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At first glance, Joshua Tree might not seem as dramatic as some of the bigger U.S. National Parks, but this desert gem has a magic of its own.

Located in Southern California, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway, whether you’re spending one night or a long weekend.

From unique rock formations to endless stargazing, Joshua Tree invites you to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature. Keep reading for my favorite five things to do in Joshua Tree National Park!

Joshua Tree National Park

When I used to dream of visiting Joshua Tree, I couldn’t figure out why. It looked like a decent park with a few hiking trails.

But other than that, I couldn’t explain it.

I heard Joshua Tree was the place to go to let go of the past and help you refresh yourself.

Weather in Joshua Tree

While I normally prefer mountains over rocks and snow over dry heat, I had to get out there for the December 31st deadline.

Remember that summers can be quite brutal in the California desert, with scorching days and cooler nights.

Winter is an even better time to visit. No matter what time of the year, this National Park is ready to host you.

5 Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park

Keep reading to discover the top five things to do when visiting Joshua Tree National Park.

1. Find The Hidden Heart-Shaped Rock

Most hikes are easily accessible by either the park map or the life-saving All Trails app.

But some hikes are off the beaten path. Heart-Shaped Rock is one of them.

One of the most sought-after hikes in the whole park is located off a popular trail, Arch Rock.

Begin the hike as normal until you reach the junction in the trail. From there, take the incline up to where Heart Rock is located.

There will most likely be other hikers doing the same thing, so don’t hesitate to ask them where to find it.

Use the day as a scavenger hunt, and don’t be upset if you don’t find it the first time. It took us a few hours and became a fun game for the day!

2. Watch The Sunset at Cholla Cholla Garden

Chollas are a type of cacti that fill the land of Joshua Tree National Park. A native plant from northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States.

They are known for their furry yet painful texture. Even though they are tempted to pet, please don’t do it.

They can be rather painful once touched. These cacti are normally largely grouped together and known as Cholla Gardens.

On the side of the main road in Joshua Tree is a large group of them, also known as the Cholla Cholla Garden.

The road will seem like there is not much around until suddenly you are surrounded by thousands of Chollas. Pull over and walk through the gardens.

The best time to go is at golden hour when the sun sets throughout the garden. Providing orange and pink hues in the background.

3. Spend The Night Glamping

This is not the place to get a side-of-the-road motel. The whole point of Joshua Tree is being outside and taking in the scenery.

But sometimes, after a day of hiking and exploring, you want to curl up in a warm bed rather than a tent. That is why glamping is the perfect solution.

There are plenty of properties located around the Joshua Tree Area. You can find these on popular sites such as Airbnb and the underrated Glampinghub.

We stayed at this gorgeous glamping space that had its own private hot tub.

The property features both indoor and outdoor accommodations. Shower outside under the stars before cozying up in a comfortable bed inside.

Did I mention it offers a private hot tub and fire pit? It is one of the best properties I have ever stayed at, and I would recommend it to anyone in the area.

4. Go Stargazing

Speaking of stargazing, Joshua Tree is the place to do it. It is known for its vibrant sunsets and night skies. The park encourages people to visit at night and is open at all hours.

Even just driving through the park and taking in the night sky can be a fun activity.

Meteors are also commonly spotted here. So, if a meteor shower is in the forecast, make the trip an unforgettable experience.

Bring a chair and sit outside for a few hours. Be sure to download a star constellation app to your phone to learn all about the galaxy above you.

5. Take A Hike

There are nearly thirty hikes in Joshua Tree! With over a hundred in the surrounding areas.

They are rated from easy to hard; there is something for every hiker. The top-rated hike in the park is Ryan Mountain Trail.

This 3.0-mile hike is easily one of the most popular hikes in the whole park. It is all uphill and can be a bit of a workout. Luckily, everyone can complete it due to its short distance.

You can browse through all of the park’s hiking trails on All Trails Here. Be sure to pack extra water and sunscreen. Joshua Tree is a desert, and being prepared for extreme heat is necessary.

How To Get To Joshua Tree National Park

Here is the location of the National Park.

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