Gretchen Spencer, Unsplash License, Source

Joshua Tree

Desert oasis with starry night skies

Joshua Tree is a desert area in Southern California known for its unique landscape of twisted Joshua trees and massive boulders. The region has a dry climate with clear skies, making it popular among stargazers and photographers. Visitors can explore hiking trails that wind through rocky terrain or relax at small cafes in nearby towns like Twentynine Palms. The area also features art installations scattered across the desert, adding creative touches to the natural scenery. Its mix of quiet spaces and outdoor activities attracts travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Add to list Map view

Town in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 6.2

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	4
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	7

Read details

4/5

In Joshua Tree, English is widely spoken by locals and tour guides. Visitors will find clear signage, helpful staff at shops and parks and most services cater to English‑speaking tourists.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

* We earn a commission from some links on this page.

Joshua Tree Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Great for desert landscapes and stargazing. Hike among unique rock formations, climb desert cliffs, photograph Joshua trees and watch clear night skies.

Place score

8.2

Best at:

Deserts

Secluded

Natural sites

Hiking

Camping

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

🥗 9

Vegetarian

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Joshua Tree, United States

☀️

Jan

☀️

Feb

☀️

Mar

☀️

Apr

☀️

May

🔥

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

🔥

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

☀️

Dec

High season:	Feb. - April, Oct. - Nov.
Shoulder season:	Jan., May, Dec.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Campsites fill months ahead, reserve well in advance for October to May

Summer afternoons regularly exceed 38 °C (100 °F), hike only at sunrise or evening and carry plenty of water

Thunderstorms and flash floods possible July to September, avoid washes

Don't miss

🌵 Hike Hidden Valley Trail to view iconic Joshua trees
✨ Stargaze at night from the park’s dark sky preserve
🏞️ Explore Barker Dam for scenic water views and wildlife
🪨 Climb Skull Rock for panoramic desert vistas
📸 Attend a sunrise photo walk at Keys View

You've been here?

Why travel to Joshua Tree?

Joshua Tree, a small community nestled in the Mojave Desert of Southern California, offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. The town’s name derives from the iconic Joshua trees that dot the surrounding landscape, creating an almost otherworldly backdrop for hiking, photography and stargazing. Visitors can explore the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, where granite rock formations, ancient cacti and diverse wildlife provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Beyond its natural attractions, Joshua Tree has cultivated a vibrant arts scene. Local galleries showcase works inspired by the desert’s stark palette, while the town hosts seasonal art festivals that draw artists from across the country. The historic downtown area features quirky boutiques, cafés and craft shops where travelers can find handmade jewelry, vintage clothing and locally produced goods. The community’s relaxed pace encourages visitors to unwind and connect with nature. Guided tours offer insights into the region’s geology, ecology and history, while yoga retreats and meditation workshops cater to those seeking mindfulness amid desert serenity. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a photography enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet escape, Joshua Tree provides a memorable experience grounded in natural wonder and creative spirit.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Barker Dam
2 Cholla Cactus Garden
3 Keys View
4 Cap Rock
5 Joshua Tree National Park
6 Skull Rock
7 Indian Cove
8 Arch Rock

🎡Places for activities

1 Barker Dam
2 Cholla Cactus Garden
3 Keys View
4 Cap Rock
5 Joshua Tree National Park
6 Skull Rock
7 Indian Cove
8 Arch Rock

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Barker Dam
2 Cholla Cactus Garden
3 Keys View
4 Cap Rock
5 Joshua Tree National Park
6 Skull Rock
7 Indian Cove
8 Arch Rock

🛍️Shopping

1 Outpost Road
2 Pioneer Town General Store
3 Desert Art Center Gallery & Classes

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Pack plenty water; desert temperatures rise quickly after noon.
Arrive early to secure parking, as the main street fills within hours during peak season and weekends.
Check local weather forecasts; sudden afternoon thunderstorms can cause flash flooding in nearby washes.
Explore the historic downtown district, where vintage storefronts and art galleries reflect the town's evolution from mining hub to cultural enclave.

How to travel to Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is located in Southern California, within the Mojave Desert region. The nearest major city is Palm Springs, approximately 40 miles to the southwest. Access to Joshua Tree National Park is primarily via Highway 10 or Highway 62, both of which connect to Interstate 10 east of the park boundary. Public transportation options are limited; most visitors arrive by car due to sparse local transit services. The closest commercial airport is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), about an hour’s drive away. Road conditions vary seasonally, with winter storms occasionally affecting mountain passes. Visitors should plan for long distances between amenities and check road updates before departure.

Access summary

From PSP (Palm Springs Intl.): 45‑min car to Joshua Tree.
From LAX (Los Angeles): 2h30 drive; from SDW (San Diego): 3h drive.
By Greyhound bus from Palm Springs: 1h ride.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree offers a mix of rustic cabins, desert‑style glamping tents and budget-friendly hostels that cater to hikers and stargazers alike. Many accommodations feature solar panels and reclaimed‑wood décor, reflecting the region’s eco‑friendly ethos. Prices range from US$50 (£37.58) per night for basic dormitory rooms in hostels to US$200 – 300 (£150.31 – 225.46) for private cabins with full kitchens and fire pits. The area is renowned for its “yurt” lodges that provide a cozy, communal atmosphere while still offering privacy. For those seeking higher-end experiences, boutique desert villas offer panoramic canyon views, hot tubs and guided night‑sky tours. Whether you’re after a minimalist campfire setting or a luxurious retreat, Joshua Tree’s lodging options accommodate every budget and preference.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

AutoCamp Joshua Tree

9.0

High Desert Motel Joshua Tree National Park - Adults Only

7.9

The Bungalows by Homestead Modern

8.6

Safari Motor Inn - Joshua Tree

7.1

Sacred Sands - Lobo Luna

The Rosemary House Joshua Tree

The Rosemary House Yucca Valley

Sacred Sands

Room 1 - Downtown Joshua Tree Motel - Pet Friendly - Walk to Shops & Visitor Center, Minutes to Park

10.0

Room 2 - Downtown Joshua Tree Motel - Pet Friendly - Walk to Shops & Visitor Center, Minutes to Park

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Joshua Tree

Getting around Joshua Tree, California, is best done by car, as its vast desert landscape makes public transport limited. Renting a vehicle offers flexibility to explore the park’s scenic routes and remote attractions at your own pace. Major roads like Highway 10 connect Joshua Tree to nearby towns such as Twentynine Palms and Palm Springs. For shorter trips within the area, biking or walking is feasible in more accessible parts of town. If arriving from outside California, flying into Palm Springs International Airport (about an hour’s drive away) is a common option. Local shuttles occasionally operate near major attractions but are not reliable for full-day exploration. Always ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and water when traveling through desert terrain.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+1 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 1% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£76	£160	£412
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£38	£79	£169
🍝 Food per day	£33	£74	£214
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£7	£29

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£36
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£10.50
🍟 Fast food combo	£11
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11.50
☕ Cappuccino	£4.40
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£3.40

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.40
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£18
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.95

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£13
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£85
🤧 Cold medication	£8
💇 Basic haircut	£16

Safety information overview

General safety

Joshua Tree remains relatively safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates typical of rural California towns. Petty theft can occur in crowded tourist spots; stay vigilant, secure valuables and avoid isolated areas after dark. Follow local park guidelines to ensure a worry‑free visit.

Health & Medical

Joshua Tree offers reliable medical care with several hospitals and urgent‑care centers nearby, though specialist services may require travel to larger cities. Air quality can be poor during wildfire season, so travelers should monitor pollen and dust levels and carry masks if needed.

Accessibility

Joshua Tree offers mixed accessibility: paved roads and accessible trails welcome visitors, but many paths are rocky and steep. Parking can be limited and public transport is sparse. Wheelchair users should plan ahead for uneven terrain and bring sturdy footwear.

Tap water

Joshua Tree’s tap water is generally safe and meets state standards, though it can taste slightly hard due to mineral content. Public fountains are scarce; most visitors rely on bottled or filtered water for hiking and camping. Regular municipal testing ensures compliance with EPA guidelines.