What to do at Joshua Tree National Park with Kids
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there was a wild fire near joshua tree and the sunrise looked like fire in the sky
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The sunrise in joshua tree was absolutely UNREAL
If you’re looking for what to do in Joshua Tree National Park with kids, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you find the best things to do in Joshua Tree with kids, including the best Joshua Tree kid friendly hikes!
This majestic combination of high desert and low desert was established as a National Monument by President Roosevelt in 1936 and then became a National Park in 1994. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll fall in love with this absolutely gorgeous National Park. Joshua Tree National Park is visited by approximately 3 million people annually and is about is 800,000 acres. It is the 15th largest National Park of the 62 in the United States.
Every visitor to Joshua Tree National Park should make a stop at one of the 3 visitor centers to get a park map, get a weather update, and info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots. The Joshua Tree Visitor Center is located 5 miles outside of the West Entrance. The Cottonwood Visitor Center is located inside the South Entrance and is approximately 36 miles from the North Entrance. The Cottonwood Visitor Center is the only center located inside the park boundaries The Oasis Visitor Center is located 5 miles outside of the North Entrance Station. In my opinion, the 29 Palms (North) entrance is a much more convenient entrance during high season. You’ll find little to not wait to get through the entrance and it is the most convenient entrance to the Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, and Arch Rock.
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When to Visit Joshua Tree National Park
The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the Fall or Spring when the temperatures are mild, but there are more crowds. March-April and October-November would be the best time to visit weather wise. We visited in early August and at around 5:30 AM it was 65-68*F out and by mid-afternoon, it was well over 100 degrees.
When planning what to do in Joshua Tree National Park in winter, visitors can expect snow and cool or cold temperatures. In the Spring visitors are rewarded with amazing wild flowers blooming everywhere. In summer, there are few crowds due to the heat and by mid afternoon it is so hot it’s unbearable.
Any time of year, visitors need to come well prepared for the parks austere desert conditions. Pack lots of water, appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
The average annual weather for reference COURTESY of Google.com
How to get to Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is amazing and it’s convenient to get to. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
Obligatory national park sign photo!
How far is Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Springs? 48 Minutes
Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park is 2 hours and 5 Minutes
San Diego to Joshua Tree National park is 2 hours and 35 minutes
Death Valley National Park to Joshua Tree National park is 3 hours 45 minutes
Sequoia and Kings Canyon to Joshua Tree is 5 hours 10 minutes
Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National park is 3 hours and 5 minutes
Joshua Tree National Park’s South Entrance is located along I-10 making this National Park very easy to access. Palm Springs is the closest city, but the two small towns at the North and West Entrances are Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree respectively. In my opinion, the 29 Palms (North) entrance is a much more convenient entrance during high season. You’ll find little to not wait to get through the entrance and it is the most convenient entrance to the Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, and Arch Rock.
READ NEXT: Pinnacles National Park with Kids
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How Much Does it Cost to Get into Joshua Tree National Park?
Weekly Passes
one of the 3 Joshua Tree National Park visitor centers
Entrance Fee - $30.00
7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.
Motorcycle Entrance Fee - $25.00
7-day entrance permit, per motorcycle.
Individual Entrance Fee - $15.00
7-day entrance fee, per person on foot or bike.
Non-commercial Groups - Per Person - $15.00
Per-person fee charged to non-commercial groups entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 passengers or more.
Or you can buy an Annual Pass to all of the U.S. National Parks HERE.
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Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park Campgrounds:
The kids are climbing rocks at white tank campground - this campground has a 0.3 mile hike to arch rock
There are 9 campgrounds located in Joshua Tree National Park. 4 of them are First Come, First served all year. The rest are First Come, First Serve for the summer months, and September - May require reservations from recreation.gov. Campgrounds, and sections of campgrounds, are subject to close during the summer.
Belle Campground: First Come, First Served. This small (18 site) campground is at an elevation of 3,800 ft. The campground offers pit toilets. There is NO water so bring plenty of your own. Belle is a great campground to see dark night skies.
Fee: $15 per night
The Hidden Valley Campground: First Come, First Served. The campground has 44 sites, pit toilets, and no water. It is located along the park boulevard and is surrounded by large boulders and Joshua Trees.
Fee: $15 per night
White Tank Campground: First Come, First Served. White Tank has excellent night sky viewing and is located near the darkest section of the park. This campground is nestled in immense granite boulders. There is no water available, bring plenty. RVs and trailers may not exceed a combined maximum length of 25 feet.
Fee: $15 per night
Jumbo Rocks Campground: Reservations are required during the busy season, September to May. This campground has 124 individual/family sites. The campground is centrally located and offers great views of rock formations. There are vault toilets available, but there is NO WATER at this campground, so bring plenty.
Fee: $20 per night
Ryan Campground: First Come, First Served. This campground has 32 campsites. There are vault toilets available, but there is NO WATER, so bring plenty. Ryan Campground is centrally located in the park and is adjacent to the California Riding and Hiking Trail. There are 4 designated equestrian sites and reservations are required. There are 3 bicycle sites available at $5 per night.
Fee: $20 per night
The kids climbing through the rocks near white tank campground
Black Rock Campground: Reservations are required during the busy season, September to May. This is a large (99 site) campground that is located in the northwest corner of the park. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. This is one of the only campgrounds in the park with restrooms and water nearby. The campground is located very close to the town Yucca Valley, so this is one of the only campgrounds with cell phone service and shopping nearby. Campsites vary in size and can accommodate both tents and RVs. A day-use picnic area and a dump station are also available. For horse owners, a separate area is provided for camping or for staging a ride.
Fee: $25/night
Cottonwood Campground: Reservations are required during the busy season, September to May. This campground has 62 sites, potable water, and flush toilets. Cottonwood Campground is located near Cottonwood Visitor Center in the southeast part of the park. The closest metropolitan area is Indio about 30 miles away.
Fee: $25/night
Indian Cove Campground: Reservations are required during the busy season, September to May. Indian Cove Campground is located off of Highway 62, thirteen miles east of Joshua Tree Village and ten miles west of Twentynine Palms on the north side of the Wonderland of Rocks. You can not access the park roads from this campground. Indian Cove offers vault toilets, but has no water, so bring plenty with you.
Fee: $25/night
Sheep Pass Campground: All sites are reservation only. Sheep Pass Group Campground has 6 group campsites and is centrally located within Joshua Tree National Park and is easily accessible to hiking trails and rock climbing routes. Towering rock formations and uniquely-shaped Joshua trees surround the facility. There is no water available in the campground, so pack enough for your entire trip.
Fee: $50/night
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
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These awesome rocks are located in white tank campground
Where to Stay Outside of Joshua Tree National Park
We stayed at the amazing 29 Palms Inn
Recommended Hotels:
29 Palms Inn: (Twentynine Palms) We stayed here for 3 nights and it was INCREDIBLE. The property has a series of cottages, a wonderful garden, a delicious restaurant, and a glorious pool. It is located in California’s High Desert close to Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave Trails National Monument and Mojave National Preserve. This property is family owned for 5 generations and offers a true oasis from the desert. No accommodation on the property is alike, each with its own character and unique size. 29 Palms Inn is absolutely a prefect place for any family. They offer wi-fi in common areas, a continental breakfast, the option for packed lunches, and is extremely convenient to the National Park.
El Rancho Dolores: (Twentynine Palms) We stayed here for 2 nights during our time at Joshua Tree. I was surprised by the really great pool. The room has a mini-fridge and microwave. I was traveling solo with my kids and was happy with the ease of check-in, the fact that Starbucks is 2 blocks away, and the entrance to Joshua Tree is less than 10 minutes away. This is an older motel, so don’t expect anything fancy - just a quiet place to sleep and a really great price.
Fairfield Inn & Suites: (Twentynine Palms) Situated in the Morongo Basin, this Twentynine Palms hotel offers suites with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV, just 4 miles from Joshua Tree National Park. Facilities include an outdoor pool. All suites feature a mini-fridge, a microwave, a seating area, and a work desk. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet every morning. The hotel also offers a 24-hour market, laundry, and dry cleaning facilities, a gym, and a whirlpool.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites: (Twentynine Palms) This hotel features non-smoking rooms with a 32” TV, a fitness center, and an outdoor heated pool. It provides guest laundry facilities. Joshua Tree National Park is 6.5 miles away. All rooms at Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites have air conditioning, ironing facilities, and a tea/coffee maker. A microwave and small fridge are also included.
The kids took a break from the pool to check out the turtles at the oasis at 29 Palms inn
The farm to table food at 29 Palms Inn restaurant is DELISH
What to do in Joshua Tree National Park with Kids
1) Hike
Hiking is one of the absolute best Joshua Tree activities! Hiking in Joshua Tree gets you up close to the flora, fauna, and wildlife in the park. Be sure to click the link above to get the Joshua Tree map!
From the National Park Service:
“Leave information about your planned route and expected return time with a friend or family member before hiking. Check in with this person when you return. In an emergency, call 909-383-5651 or 911.”
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Joshua Tree National Park
We did the barker dam trail and it was gorgeous
Barker Dam Trail: This 1-mile loop takes hikers through a nature trail and to a water tank built by early cattle ranchers. Watch for bighorn sheep. This is a fantastic Joshua Tree hike. We did it just after sunrise and the light was GORGEOUS.
Bajada Trail: This easy .25 mile path lets hikers discover the plants of the Colorado Desert.
Cap Rock Trail: This .4 mile easy loop takes hikers past boulder piles, Joshua trees, and other desert plants.
Cholla Cactus Garden Trail: This easy 0.25-mile loop takes hikers along a path to view thousands of densely concentrated, naturally growing cholla cactus. This is one of the coolest places in Joshua Tree, especially at sunrise. ***Stay on the trail, wear closed-toe shoes, and be aware of prickly cactus.
Keys View: (DO NOT MISS) This is a very easy .25 mile paved path up to an overlook. You are able to drive up the mountain and then walk a little bit to be rewarded with breathtaking views of the San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, and the Salton Sea. This is a great trail to explore Joshua Tree with a stroller! If you’re visiting Joshua Tree with a baby, add this to your stops! This is one of the best sunset spots in Joshua Tree (or sunrise!).
Skull Rock Trail: (DO NOT MISS) This isn’t really a hike, but more of a roadside stop. There is an option to hike behind the rock on Skull Rock Nature Trail (1.7 miles). However, if you’re pressed for time or want to focus on other areas to hike, Skull rock is located directly off the main park road. If you’re exploring Joshua Tree with toddlers or exploring Joshua Tree with a baby, Skull Rock is so fun!
Best Hikes for Kids in Joshua Tree National Park:
While looking for Joshua Tree hikes with kids, consider all of the Joshua Tree hikes with toddlers listed above, plus these! There are so many cool things to do in Joshua Tree and most of them have a small hike!
The kids loved the barker dam hike - short and beautiful
Pine City Trail: This moderate 4 mile out and back trail takes hikers through a dense stand of junipers and pinyon. You will also see an old mining site.
Mastadon Peak: This moderate 3 mile loop takes hikers past an old gold mind and has an optional rock scramble that takes hikers to the top of a craggy granite peak.
Lost Horse Mine: This moderate 4 mile out and back hike has an elevation change of 550 feet. Hikers will be able to explore around one of the most successful gold mines in the park. ***Stay outside the fenced area to protect the millsite and mine
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Joshua Tree National Park:
Ryan Mountain: This strenuous 3 mile out and back hike is one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree. It takes hikers up to the summit of Ryan Mountain. There is an elevation change of 1,050 feet
Warren Peak: This 6.3 mile out and back trail takes hikers to the summit of Warren Peak. It offers hikers panoramic views of the quiet western part of Joshua Tree. There is an elevation change of 1,110 feet.
Panorama Loop: This 6.6-mile loop takes hikers up a sandy wash, then follows the ridgeline of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Hikers will be rewarded with scenic views, dense Joshua tree forest, and pinyon-juniper woodland.
For additional information about hiking Joshua Tree National Park, go HERE.
If you would rather not hike on your own, you can hire a private guide to take you through the National Park and provide an in-depth overview of the diverse history of the area and the formation of the park.
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I did not think we’d see an arch here - but we found arch rock!
2) Stargazing in Joshua Tree
With some of the darkest nights in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park offers many visitors the chance to admire the Milky Way with the naked eye. On a clear night and moonless, visitors should have no problem viewing the stars from anywhere in the park. However, light pollution from surrounding communities does impact Joshua Tree's night skies, so head to Pinto Basin Road between Cholla Cactus Garden and Cottonwood for the least traffic and darkest skies.
Visitors can study the night sky on their own or they can join one of the many Ranger Programs led by the Joshua Tree Park Rangers.
I also recommend checking out Twentynine Palms Astronomy Club! You can be book a private stargazing which is led by their expert astronomers who will take you on a stunning cosmic tour of the night sky with our high-powered telescopes. This is a great option for anyone who wants to experience the night sky the way it was meant to be seen. If night sky photography is your interest, the Twentynine Palms Astronomy Club also offers lessons in astrophotography!
If you’re looking for more unique things to do in 29 Palms, check out my blog What to do in 29 Palms.
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3) Rock Climbing
Joshua Tree National Park offers climbing challenges for all ability levels with more than 8,000 climbing routes, 2,000 boulder problems, and hundreds of natural gaps. The park welcomes climbers, boulderers, and highliners from around the world to experience the high desert monzogranite climbing and traditional-style crack, slab, and steep face climbing. You don’t need to be professional to climb around on the rocks and I would say that rock climbing is one of the most fun and FREE things to do in Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park has specific guidance for climbing, bouldering, highlining, and slacklining — find out more HERE.
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4) Become a Joshua Tree National Park Junior Ranger:
The two newest Joshua Tree Junior Rangers
Joshua Tree National Park offers THREE different Junior Ranger programs.
Junior Ranger Program: The first program takes kids through geology, wildlife, life in the desert. The potential Junior Ranger will follow the instructions inside the booklet. (Pick up a booklet at the Visitor Center) Once they finish, turn it into a ranger at a visitor center to earn your badge. Junior Ranger programs are a great way to learn all the facts about the Joshua Tree family!
Junior Ranger Night Explorer: Potential Junior Rangers will explore subjects like the night sky, light pollution, the sun, and other fun subjects. Grab a booklet from the visitor center and follow the instructions to complete it. Once your Junior Ranger completes their booklet, bring it back to the visitor center to get your patch!
Junior Paleontologist: Potential Junior Rangers will explore the ways that paleontologists work and the methods and tools they use to understand ancient life. The kids learn about Earth's history, ancient plants and animals, and changes to past climates and environments. Grab a booklet from the visitor center and follow the instructions to complete it. Once your Junior Ranger completes their booklet, bring it back to the visitor center to get your patch!
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Skull rock is a must
5) Take a Tour of Keys Ranch
The Keys view overlook is a must
Keys Ranch is located inside of Joshua Tree National Park and is registered as a National Historic Site. This ranch represents what life for homesteaders working the High Desert land looked like. The Keys family worked the land for 60 years and made a life in the remote desert. The Ranger Led walking tour takes guests to the ranch house, schoolhouse, store, and workshop.
Tours are only available from October - May. You can book your 90-minute tour HERE.
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6) Take a Private Tour and Yoga Class:
We had the best time exploring Joshua Tree national park
This custom Yoga practice (mats are provided) is tailored to your group and takes place in the middle of beautiful and bizarre rock formations, Joshua Trees, and countless plants and animals, under the wide desert sky. During your tour, you'll also take to the trail for a moderate hike in the backcountry, and learn fun facts about the desert's wildlife, history, and geology. Stretch, breathe, move, and get centered among the unique rock formations and Joshua Trees of the Mojave Desert! This half day trip is a great way to nourish your body and Spirit while exploring Joshua Tree's peaceful backcountry wilderness.
READ NEXT: 5 Easy Yoga Poses for Travel
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7) Horseback Riding
Joshua Tree National Park has 253 miles of designated equine trails. Horseback riding has long been a part of the history of the high desert and is still a popular way to explore the park.
There is no water available in the park, so riders must bring enough water for themselves and their horses.
Ryan and Black Rock campgrounds have designated campsites to accommodate horses.
barker dam trail has some really cool rock formations — can you spot the kids?
What to Pack for Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is in the desert and requires proper gear to keep yourself protected from its harsh elements. Packing appropriately and coming prepared is essential. I’ve put together a list of must-haves for your trip to Joshua Tree.
Joshua tree’s weather can be deadly. It’s important to pack properly and be prepared. click the image to shop our hiking gear for kids
A printed map of the park and trails. Each visitor center has maps for free.
Tons of water. This is the desert and you will dehydrate quickly. Double whatever you think you need.
Extra Batteries
Multi-Tool (or pocket knife)
Small umbrella to provide shade if you get into trouble in the open desert sun.
Camera (This is the camera I use and LOVE)
Tripod (this is the tripod I use)
Lotion (I swear by this lotion, especially in the desert or high altitude locations)
Lightweight Hiking Bag (this can fold up into other bags when not in use)
Small First Aid Kit (an absolute MUST for the rock climbing and trails)
Hydration Pack
Sunglasses
Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect destination for families. My hope is that this guide helped you find the best things to do in Joshua Tree with kids, including the best Joshua Tree kid friendly hikes! There is so much amazing wildlife, pristine mountain views, endless rock climbing, incredible morning weather, wildflowers, and other-worldy Cactus Gardens. No matter whether you camp in the park or stay in nearby Twenty Nine Palms, Joshua Tree National Park is an unforgettable adventure.
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