination.
CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN
As you venture to the farther end of Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll come across the Cholla Cactus Garden—a truly unique and breathtaking spot. The drive itself is an experience, as the landscape begins to shift, becoming more mountainous as you approach this area. Nestled in a valley, the garden is filled with an abundance of cholla cacti, creating a scene that feels otherworldly. It’s absolutely worth the extra time to make the drive out there!
A few final tips from our trip: make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan on doing a lot of hiking. The park doesn’t offer many (if any) opportunities for food or water, so it’s essential to come prepared. Since our time was limited, we had to leave around dusk to head to Perris, California, for the next leg of our trip.
If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that the crowds were minimal when we went on a Sunday in early December, but the time of year can make a big difference. Temperatures in the desert can swing from extremely hot to very cold, so plan accordingly for the season. Joshua Tree is truly a stunning place that deserves a thoughtful visit!
I hope this quick, 1-day guide to Joshua Tree was helpful and that you have an opportunity to check it out yourself! Have you visited? What were your favorite spots?
