Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Southern California. From unique rock formations to the iconic Joshua trees, nature’s surrealism is on full display in this park. It is the perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Getting There

Located just a few hours’ drive from several major cities (Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Las Vegas), Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect winter road trip destination.

There are three main entrances – the West Entrance, the North Entrance, and the South Entrance. The West entrance is the most popular and is located off Highway 62. We stayed in the south and it took us about an hour to drive through the park to the north entrance.

Start at a Visitor Center

Every time we visit a national park, we always start at the visitor center. The rangers are always so helpful and can provide you with any timely issues such as weather alerts or construction around the park. Most visitor centers also have an informational video and a gift shop. We like to collect hiking medallions as a souvenir.

Luckily, Joshua Tree National Park has three visitor centers to choose from located in proximity to the various entrances. The Joshua Tree Visitor Center is located outside the park in downtown Twentynine Palms. The Cottonwood Visitor Center is located near the park’s southern entrance on Pinto Basin Road. The Black Rock Nature Center is a smaller visitor center located in the Black Rock campground in Yucca Valley.

Things to Do

Joshua Tree National Park has a lot to offer. There are several hiking trails for all levels, including the Hidden Valley Trail, which is perfect for beginners. Rock climbing is also a popular activity, and the park offers lessons and guided tours. Stargazing is another must-do activity with clear skies and minimal light pollution. The park offers several ranger-led programs that cater to all ages. You can also take a scenic drive through the park or bike along the roads.

Scenic Drives

Joshua Tree National Park spans over 790,000 acres, offering visitors a unique mix of desert landscapes, towering rock formations, and stunning vistas. One of the best ways to explore it is by taking one (or more) of the scenic routes through the park.

Park Boulevard – This 18-mile scenic loop road takes you through some of the park’s most iconic areas, including Cap Rock, Hidden Valley, Ryan Mountain, and Skull Rock. The route also offers breathtaking views of the park’s famous Joshua trees. Along the way, there are several pullouts where you can stop and take in the stunning scenery. And of course, you can always stop at the numerous trailheads to enjoy a hike or nature walk to stretch your legs and enjoy the views up close and personal.

You can begin this drive from the north entrance (near Twentynine Palms) or west entrance (near the town of Joshua Tree), and then exit from the other so that the trip both starts and ends from Highway 62 on the north side of the park. If you’d like to begin or end at the southern entrance merely add Pinto Basin Road (see below).

Pinto Basin Road – This road takes you through the heart of the park and offers some of the most dramatic landscapes. The drive takes you through the park’s southern section and more of the lower elevation Colorado Desert, which is known for its rugged mountain scenery, colorful rock formations, and wide-open spaces. Major points of interest include the Cholla Cactus Garden and Cottonwood Spring.

Hiking and Nature Walks

There are numerous hiking and nature walk trails throughout the park for visitors of all abilities. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on any of the trails.

Arch Rock – This incredible stone arch is a must-visit spot for all tourists who visit the park. You can choose to hike the peaceful 1/2-mile nature trail to reach Arch Rock, but keep in mind that it will be crowded during peak season and has no shade. The arch is an excellent photo opportunity, and you’ll want to capture the memory of you standing in front of it. The Arch Rock Trailhead is in the Twin Tanks Parking Lot.

Barker Dam – This is an easy 1.3-mile loop trail with relatively no elevation gain. Along the way, you’ll come across the historical Barker Dam, which was originally used for cattle and mining operations in the early 1900s. With plenty of wildlife like bighorn sheep and birds in the area, it’s an ideal spot for some up-close wildlife sightings. The dam is surrounded by the granite rock scenery, which creates a perfect backdrop for your photos.

Cholla Cactus Garden – Located along the Pinto Basin Road near the transition zone between the Colorado and Mohave Deserts, this is an easy nature walk at just under 1/4 mile. The Cholla Cactus Garden is a unique and beautiful experience that Joshua Tree National Park has to offer. It may not offer the panoramic views of the other spots on our list, but it is still a fantastic experience that you do not want to miss. Located in the northern part of the park, the Cholla Cactus Garden offers visitors a chance to explore this unique part of the desert. Here, you’ll find an endless sea of cacti that looks incredibly surreal.

Lost Horse Mine Trail – The Lost Horse Mine Trail is a 4-mile roundtrip hike that concludes with a tour of a historic mining site. This moderate hike involves some uphill and downhill treks, but the panoramic views are worth it.

Ryan Mountain – Ryan Mountain is an extremely popular choice when it comes to hiking trails in Joshua Tree. With its 3-mile loop trail, you’ll be presented with a challenging ascent that takes you to the highest point in the park, at an elevation of 5,456 feet. The steep climb may be tough, but once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the surrounding desert. Keep an eye out for the nearby peaks like San Jacinto and Santa Rosa, as they are simply breathtaking. The trailhead for Ryan Mountain is located along Park Boulevard between Ryan Campground and Sheep Pass Campground. 

Skull Rock – If you’re short on time or don’t want to embark on a strenuous hike, the Skull Rock Nature Trail is ideal. This simple 1.7-mile loop trail is perfect for photographers as it leads to distinctive rock formations.

Stargazing

Boasting some of the darkest nights in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park, an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), offers many visitors the chance to admire the Milky Way for the first time in their lives. There are four designated stargazing areas: Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Ryan Mountain parking lots. You can also park at any of the park’s roadside pullouts. Just follow the park’s rule of staying within 20 feet (6 meters) of your vehicle. The Pinto Basin Road between Cholla Cactus Garden and Cottonwood has the least traffic and darkest skies.

Where to Stay

There are several options for lodging around the park, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. We are partial to the Hilton Family of hotels (Hilton, Hampton Inn, Double Tree, etc.) and there are several on the southern end of Joshua Tree off Interstate 10.

Camping in the Park

There are over 500 campsites in the park, but most are available by reservation only:

• Blackrock Campground: Located in the northwest corner of the park close to Yucca City, this campground has 99 sites (34 sites can accommodate RVs and 20 sites are in the horse camp). The campsites vary in length, with a maximum RV length of 35′. Water, flush toilets, and a dump station are also found onsite. One of the best features of the Blackrock campground is the nature center.
• Cottonwood Campground: Located in the southeast part of the park, this campground has 62 sites (53 can accommodate RVs). The closest town of Indio is about 30 miles away. Water, flush toilets, and a dump station are also found onsite.
• Indian Cove Campground: Located off of Highway 62 between Joshua Tree Village and Twentynine Palms, this campground has 101 sites (27 can accommodate RVs). There are only pit/vault toilets and no water at the campground.
• Jumbo Rocks Campground: This popular campground sits at the base of some impressive rock formations. It has 124 sites (42 can accommodate RVs). There are only pit/vault toilets and no water at the campground.
• Ryan Campground: This campground is centrally located in the park next to the California Riding and Hiking Trail. It has 31 sites including 3 bicycle sites, 4 equestrian sites, and 9 sites that can accommodate RVs. There are only pit/vault toilets and no water at the campground.

Three campgrounds are first-come, first-served:

• Hidden Valley Campground: 44 sites. There are only pit/vault toilets and no water at the campground.
• White Tank Campground: 15 sites. There are only pit/vault toilets and no water at the campground.
• Belle Campground: 18 sites. There are only pit/vault toilets and no water at the campground.

Camping Outside the Park

If you’re looking for a rustic experience, dry camping or boondocking is the way to go. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers dispersed camping areas outside both the north and south entrances to the park. Please note: There are no developed facilities in dispersed camping areas (i.e., restrooms, water, trash collection). We dry camped in Chiraco Summit right behind the Patton Memorial Museum. It’s a campground, with no hookups or other amenities, but does have a camp host. It’s also located at the same exit as a fuel station and convenience store with a restaurant, although we didn’t hear any of the traffic. We discuss the campground and our experiences with boondocking in the video below.

Another option if you’d like full hookups is the Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open year-round, but the peak season is November-April. The summer months (June-August) can be scorching with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can swing a visit in the shoulder season (October or late April), you’ll still have nice weather, but won’t have to contend with as many crowds. We visited in February and didn’t find the park to be too crowded until the early afternoon.

Important Note on Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

A visit to Joshua Tree National Park is a unique and unforgettable experience, however, it is important to note that there is no food, water, or gasoline available in the park. Be sure you arrive with everything you’ll need whether you’re visiting for the day or camping. And don’t forget to check weather conditions before your visit and be prepared for unexpected changes. Finally, be aware that parking at the popular sites such as Barker Dam, Hidden Valley, and Lost Horse Mine fill up quickly so plan to arrive before 9 am.

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Visiting Redwood National and State Parks is a unique experience, with stunning ancient trees towering above and a diverse ecosystem teeming with life. But, with over 131,983 acres of land and over 200 miles of trails, it can be challenging to navigate the area and plan your visit effectively. This blog post aims to guide tourists on the layout of Redwood National and State Parks, making their visit far more manageable and memorable.

Is it a National or State Park?

Both! The Redwood National and State Parks are a complex of one national park and three California state parks located along the coast of northern California. The park consists of four distinct areas. Each area offers a unique experience, and we highly recommend visiting all of them. Take a look at this official map from the National Park Service website.

Starting from the north of the park near the Oregon border, the first area is called the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The park’s crown jewel is Stout Grove, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and ancient groves in the park. This majestic 44-acre grove of old-growth redwoods is located off of the scenic Howland Hills Road.

Moving towards the south, the next area is called Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. The park is home to some spectacular coastal vistas, cascading sea cliffs, and tide pools to explore. You can hike along the Smith River, camp in the ancient forests, and observe grey whales year-round. We highly recommend visiting the Damnation Creek Trail; it is one of the most scenic trails in the park and offers some breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Continuing south, the third area of the park is called the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It is situated in the heart of the park, and it is known for its 75 miles of hiking trails that meander through old-growth forests, open prairies, and along Gold Bluffs Beach. Some of the highlights of this area include the Fern Canyon, which was used as a set in the movie Jurassic Park, and the Elk Prairie, where you can encounter a resident herd of Roosevelt Elk.

Finally, moving towards the Southern end of the park, we have the Humboldt Lagoons State Park. The park is known for its stunning coastal lagoons that are a haven for waterfowl and migrating shorebirds. Visitors to this area can explore the vast stretches of sandy beaches, paddle around the lagoons, or go on a guided canoe tour to witness the area’s mesmerizing beauty.

Getting There

Redwood National Park is located in northern California and is a highlight of any California road trip. The park is located roughly 300 miles north of San Francisco, 300 miles northwest of Sacramento, 300 miles south of Portland, and 350 miles west of Reno-Tahoe airport. One great option for those flying to the area is to start in San Francisco and take the scenic route on the northern section of the Pacific Coast Highway to enjoy stunning ocean views along the way.

Another fabulous route is to fly into the Tahoe-Reno airport, explore Lake Tahoe, and then drive through Lassen Volcanic National Park on your way to the Redwood National and State Parks.

Things to Do

Redwood National and State Parks offer a wide range of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The most popular activity is hiking, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous. There are also tidal pools, beaches, scenic drives, and more.

Visitor Centers

The best place to start is at one of the park’s four visitor centers: Kuchel Visitor Center, Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, Hiouchi Visitor Center, and Prairie Creek Visitor Center. The staff at the visitor centers are more than knowledgeable about the park, they are passionate about it. They’ll provide you with insightful maps and brochures, and detail the highlights of the park and highlight the best places to visit.

Redwood National and State Park not only thrives with remarkable natural beauty but is rich in history as well. From the native tribes that called it home for a thousand years to early European settlers, the Redwood region has an extraordinary heritage worth exploring. The visitor centers display exhibits on the geological history, the once-thriving logging industry, and the park’s natural and cultural history.

Finally, if you’re traveling with kids (or those who are kids at heart), the visitor center is where you’ll get your Junior Ranger badge.

Scenic Drives

One of the best ways to experience the area is to drive along the park’s scenic byways. These are the five that we traveled.

Bald Hills Road is a 17-mile scenic drive in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park that starts at the entrance of the Elk Meadow and ends at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a grove of old-growth redwoods named after the former first lady. The drive takes you through open grasslands, oak woodlands, and offers views from the tops of hills. Keep your eyes peeled as this drive is known for its sightings of Roosevelt elks.

The Coastal Drive skirts the Pacific Ocean and takes you through a 10-mile loop that starts and ends at Klamath River Overlook. This drive provides a unique vantage point to view the ocean, sand dunes, and redwood forests. A must-visit during this drive is the Trees of Mystery, a roadside attraction where visitors can experience the flora and fauna of the region with the help of a guided tour.

Enderts Beach Road is a 5-mile road that takes you through a dense forest that leads to the Pacific Ocean. As you make your way to the beach, you will be treated to panoramic views that make the drive worth it. When you reach Enderts Beach, you can take a leisurely stroll, listen to the waves, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Howland Hill Road is a narrow one-lane dirt road in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park that winds through some of the oldest and most impressive redwood groves in the park. The drive is a total of 10 miles round trip and is filled with towering trees that form a beautiful canopy overhead. We suggest taking some time to explore Stout Grove, which is considered one of the most breathtaking areas of Redwood National and State Parks.

Named after the conservationist who rescued the ancient redwoods from logging in the 1920s and 1930s, the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek State Park runs the length of parkland that connects the northern and southern sections of Redwood National and State Parks. The road takes you through old-growth redwoods and stunning landscapes, offering breathtaking views of towering trees, wildflowers, and occasional wildlife. We recommend making a stop at the Elk Meadow Overlook, which provides an ideal spot for wildlife observation as you can see thousands of elk grazing in the meadow.

Hiking Trails

Redwood National and State Parks have over 200 miles of hiking trails that take visitors through some of the park’s most stunning areas. These trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes and provide access to ancient redwoods, historic sites, and stunning vistas. Some of our favorites include:

1. Boy Scout Tree Trail

The Boy Scout Tree Trail is a moderate 5.5-mile hike that takes you through the heart of the redwood forest. The trailhead is located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and the trail takes you past some of the largest trees in the park. The highlight of the hike is the Boy Scout Tree, which is one of the largest trees in the world. Keep in mind that this hike requires a good level of fitness, as there are some steep sections.

2. Fern Canyon Trail

The Fern Canyon Trail is a 1-mile hike that takes you through a lush, narrow canyon that is draped in ferns. The walls of the canyon are covered in greenery, and the streams that run through the canyon provide a soothing soundtrack. The trailhead is located in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and the trail is easy to follow.

3. James Irvine Trail

The James Irvine Trail is a moderate 4.5-mile hike that takes you through a diverse range of ecosystems. Also located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and the trail takes you through a redwood forest, past a beautiful waterfall, and along the coast.

4. Tall Trees Grove Trail

The Tall Trees Grove Trail is a moderate 3.5-mile hike that takes you through a grove of some of the tallest trees in the world. The trailhead is located in Redwood National Park, and the trail takes you down a steep hill, past a picturesque creek, and into a forest of towering redwoods. The highlight of the hike is the Tall Trees Grove, which is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, including the Stratosphere Giant, which stands at over 370 feet tall.

5. Lady Bird Johnson Grove

This easy 1.5-mile loop is located off the scenic Bald Hills Road in the southern end of the park. As you walk through the grove, there are informational signs that provide information about the forest’s ecology, including the different types of shrubs, ferns, and trees including some of the famed Redwoods towering over 300 feet high. 

Beaches

The Redwood National and State Parks also feature several gorgeous beaches that you can explore. The park’s coastline stretches over 37 miles and offers visitors fantastic opportunities to explore tidal pools, watch wildlife, and relax on the sandy shores. Some of the best beaches in the park include Enderts Beach, South Beach, and Gold Bluffs Beach.

1. Enderts Beach

Located in Crescent City, Enderts Beach is a local favorite due to its picturesque scenery and tide pools. It features wide stretches of soft sand, perfect for a fun picnic with family or friends. Hikers will love the trail system that sprawls out from the beach area, allowing you to take in the remarkable vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

2. South Beach

South Beach is another fantastic spot, offering many of the same amenities as Enderts Beach, but without the crowds. The beach extends for miles and features multi-colored sand and a beautiful rock archway. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of seals, sea lions, and pelicans out in the surf. Fishing is also a popular activity at South Beach, with anglers coming to catch perch and rockfish.

We enjoyed a walk on this beach after visiting the Battery Point Lighthouse. Only accessible during low tide, you walk across the sand to a small island housing the 45-foot-tall lighthouse. The lighthouse also houses a historical museum that is covered with photographs, artifacts, and documents that showcase its rich history.

3. Gold Bluffs Beach

With its miles of unspoiled beach stretches, this spot is a serene setting for sunbathing and picnicking. This spectacular sandy beach is flanked by 60-foot high sand dunes and offers stunning views of the Humboldt Bay and Pacific Ocean. One of the best things about this beach is that it offers an unparalleled camping experience, with campsites overlooking the ocean.

Where to Stay: Camping and Lodging Options

Redwood National and State Parks offer a variety of camping and lodging options to suit all budgets and preferences. The park has four campgrounds with facilities like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. If you prefer more luxurious lodging, there are several lodges and cabins near the park, including the historic Requa Inn and the Elk Meadow Cabins.

Crescent City is a great base for all your Redwood National Park activities. We enjoyed the Crescent City / Redwoods KOA Campground. It has RV and tent sites, as well as cabins for rent.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Redwood National and State Parks is from May to September when the weather is warm and dry. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of March to April and October to November. Be prepared for rain during the winter months, which can make hiking and camping more challenging.

Plan Your Trip Today

The Redwood National and State Parks are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to surround themselves with the majestic beauty of nature. With towering trees, beautiful hiking trails, and a range of activities to suit all interests, Redwood National and State Parks are the perfect place to relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your visit and make the most of your trip. Get ready for an unforgettable experience among the magnificent redwoods!

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