My Unwavering Love for Joshua Tree: An Intimate Narrative & Guide for Joshua Tree, California
Heat waves ripple across the horizon as the sun’s intense rays sting your skin. Surrounded by prickly soldiers that have seen the entire history of America’s hottest desert and mountains of sand that seem never-ending, you have arrived. Welcome to Joshua Tree, California.
This wonderfully weird and beautiful landscape is a sanctuary for those looking for escape, rebirth, discovery, and whimsy. Home to more than a million Joshua Trees (which are not actually trees but yucca plants, in the succulent family), Joshua Tree, California, is a deeply special place that those who live in and have visited will describe as a “vibe,” or, something you simply need to experience yourself. Which is true.
To describe Joshua Tree is like trying to describe the color black. It’s nearly impossible to capture all of the unique intricacies of the town, National Park and surrounding valley. There are open-air art installations, hiking trails, intimate shops and restaurants, and nature that is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Joshua Tree Boy Scout Trail
My love of Joshua Tree began in March 2020, only 3 days before the world formally shut down due to COVID-19. So, maybe Joshua Tree has a special place in my heart, as it was the last trip I took in the "before times;” but I like to think it goes a little deeper than that.
When visiting Joshua Tree, specifically Joshua Tree National Park, for the first time, you’re met with awe - the beauty of the brown landscape that sprouts hot-climate foliage and plants, aggressively prickly cacti, alien-like Joshua trees, and animals that thrive in their unforgiving surroundings. And despite the description of the area being brown, brutal, and unforgiving, the land is stunningly beautiful and takes hold of you almost immediately. It’s easy to see how travelers get lost (literally and figuratively) on the West Side of the Mojave Desert - getting caught up in the freedom of its isolation and local flair.
So, aside from the brown landscape and hiking trails in the National Park (which, honestly, is enough), what is there to do? Surprisingly enough to fill an entire week’s worth of vacation time and keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking to disconnect from the rest of the world, find unique vintage or home pieces, hike the park, get lost in the funky art scene, or simply explore, there is something for everyone in this eccentric part of the world. Below are some of my can’t-miss recommendations for those visiting the greater Joshua Tree area for the first or hundredth time.
Keys View Overlook
Unique Attractions: Art & Drives
End of the World Sign: Delivers just what it promises: a GIANT sign that spells out “End of the World.” It’s just *so* cool and worth the drive East, past 29-palms.
Transmission Sculpture: Want to see something so stunning that it awakens your soul and creativity? This is the place. You cannot walk right up to or under the sculpture, but any camera (mobile or professional) will do just fine for capturing the sculpture’s beauty. I highly recommend taking a coffee, going in the AM, and sitting and observing for a bit.
The End of the World Sign
Desert Christ Park: Located in the high desert town of Yucca Valley (just southwest of JT), is this peaceful, intrinsic park that has more than 40 snow-white sculptures portraying scenes of Christ and their life teachings. I’m not a religious person; more spiritual, and this place is very special. PLUS, they have some park cats that wander around and a breathtaking Rock Chapel. Perfect for a short walk to enjoy the park’s statues and surrounding nature.
The Glass Outhouse: If whimsy, weird, and wanderlust are your travel guides, then you can’t miss the Glass Outhouse. This open-air art gallery is full of funky treasures, sculptures, photography, paintings, and structural installations. It’s a little bit of a drive through 29 Palms, but worth it if uniqueness is top of your agenda. Bonus - since you’re that far East, drive a little further and check out Guardian Lion (or Lion of Amboy). The Lion is the “guard” of this pocket of the desert. There are several of these unassuming statues scattered in random places throughout the desert,
Desert Christ Park
Desert Christ Park
Desert Christ Park Chapel
Shops
Cactus Mart: Exactly what it sounds like. It’s a cactus store where you can dig your own little cactus, purchase succulents and other plants, as well as cute art pieces. It’s worth the stop because there is so much to explore, and you can learn a TON about cacti, other desert plants, and trees. However, if you’re an animal lover, they have goats and torti (tortoiseshell cats) as well as SHOP CATS. Come for shop cats, leave with a cactus… at least that’s what I did.
Sun of the Desert: Positioned as a general store, SOTD is the ideal little shop to pick up a cute shirt or piece of memorabilia. They have clothing, jewelry, vintage pieces, a homemade apothecary, books, and more. One of our favorite throw blankets is from this shop, and we stop in every time we’re in JT. Don’t miss it.
JT Trading Post: Another great shop to find anything you need to mark your time in JT and the desert. I have a beautiful Joshua Tree shadow box piece hanging on our wall that we get compliments on all of the time. Also an excellent place to grab a gift for a loved one or friend (don’t sleep on their candles!).
Mojave Flea Trading Post(29 Palms Location): This place is a shopaholic’s DREAM. There are incredible pieces by local artists that you won’t have enough room in your car to take home. I’m a big fan of their artisan candles, paintings and prints. We have a stunning hand-drawn map of Joshua Tree National Park that I’m obsessed with. Oh, and the jewelry and sticker collections are exceptional as well. Just go. Go.
Cactus Mart
Cactus Mart
Restaurants & Cafés
Snake Bite: I send EVERYONE here who is going to JT. Loaded Wagyu Hot Dog with a snazzy saloon cocktail in a diner setting? Yep. Sign me up. The food, cocktails, and service are exactly what you want and need after a long day in the sun. I visit this place every time we’re in the JT area because it “bleeds cool.”
La Caguama Go Grande: Are tacos and beer your thing? Then this is the eatery for you. I can’t tell you how many tacos and Caguama Modelos I’ve had here over the years, and they are perfect every time.
La Copine: It’s new, it’s trendy, it’s beautiful. Definitely a highlight if you’re looking for an off-path restaurant, with exceptional food and drink. Highly recommend (and they have a cookbook they just released. *chef’s kiss*)
Snake Bite
Larry & Milt’s Western Cafe: If you want the most “local” experience you’ve ever had in your life, enter Larry & Milt’s. An intimate eatery that looks like a little house on the edge of a sandy road. It’s unassuming but very much a locals-first kind of place. The prices are insanely affordable, and the food is hearty. Don’t judge. Just enjoy.
Mas o Menos: What can I say about a place that’s part coffee house, part cocktail bar, part sandwich shop, part music venue? Perfection is the only word that comes to mind. The inside is aesthetically beautiful, the coffee is exceptional, the cocktails are strong, and the overall vibe and patio space are rad. You feel instantly relaxed and unbelievably cool.
Snake Bite Interior
Mas o Menos Patio
Joshua Tree National Park: Must-Sees + Trails
Disclosure: there is not a *bad* hike in Joshua Tree National Park. All the trails are well-maintained and accurately described by their difficulty level. The following are easy-to-access trails and attractions for just about everyone.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center + Coyote Corner General Store: JT National Park has a few visitor centers, as the park is that large. However, the Joshua Tree National Park Association store, located outside the park, is a great place to visit. You learn so much about the park and can also grab some cute souvenirs to take home. Please support the association, as they need all the help they can get to protect the lands and the endangered Joshua Trees. However, don’t miss the legendary Coyote Corner General Store, just outside of the park’s West Entrance. You’ll find all of the gifts and souvenirs to mark your visit. Pro tip: if you see a yellow box of Cactus Candy, buy it.
Sunset at Joshua Tree
Heart Rock: It’s a big rock shaped like a heart, but the trail is easy, and the surrounding boulders are beautiful. I’d skip the popular Skull Rock (but still cool) and go to Heart Rock any day. It’s superb for taking photos and enjoying the desert landscape.
Key’s View Overlook: You’ve likely read about Key’s View in other articles, and honestly, it lives up to the hype… maybe even more so. You have a sprawling view of the entire greater Coachella Valley, can see the San Andreas fault line, and the sunsets are breathtaking. It’s also accessible for those with mobility issues, which is a major plus if you’re bringing someone who doesn’t walk well, older parents or grandparents, or those who require wheelchair access.
Quail Springs: This is more of a leisurely walk (about a quarter mile) around large boulders. The trail itself is very flat and accessible, ideal for those who are unable to do a traditional hike or scramble. It’s also a great place to pause for a picnic and snap some great photos.
Heart Rock
Honorable Mentions
The Integratron Sound Bath: This place is exactly what you want it to be. It talks about aliens, hosts sound baths, and offers you a unique way to unwind and relax in the middle of the Mojave. HOWEVER, it is VERY difficult to get a spot for one of their sound baths (because they are only operational Weds-Sat), so plan ahead if this activity speaks to you. BUT If you’re looking for a sound bath but don’t want to book months in advance, I highly recommend Kyle Martin’s Joshua Tree Sound Baths. You won’t regret it.
Pioneer Town: You can’t look up a guide for the greater Joshua Tree area without seeing Pioneer Town. Yes, it’s cute, and kitschy, and has some great saloons and restaurants. Would I recommend planning an entire day there? No. BUT if you have kiddos or just want an easy-breezy afternoon of walking in the sand and looking at this country-western town (including its adorable petting zoo), it’s worth the stop. I’ve been a handful of times and only stayed for a couple of hours, and was more than content with my experience.
Pioneer Town Motel Sign
What is life without Coffee? C&S Coffee Shop and Frontier Cafe are staples in the JT area for a reason. Grab a coffee or pastry, or take one of their sandwiches with you for a post-hike bite.
Looking for more art? 29 Palms Art Gallery and Little Free Art Galleryare perfect stops on your journey through greater Joshua Tree. The Little Free Art Gallery is so wholesome and adorable, and both are worth stopping for.
If you love all things vintage, check out Time Echo Vintage Shop and The End Vintage Shop. You’ll find some wonderful things from years past to add to your collections.
Joshua Tree, California, is a deeply beautiful, mysterious, and wonderful place. Once you visit, you’ll understand why Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country. But I hope you also walk away with a sense of whimsy, a deeper appreciation for its indigenous peoples and landscape, and a newfound love for the greater Mojave Desert.
Joshua Tree
Kyle Martin Sound Bath
