We had a wonderful time exploring the surroundings at the 8,300 feet elevation, enjoying the cooler weather in the pines, and a picnic lunch after a short hike on the famous Whitney trail leading to the summit. The road trip to Joshua Tree National Park and the Southern California desert region is one of our favorite road trips from Los Angeles. When planning a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, you'll ideally want to be in the park for both sunrise and sunset. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience. 11:00 am start in Phoenixdrive for about 2.5 hours, 1:38 pm T-Rocks hungry trip . Greater Palm Springs is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Joshua Tree and 4 hours from Phoenix. A short interpretive trail starting at the Visitor Center gives you more choices to explore the surroundings. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. 3,280 miles. Of course, the route could easily be reversed. Similar cars from rental companies were twice as much. Address:62-510 Chiriaco Road, Chiriaco Summit, CA. This desert oasis is filled with massive granite boulders great for rock climbing,. We are traveling from Desert Palms to Joshua Tree to Phoenix (Sun City West, actually) next week. open-ended. Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, visitors are encouraged to take the precautions outlined here. Entrance fees still apply, this is just a way to ensure you can actually enter the park. However, the Joshua tree is not a vegetable. next trip! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. While it's nothing like the resort town of decades past, the lake is an important stopover point for migrating birds,it'salso the stage for spectacular sunsets anda variety of ever-changing public art (think: small-scale Burning Manset against a post-apocalyptic landscape). By milepost 169, the forest of Joshua Trees is brimming and youll see a sign that says, Joshua Trees Parkway. Its a label that formalizes the obvious. 13 hours 15 minutes. Leashed pets are welcome within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. We took a road trip from Arizona to Joshua Tree, California and Devon's Edge was the perfect size and fuel efficiency needed for the trip. San Diego offers several accommodation options and boasts numerous attractions to explore. Find the top 10 trips from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park and plan a trip that works best for you. It was, indeed, getting swallowed by the Thames River, before it ended up in the middle of the desert of Phoenix. Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, 800/472-4334, twobunchpalms.com, mud and steam $110 ($85 for hotel guests) Cheers! Route distance: 1,194 km Suggested Time: 1-2 weeks Road trip your way to tempting Western tastes in these scenic desert cities. Of course, we couldnt leave without a look at the worlds largest tree (by volume, if not height or width), the General Sherman tree. If you go, pace yourself, especially on the way back up from the famous tree. Directions: I-10 passes within a few miles of the north edge of the refuge, andthe northeast corner is accessed by Vicksburg Road (exit 45), but most approaches are from the west, via side tracks off US 95 betweenQuartzsite and Yuma. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Joshua Tree? title: "Accessibility Options", Even if you do get a permit, you need training and proper gear for the trail, especially at higher elevations; I read about too many hikers getting injured and killed on this trail because it seems easy. Be aware of bears in the area. But now it whispers the interesting and chilling story of its lost glory, with waters that are now unsuitable for swimming and fishing. Climb the desert dunes of the Mojave Natural Preserve and peer out the window of your car . When you're done, take Brawley Ave to CA-86 N. Continuing on this highway, take Box Canyon Rd to Cottonwood Springs Road in Riverside County. Thru-the-years, these dedicated people had faith in Nothing, hoped for Nothing, worked at Nothing, for Nothing.. It is a must-visit stop because of the stunning natural backdrop that certainly enthralls you and your friends. The best road trip for you will depend on how much time you'd like to set aside for this trip. It's okay, you can start planning your The day after a holiday weekend, we had no trouble finding a parking lot at the trailhead. It covers 340 miles and will take you 5 hours and 20 minutes to cover this road trip with minimal stops in between. I chose to hike the trail in 3 days, which is an average of . I'm also going to check out if we will be close to Park Blvd and Pinto Basin Road. To reach Joshua Tree, take Interstate 10, which passes through Monterey Park, with Los Angeles National Forest to the north. Few things beat the thrill of a road trip. What companies run services between Phoenix, AZ, USA and Joshua Tree National Park, CA, USA? Youll find a few of the lakes surrounded by pine forests and hiking trails. 275 mi Total Distance 4 hrs 24 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions Go a little further and youll reach Milepost 147, which is where you will see some rocks piled on top of each other. Read on for our curated routes, best places to stop for the night, hotels to stay in, things to see along the routes and the best times to hop off. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer flights from Phoenix Airport to Indio/Palm Springs Airport. theme: "light", You can visit stunning beaches just a short drive from this hotel. Generally, if you visit in July and August, Im sure its open, but in June and September, you should check. This type of plant isnt exactly a tree, although some Joshua trees reach nearly 50 feet in height. If you frequent a Phoenix to Sin City road trip, then you've probably already seen Arizona's own Joshua Tree Forest. This desert journey takes you through three icons of the Southwest, starting with Petrified Forest National Park, a low-key park with less than 700,000 visitors each year. 9 a.m. 7 p.m. Monday through Friday Please note that LA traffic is some of the worse traffic I have ever seen before, so it might take longer than two and a half hours. Start exploring Yuma with Castle Dome Mines Museum and Ghost Town, it is a 19th-century mining town that has now been transformed into a museum. Exotic wildlife and bold wildflowers. . We see that there is Rt 10 on the south and Rt 62 to Rt 72 to Rt 60 coming from the north. By which I mean youve hiked other 14,000+ elevation peaks. If you're driving from a distant city like Las Vegas, you probably won't arrive before sunrise. Contact:Joshua Tree Visitor Center:760-366-1855 | Oasis Visitor Center:760-367-5500. Desert Center It runs about 2,500 miles from Santa Monica, California to Jacksonville, Florida, and passes through major cities like Phoenix, San Antonio, Houston, and New Orleans. Lake Havasu City (3.5 Hour Drive) Embark on a road trip from Phoenix and feel the excitement of wide-open roads that can take you out to Lake Havasu. It is currently 19:45 in Phoenix and 18:45 in Joshua Tree. You will see a sign that says The staunch citizens of Nothing are full of hope, faith, and believe in the work ethic. So we enjoyed the views of blooming saguaros, surrounded by low hills and high mountains. The sighting of Joshua Trees begins near the small town of Wikieup, a small dot on the map known for nothing more than Luchias pie. starting from Phoenix 36 minutes Surprise 2.5 hours Ripley 54 minutes Desert Center 1 hour Joshua Tree National Park. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Before heading out to explore the camping heaven of Joshua Tree National Park, we suggest you take a break and rest for a while. Whether you have a love for camping, history, nature, or food, this road trip from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park has something for everyone. Archaeological research has found remnants, including petroglyphs, of people inhabiting the area as early as9,000 B.C. Trippy is where Covering this trip in a single day might seem like a good idea but you will miss out on the unique fusion of history and outdoorsy fun that this trip offers. 1. Once you continue down the road, Joshua trees will slowly appear right before your eyes, and will become the focal point of your drive around Milepost 162. With an Art Deco setup, the on-site restaurant provides AAA/CAA Four Diamond cuisine. The hoodoo-looking formations are a fascinating sight in an otherwise flat to hilly landscape. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Twentynine Palms , CA 92277-3597. If you find yourself asking what a museum dedicated to General Patton is doing out in the middle of the desert, we have the answer for you: In 1942, the War Department ordered Patton to create a desert training center in California to ready American combat troops for battle in North Africa during World War II. There is the option of camping in the wild but if you'd prefer a hotel, we've got you! If you are not a fan of crowds, winter is a good time to visit Joshua Tree National Park. }, If you are fond of swimming, ditch this route as you won't be able to touch the waters. The open road is calling and few road trips are as awe-inspiring as a drive from Southern California to the Grand Canyon if you know how to do it right. Joshua Tree has standard national park fees, which is $30 per vehicle for a 7 day pass to that national park only. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Visit the stunning city of San Diego where you will get a chance to take a dip in the ocean. It belongs to the same plant family as agaves and yuccas. It is called the parkway because it appears on a 7-mile stretch of road, along with some other desert plants. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Climb Smart in December is a four-day event packed with action and educational experiences. The main road through the park leads through a few famous landmarks and large patches of Joshua Trees. Accommodation prices may also be slightly cheaper during these times. Emerald Springs Resort and Spa68055 Club Circle Dr., Desert Hot Springs, 760/288-0071, from $110. Take This Road Trip On The Southernmost Cross-Country Highway Interstate 10 is the southernmost cross-country highway you can take in the US. Ryan Mountain Trail (3 miles) (2.5 hours) 1:15pm: Ryan Mountain is the second highest peak in Joshua Tree National Park (Quail Mountain is the highest, but there is no set trail to hike up). This is also an option to regain your energy on this trip with a chance to visit the famous San Diego Zoo. It makes the visitors time more enjoyable, while keeping the park healthier. If you want your roadtrip to become truly memorable, you should also check out these articles: Go on One of the Most Epic Drives in All of Arizona for an Adventure Like No Other and This Beautiful and Sunshine-y Flower Field in Arizona Will Make You Feel Beautiful. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Joshua Tree is a town located along California State Route 62 between the communities of Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms. The Oasis Visitor Center is located at74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA. It begins in Wikieup, with landmarks such as the Snoopy-piloted Wikieup arrow and Wikieup Trading Post. For a comfortable stay in Yuma, we recommend Best Western Plus Yuma Foothills Inn and Suites. Visitors can explore 800,000 acres of "dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness," and the park welcomes camping, backpacking, horseback riding, biking, birding, climbing, slacklining, hiking and stargazing. Continuing on Park Blvd in San Bernardino County to reach your destination at Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs. With its highest peak at 14,494 feet (4,418 meters), Mt Whitney is at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. The experiences are his ink. At the foothills of Mammoth Mountain, the town lays at an elevation of 7,880 feet, and it is the gateway to the scenic mountain, and to the Devils Postpile National Monument. Once you've bounced back, follow Broadway and Eleventh Ave to CA-163 N. From there, drive from Moreno Valley Fwy to Whitewater. (2 answers), Courtney from Los Angeles asked:Joshua Tree adventure (1 answer). Otherworldly canyons and high-mountain peaks. Outdoor Family Movie Night at the Heard: Moana in Hawaiian! Once your exploration is done, you can return to Interstate 10 to continue your journey to Joshua Tree. Where To Shop in USA: From Budget-Friendly Items to Luxurious . Or get a full Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park flight plan. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines fly from Phoenix to Joshua Tree every 4 hours. The distance between Phoenix and Joshua Tree National Park is about 220 miles, most of the time a three-and-a-half-hour drive. In the 1980s, Joshua Trees became immortalized after the release of the U2 album by the same name. One of the first and most famous parks established in the US, Yosemite National Park features some gorgeous scenery. Make sure you check road conditions San Diego to Phoenix via Joshua Tree National Park driving / 2 days / no pets / no RV San Diego to Phoenix road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from San Diego to Phoenix. . We will probably have to go up to the north part of Joshua Tree National Park to see the sights and we will be on that road. From the otherworldliness of Joshua Tree National Park to the mountain biking, hiking, and golfing hub of Prescott, Arizona to historic Route 66 in Williams and the vastness of the Grand Canyon; a road trip through the deserts, mesas, and . This will take you to the breathtaking Joshua Tree National Park. If you're planning a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park, you can research locations to stop along the way. Las Vegas to Primm (44 miles, 41 minutes) On your journey from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park, you can hop on I-15 S and be in the beautiful Mojave National Preserve in 44 miles and 41 minutes. Joshua Tree National Park has one main road that goes from the west entrance to the south entrance. documentTracking: { Thanks to this, it has an interesting array of flora and fauna that create stunning landscapes. We see that there is Rt 10 on the south and Rt 62 to Rt 72 to Rt 60 coming from the north. I saw pictures of them but never saw them in their natural setting until traveling West. Joshua Tree is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a quick weekend getaway, being just a stone's throw away from LA. The trail to the General Sherman tree is a half-mile long and paved, making it easy for just about anyone to follow it. Scattered Clouds. Another 250 miles later, we reached Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. So, we suggest setting aside 3 to 4 days for this trip. For this road trip from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park, you won't have to worry too much about which route to take as both are equally exciting. This expo is especially known for featuring the work of artists who are inspired by the sheer beauty of the place. T_to the_A; Jun 2, 2021 . The best way to get from Phoenix to Joshua Tree without a car is to bus which takes 7h 37m and costs $120-$190. The other route goes north via rt 62 to rt 72 to rt 60. This time in the summer though, I would suggest just drive along on your road trip to Yosemite. The quickest flight from Phoenix Airport to Indio/Palm Springs Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 5m. This will be a 3 day trip traveling out to Joshua tree national park area, seeing places like the park itself, the famous Pioneer Town, Salton sea area, and more! greeting: "Discover your personalisation options", Joshua Tree Music Playlist: The Most Glorious Desert Road Trip Songs to Make Your Visit Complete. Find all the transport options for your trip from Joshua Tree to Grand Canyon National Park right here. Tickets cost $30 - $45 and the journey takes 4h 20m. Hey Julie, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your love for the area. Address: 41225 Indian School Road, Tonopah. Nicknamed the Sunniest City on Earth, Yuma offers sunshine 90% of the year. Distance: About 320 miles, 5 hours. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Joshua Tree? Search for RV campgrounds. We drove through both the Sonoran and the Mojave Deserts for hours upon hours. It takes about 2 1/2 hours (152 miles) to get to the North side of Joshua Tree National Park. Heading south on U.S. 93, around milepost 127, youll come to the Big Sandy River, which is likely more sand than river unless its been raining. The park has seen more visitors as its popularity increases. It is a cultural center of California, featuring a thriving craft beer industry. trees. Geology Tour Road is an 18-mile scenic drive that winds through Joshua Tree National Park's most intriguing landscapes. Discover how to get to attractions and hotels near Joshua Tree. Located halfway between Los Angeles and Phoenix, Joshua Tree National Park is actually extremely accessible. Weve seen a few cars (and motorcycles) turned around from the gate because they didnt have one. Of course, at this point you're asking why would this spot make our list, and the answer is simple: one-of-a-kindphoto ops. This rustic operation ishidden behind overgrown palms, other flora, fences and weathered decor. While the history of this Basin dates back to ancient times, the lake was accidentallycreated by Colorado River runoffin 1905. }, The road trip from Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend takes you past scenery that will blow your mind and when you arrive at Horseshoe Bend, you're still going to be mind-blown. This 520-mile road trip from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park takes 8 hours to drive, winding along Yuma, San Diego, California, Crystal Pier, The Flower Fields, Estrella Star Tower, Z Fun Factory, Keys Views, Skull Rock, and Lost Horse Mine. The highlight of my visit was the trail surrounding General Grant Tree, the third largest three in the world, also known as the Nations Christmas Tree. Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. While some would say that it is pretty amazing, there are some who think it looks weird. There are a few times the hike seems to peak, but you turn the mountain and continue. Book your stay ahead of time at either The View Hotel or Goulding's Lodge. 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