Desert
2 Days in Joshua Tree: Hikes, Stargazing and Pioneertown
Two days in Joshua Tree National Park: the best short hikes, Keys View, Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise, dark sky stargazing, Pioneertown and where to stay.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Joshua Tree National Park spans the Mojave and Colorado deserts. It’s 2 hours 40 minutes from Los Angeles and an hour from Palm Springs.
Pair it with my Palm Springs weekend guide or Southern California desert loop.
In This Guide
- Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree
- Day 1 Morning: Hidden Valley and Barker Dam
- Day 1 Afternoon: Keys View, Ryan Mountain and Skull Rock
- Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park
- Day 2 Morning: Cholla Cactus Garden and Arch Rock
- Day 2 Evening: Pioneertown and Pappy and Harriet’s
- Where to Stay and Eat Near Joshua Tree
- Desert Safety and Leave No Trace in Joshua Tree
- FAQ
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree
October through April has mild days and cold nights. Spring has wildflowers and the biggest crowds.
Summer often tops 100 degrees; hike only at dawn.
Day 1 Afternoon: Keys View, Ryan Mountain and Skull Rock
Keys View, at 5,185 feet, overlooks the Coachella Valley and the Salton Sea.
Ryan Mountain
Ryan Mountain is 3 miles round trip with 1,050 feet of gain and a 360 degree summit view.
Skull Rock and Jumbo Rocks
Skull Rock is on Park Boulevard near Jumbo Rocks Campground. Walk part of the Skull Rock Nature Trail and stay for sunset at Jumbo Rocks.
Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park. The darkest areas are in the east and south, away from the Coachella Valley and Highway 62.
Try Pinto Basin Road or Cottonwood. See my California stargazing guide.
- Go near a new moon
- The Milky Way core is best spring to early fall
- Bring a warm jacket
Day 2 Morning: Cholla Cactus Garden and Arch Rock
Drive Pinto Basin Road to the Cholla Cactus Garden for sunrise. A short, flat loop runs through dense teddy bear cholla.
Cottonwood Spring and Lost Palms Oasis
Continue south past the Ocotillo Patch to Cottonwood Spring, a palm oasis. Lost Palms Oasis is 7.2 miles round trip from here.
Arch Rock
Arch Rock is a short, easy walk from the Twin Tanks parking area. It also works at sunset.
Day 2 Evening: Pioneertown and Pappy and Harriet’s
Pioneertown, 15 minutes north of Yucca Valley, was built in 1946 as a live-in Western movie set. Walk Mane Street at golden hour.
Book dinner ahead at Pappy and Harriet’s, a honky-tonk with live music.
Where to Stay and Eat Near Joshua Tree
AutoCamp Joshua Tree (which I featured in a #ad post) has Airstreams and cabins. The Bungalows by Homestead Modern at The Joshua Tree Retreat Center is near the West Entrance. See my Joshua Tree hotels guide.
Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove and other park campgrounds book on Recreation.gov, often months ahead for spring.
Where to Eat
Try Crossroads Café, Natural Sisters Café, Joshua Tree Coffee Company, or La Copine for brunch.
Desert Safety and Leave No Trace in Joshua Tree
Carry a gallon of water per person per day and avoid midday hiking. Tell someone your plans, since cell service is limited.
Never climb on Joshua trees. Stay on trails, don’t stack rocks and give climbers room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough in Joshua Tree?
Yes for the highlights and a night of stargazing. A third day adds longer hikes like Lost Palms Oasis.
What is the best time to visit Joshua Tree?
October through April. Spring is busiest, and summer is too hot for most hiking.
Where is the best place to stargaze in Joshua Tree?
The east and south sides, including Pinto Basin Road and Cottonwood. Go near a new moon.
Do I need a reservation for Joshua Tree?
No entry reservation is needed, but there’s an entrance fee. Reserve campgrounds on Recreation.gov, especially in spring.
Which Joshua Tree entrance is best?
The West Entrance is closest to Hidden Valley, Barker Dam and Keys View. The North Entrance in Twentynine Palms is often faster on busy mornings, and the South Entrance near I-10 suits Palm Springs visitors.
Destination guide
My Joshua Tree hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
