The Ultimate Two-Day Itinerary to Visit Joshua Tree National Park

I have only been interested in Joshua Tree National Park for a few years now, despite having grown up in Southern California. My mom even admitted she has very little interest in Joshua Tree, which is why I went by myself! I don’t really think I knew it existed, honestly. In the past, it was under-represented when faced with other giants like Sequoia National Park, but it’s gained popularity recently.

I finally got the chance to visit in December. I couldn’t decide how many days I wanted to visit, though, so I planned for 1, 2, and 5 days. There are tons of activities, hikes, and sights in Joshua Tree National Park; the good news is many of the highlights can be seen in just one day! I chose 5 days, but I still have all those plans, so I decided to share my resources! If you want a sweeping, one-day experience, visit here.

I highly recommend you read everything you need to know, too. It has info on fees, parking, lodging, and SHOWERS!

If you want to take some more time or see more, then this Joshua Tree two-day itinerary is for you.

Another note: My estimated times work in a fair amount of time for pictures and differently abled people. If you do not stop, your times may be considerably shorter, but I like to enjoy the journey.

Joshua Tree is chock full of sights and activities, but if you only have two days to visit, here's a plan to maximize that time with 15 sights.

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Day 1

Keys Ranch Tour (0.5-miles) (1.5 hours)

9:30am: Keys Ranch is a unique experience you won’t find on many Joshua Tree itineraries, let alone for two days in Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll want to make sure to be at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before 9:30am, and it’s about a 30-minute drive from the West Entrance.

Like I said, many itineraries leave the ranch out (I guess because of the schedule aspect), but the guided walking tour was exceptional, and I think it’s worth the work around. You get to “discover the colorful lives of Bill and Frances Keys and learn how they survived and raised a family in the harsh desert environment.” Additionally, the location is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so it has some awesome history!

It’s a half-mile over 90 minutes and only available certain days at certain times, and the tour is only offered between October and May. The days change over time, so you need to check on the NPS Calendar when they will be offered. You must buy tickets in advance, and tours are capped at 25 people. Tickets are $10/ 12+ year old, $5/ 6-11 year old, and free for ages younger than 6 (except when reserving it charges $1, so…). When I visited, tours were being offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 9:30am-11am, but Wednesday was the only day with tickets available, so planning is important. Right now through November, tours are only Thursdays and Sundays.

Note: I relied heavily on my trekking poles throughout my trip, and I really love them. I didn’t think I needed them for years, but I just decided to try them one day because they weren’t too expensive, and they relieved so much tension in my body!

A dark wood ranch-style home is set against a backdrop of towering rocks and blue sky. There is a log fence, separate buildings, and an old rust-colored truck within the bounds of the fence. — *Keys Ranch – taken with Canon 5D Mark III*

Hidden Valley Trail (1-mile) (1 hour)

11:30am: The Keys Ranch tour will end around 11:00am. After driving back to the main exit, it is a 10-minute drive to the Hidden Valley Trail parking area. Hidden Valley is rumored to be where cattle ranchers in the 19th century would hide their herd, and once you breach the rocks at the beginning of the trail, I immediately understood this tale. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but it’s an enchanting story to keep in mind as you read the path markers.

The trail is decently well marked and fairly populated, so if a light crowd sounds bothersome, move on. However, keep in mind if you are there at a busy time, most of these sights will be quite populated, especially if you are going for a weekend/two days in Joshua Tree.

Note: There is a connecting trail of about 2.2 miles from Hidden Valley to Barker Dam Trail. If you want to take this path, have a picnic lunch on one of the areas near the trail. If you are looking to save time or can’t walk excessively, hop back to the Hidden Valley picnic area for lunch! Barker Dam is on the agenda for tomorrow, though.

A flat valley of small rocks and ground brush is surrounded on all sides by towering stacks of rock formations. There is an orange tint to the image due to the rock color. The ground brush ranges in color from green and yellow to red and orange. — *A Joshua Tree landscape*

Hidden Valley Picnic Area (30 minutes)

12:30pm: Visitors need to make sure they are eating and drinking enough to sustain their activity for this busy day. The picnic area is right off the parking lot, so once you eat it’s easy to continue your activities!

A winding path disappears into the desert. Joshua trees, sand-colored brush, and large rocks surround the trail. Above, the blue sky is hidden in the center by a few huge clouds. — *A Joshua Tree landscape near Hidden Valley*

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). The trail is well marked and well trafficked. There are a few times the hike seems to peak, but you turn the mountain and continue. There are some wonderful sights from the hike (such as seeing the Wonderland of Rocks), but the best view is the top. You can even see other mountains (I saw them with snow!). Feel free to sit up here and hang out a while. You won’t be the only one.

This trail is mostly uphill (hello hiking pol e s), so if walking uphill for a prolonged period is difficult, I suggest heading to Barker Dam Trail or Arch Rock Trail. They are shorter and flatter. If walking for this length of time is too much period, drive to Skull Rock and take some pictures for a nice rest mid-day, or head into town for lunch instead of the picnic area. I have some intense knee problems, and honestly, this hike probably wasn’t a good idea for me. But I did it, loved it, and would do it again (in no way does that mean you should push yourself! I just like mountains).

This trail is one that fewer people do on a two day trip to Joshua Tree because it’s longer, but it provides some of the most unique views of Joshua Tree in the park.

The view of Ryan Mountain Trail includes the Wonderland of Rocks, which are the cropping off to the right. On the left, a large part of the mountain juts out in stacks. Far in the distance, a snow covered mountain peak contrasts the dry desert. The sky is overcast and gloomy, which translates into the image. — *A view of the wonderland of Rocks from Ryan Mountain*

Skull Rock (30 minutes)

3:45pm: After a 10-minute drive, you’ll see a pull out, likely with quite a few cars. You’ll know you have arrived at Skull Rock. Most of the leftover 20-minutes I gave to find parking. I will be honest; Skull Rock was cool for about one minute. It’s a formation that looks like a skull, but only from a very specific angle. The idea of it was enticing, but once I arrived, I was… disappointed. I don’t have a reasonable explanation for why. I just wasn’t impressed (and I love skulls!), so I want to encourage you to make a stop on your own and form your own opinion. I promise, it is cool. Just not for me! Because it was overcast all week, I didn’t get many great pictures, but I especially didn’t get any of Skull Rock, so enjoy this other large rock formation called Face Rock near Split Rock Loop.

Nearly everyone stops at Skull Rock whether they are doing two days in Joshua Tree or a few hours, so prepare for it to be busy.

Actually Face Rock, not Skull Rock. Read the paragraph for details!

Arch Rock Trail (1.2-mile loop) (1.5 hours)

4:15pm: If you aren’t too tired on your first of two days in Joshua Tree National Park and there is still a lot of sun left, head over to Arch Rock Trail. This time estimate is assuming you start at the Twin Tanks Trailhead and walk the 1.2-mile loop, with Arch Rock at the mid-point. There is a 0.3-mile trail from the White Tanks Campground, but it’s a limited parking area with limited space for campers only.

Arch Rock is a rock with a hole in the middle, in the form of an arch. This image is taken from a different angle, so it looks more like an elephant skull and I think I prefer it. The rocks also have some dips that look like holes. The sky is very cloudy with some blue. — *Petition to rename Arch Rock Elephant Rock… Anyone? No, just me?*

Arch Rock appears to defy gravity, and it’s a popular spot for pictures. Scrambling up the rocks for a pose is common but be careful doing so. With two days in Joshua Tree or a weekend, you have plenty of time to explore.

Honestly, my favorite part of the stop was one of the information signs I read. I kept seeing these lines in the rocks but didn’t know what they were or where they came from. They are called dikes …isn’t that perfect (even if it is a different spelling)? I was smiling and laughing the whole time, feeling like Joshua Tree should win a metal (there are plenty of other parks with these formations, but I was just tickled pink)! Some of them are veins, which look similar but are the same. Dikes are large, extensive, columnal, and formed when magma fills in a pre-existing rock that has cracked; veins are smaller, thinner, more random, and formed from rare-element concentrated fluid over a longer period.

An orange-ish rounded rock seems to defy gravity. It's been sculpted by cavernous weathering and undercutting. These processes occur when moisture is trapped on a rock surface or soil long enough to decompose minerals. Running water and wind then wash the sand away. — *A sculpted rock near Arch Rock Trail.*

Anyway, Arch Rock was fun to explore and crawl on rocks while laughing at the coincidence of names. Arch Rock itself was cool, but I especially liked the sculpted rocks. If you crawl on more than Arch Rock, it may take longer to finish the loop. Also, have a snack! You’ve been doing a lot, and if you stop for the sunset, dinner may be late!

Keys View for sunset

6:15: Depending on the time of year you go, you may want to skip Arch Rock and head straight to Keys View for the sunset for your weekend in Joshua Tree National Park. Make sure to look up the sunset time before heading into the park (remember that pesky cell service).

You’ll have as much time to enjoy Coachella Valley as you want. I came three nights in a row at sunset, and absolutely loved it, but without the sun setting this scene can be enjoyed in a short amount of time. I think it’s worth the 15-minute drive off the main road to see the scene because the Salton Sea, Palm Springs, San Andreas Fault, and more. I also like being able to see so much of the earth in one spot, so I am a bit biased. It makes me feel free, but small and part of something so much bigger. Plus, the lookout is paved and short (albeit steep) so many people can visit.

Clouds are covering the sky with a few mountains poking though at the bottom. There is a break toward the top, and the sun is creating some yellow. Even on a cloudy day, Keys View is impressive. I felt like I was floating in the clouds. — *Cloudy Keys View*

On clear days, cities in the Coachella Valley can be seen. Their lights spot the ground, while the sun sets in a pink-orange hue over the San Bernardino Mountains. — *Cloudy Keys View*

You can stop at Cap Rock at the corner of Keys View Road and Park Blvd, but I wasn’t mesmerized. It’s a giant rock formation with a short trail around it. I’d also probably wait until tomorrow so I could eat!

Day 2

Cottonwood Spring Oasis (30 minutes)

9:15am: I truly believe this spot is one of the best in Joshua Tree National Park, but it’s also it’s best kept secret because no one talks about it. It’s far away from the other main attractions, so it rarely makes it on itineraries or “things to do,” which is a shame. Whether you have one day or a week, Cottonwood Spring Oasis is a must-see area in Joshua Tree National Park.

The spring was the result of earthquake activity and was used by the Cahuilla people for centuries. Slightly down the path from the spring, there is a sign next to a hole in a rock with a description – it is an old mortar and pestle left behind from ages past. Seriously, if you see one thing in Joshua tree (other than a Joshua tree), please make it the oasis. If you have the time and ability, explore a little bit of the area down the Lost Palms Oasis trail as well. If you can make it up the hill, you’ll get a nice view of the “valley” where the oasis sits.

Palm tree are coupled with yellow-leaved trees in an oasis in the middle of the desert. — *Palm trees*

A hole left behind by a mortar and pestle used by the Cahuilla people before Europeans (the US) took over the land. It's filled with water. — *Palm trees*

Ocotillo Patch

9:45 am: After a 30-minute drive from Cottonwood (arrive around 10:15am), the Ocotillo Patch will be on the side of the road to explore. If they aren’t blooming, they aren’t very exciting (in my opinion), but they were worth a quick stop, especially for two days in Joshua Tree, due to their uniqueness. They are a Sonoran Desert plant that put on a dramatic floral display, but only after some rain (even just a little). They can grow over 15 feet (up to 33 feet) and have bright red-orange flowers each spring.

An tall ocotillo is surrounded by smaller brush. From afar, the ocotillo seems boring, but up close, it's a nice yellow with a startling texture. — *An Tall Ocotillo*

Cholla Cactus (20 minutes)

10:30am: It’s a 5-minute drive to the Cholla Cactus Garden. I was fascinated with these cacti, and I walked the quarter-mile flat loop. Something about these cacti is intriguing, but I can’t quite name what it is. I love the color change from the reddish-orange to pale yellow-white and their varying textures. They are a unique species I encourage everyone to visit during two days in Joshua Tree. They will change your views of cacti for sure! P. S. During my research, I read that these were nicknamed the teddy bear cholla, but don’t snuggle them!

A red, orange, and pale yellow cactus exemplifies the uniqueness of this species. The back is spotted with chollas, and the sun is rising but mostly covered by clouds. — *A Field of Chollas*

Split Rock Loop (2 miles) plus Face Rock (0.2-mile round loop shoot off) (2.5 hours)

10:50am: You might’ve noticed on day 1, I mentioned Face Rock (the picture under Skull Rock). Here’s where you’ll see that rock during your weekend in Joshua Tree! It’s a 0.2-mile loop off shoot from Split Rock Loop trail, which is 20 minutes from the chollas, so you’ll arrive at 11:15am.

This trail is less busy than others in Joshua Tree National Park, such as Hidden Valley or Barker Dam, and it’s not as easy to follow (honestly, it might be, but I took a turn to see something and got lost). Split Rock itself is interesting, but the trail is what stands out to me here. I crawled around a lot of rocks over here and saw some cool formations. This trail is a great option for similar views as much of the park, but less people.

P. S. I promise pictures get better than the one below – lighting and weather was not great that day. I would put a different one, but I visited not knowing which formation Split Rock was – so if that’s you, here it is! There’s also a pretty red bush to make up for it 😊

*A tan rock is split surprisingly down the middle.*

A mesmerizing blood red and orange spindle bush is growing sideways. — *A tan rock is split surprisingly down the middle.*

Split Rock Picnic Area (30 minutes)

1:45pm: Visitors need to make sure they are eating and drinking enough to sustain their activity for this busy day. After your stop, you can rest at Split Rock Picnic Area for lunch before continuing your adventure. If this time is too late for you, feel free to snack elsewhere or eat earlier. It’s your two days in Joshua Tree!

A rock formation is the focus of the image. It is lit by the sun, and the sky is blue with white clouds. The rock is framed by paler rocks and foliage in the foreground. — *Another Rock Formation*

Hall of Horrors (0.6-mile) (45 minutes)

2:15pm: The Hall of Horrors Area is about 15 minutes from Split Rock, so you’ll arrive around 2:30pm. The Hall of Horrors area has an awesome name, but it’s not scary at all. The paths are poorly marked, and the trail is uneven, though, so if you aren’t careful it will be a horror!

Luckily, the huge rock formations in the middle of the area help visitors keep direction. The trail around the rocks most climbers will go on is about 0.6-mile, so it won’t take long if you stay on track. This area isn’t high on most lists, and I wouldn’t normally include a place like that, but I loved it for the species I saw (not going to lie, I also got off the path for almost an hour).

Despite the area being similar to places like Arch Rock, I saw more birds and small mammals than I could count, but only in this area. I also liked how the rocks met and formed alleyways (halls!) visitors can explore. It’s worth a stop here for two days in Joshua Tree to try and see one or two animals or halls since it is such a short stop.

A red, white, and orange-yellow cactus grows throughout the desert. In this image, one cactus is split into four small parts. — *A Unique Red Cactus*

A path lined with small rocks splits in two. The path goes around stacks of rocks, and along the path Joshua trees and brush abound. The sky is overcast. — *A Unique Red Cactus*

Barker Dam (1.1-mile) (1 hour)

3:15pm: Arrive around 3:30pm after a 10-minute drive from the Hall of Horrors. I want to say Barker Dam was my favorite trail in Joshua Tree National Park, but I honestly loved it all. I can say this area was the biggest surprise for me! There is standing water from the old dam at the far end of this loop, which brings a unique set of species to this area. The dam’s water level fluctuates with the season, but there’s always something intriguing about the area. There is minimal elevation gain, and the path isn’t always smooth.

It is well marked and fairly populated, so if a thin crowd sounds bothersome, move on. However, keep in mind if you are there at a busy time, most of these sights will be quite populated, especially if you go for a weekend in Joshua Tree National Park.

Barker Dam is very low. Water appears almost non-existent, but lines from different water levels are clear on the rocks that create the reservoir. Bushes are trees spot around the dam; some are bare, and some are full of leaves. — *Barker Dam with low water.*

The other side of the dam has many rocks to stand and climb on. The number of people on this part of the trail alone is considerable. — *Barker Dam with low water.*

Ryan Ranch (0.8-mile) (40 minutes) or Wall Street Mill (2 miles) (1.5 hours)

4:30pm: I’d personally skip the mill in this instance, but it is next to Barker Dam and it’s a point of interest, so I thought I would mention it. The Mill is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and the story behind it is interesting. Well, a story of Bill Keys and Worth Bagley is interesting, but you’ll learn about that if you visit Keys Ranch. Essentially, they disputed control over the road to the mill, and Bagley was killed. Keys went to prison, and there is a memorial about 0.8 miles up the trail… except, the memorial is a copy. The National Park Service had to remove the original after vandalism at the site.

As I said, it really is an interesting site with a stop, but I wouldn’t return because the walk there was standard, i. e. no interesting views or formations. If you have more than two days in Joshua Tree National park or a special interest, definitely make the walk. With this itinerary, you’ll miss the middle of the day (which is great because it’s an uncovered area).

The old gold ore crushing mill is surrounded by rock formations. The image is orange-yellow, but the sky is bright blue above. — *Wall Street Mill*

Ryan Ranch is a considerably shorter walk compared to others in this two day Joshua Tree itinerary, and a 10-minute drive from Barker Dam. It’s one of the “easy” hikes and easy to stay on the path, although it is not paved. For the first half of the trail, I felt like I was walking into nothing (I almost turned around), but suddenly I looked to the left and saw a hint of adobe walls! The estate, built by J. D. Ryan in the 1800s, was originally a main house, two-room bunkhouse, a single room building, well, corral, and graveyard. The Ranch served as a home base for Ryan and his family, who operated the Lost Horse Mine nearby. The area held up well for over a century until a suspected act of arson in the late 1970s.

Today, little of the originally ranch remains, but I thought it was beautiful. Yes, there is graffiti and some areas of unnatural ruin. However, it was moving to stand in the main area still left. I looked out the broken sides of the building and imagined the family that lived there so long ago. I saw the view they woke to every morning. Even more, I saw a desert hare that may have descended from ancestors from decades ago.

A large desert hare is frozen on a rock, trying to hide but being wildly unsuccessful. Behind the hare are branches. — *A Large Desert Hare*

It is raining, and the sky is completely gray, which creates a gloomy feel to the image. A decaying and dilapidated adobe building sits in front of a small rock, and a spindly tree juts out from a corner. — *A Large Desert Hare*

If neither of these attractions interest you, feel free to drive around the park and take pictures, or head into town for dinner or shopping. As always, it’s your two days in Joshua Tree National Park!

What to Pack for a Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

Hydration Daypack. I’ve got two hydration/hiking packs, an Osprey Skarab one (thanks grandpa) and a Bass Pro Shops one. The Osprey one holds more, while the Bass Pro Shops one is lighter – I love them both for different reasons! If you need a full daypack (recommended), go for the Osprey, but for just water and one or two things, a smaller pack will do.
Water/Food. There are no hotels or restaurants to stop at in the park. There are visitors centers with some snacks, but they are on the outskirts of the park, so if you venture an hour inside the park (which you should do), make sure to bring enough water and food to sustain you for your adventure. My whole family uses RTIC products, and we are happy with them (especially as a slightly cheaper alternative to YETI). We have a cooler, canteens, two tumblers, lunch containers, and insulated cans (that I use as water bottles even at home).
Trekking poles. My trekking poles have quickly become a staple on my hikes because they take so much pressure off my knees. These are especially great for mountain trail like Ryan Mountain.
Warm base layer. If you are going in the winter like me, it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings. I love my 32 Degrees shirts and pants (although I got warm throughout the day and changed).
Hats/gloves. Again, for winter, I really loved having my hat in the mornings and at night. Just because it’s the desert doesn’t mean it’s always hot!
GOOD hiking boots/shoes. I went to my local REI and was fitted for my boots, which I love. While I was there, I also picked up specially formulated hiking socks to keep my feet dry and comfortable.
Lamp. Backup lamps, whether you are camping are not, are imperative when traveling in such a remote area. I like this headlamp because it includes a red light, which does not attract bugs. I keep this super bright lantern in my car too, just in case.
Sunscreen! It is the desert after all. Mineral sunscreen is a great option as it’s less harmful for the environment.
Camera!! I inherited a Canon 5D Mark III, but I recommend a Rebel for beginners/a lower budget.

Food?

Eat at: Natural Sisters Café. They are open from 7am – 2pm daily, so you can stop for breakfast, then pick up lunch and dinner too!
Crossroads Café. They are open from 7am-9pm daily except Sunday (2pm close). They have some nice vegan options alongside omnivorous food.