Desert
Southern California Desert Loop: Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego
A 5-day Southern California desert road trip through Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, the Salton Sea, and Anza-Borrego, with hikes, stargazing, and stays.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 4 min read
This 5-day loop from Los Angeles or San Diego links Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
It covers hikes, drive times, lodging and desert safety.
In This Guide
When to Go and Desert Safety
Go late October to April. Anza-Borrego blooms in February and March in wet years; see the wildflower superbloom guide.
Carry a gallon of water per person per day and keep the tank above half.
Stay on trails; the living soil crust takes decades to recover.
Day 1: Palm Springs
Palm Springs is 2 hours from Los Angeles. Some stops appeared in my sponsored posts with Visit Greater Palm Springs.
- Sleep: Ace Hotel & Swim Club, The Parker Palm Springs, or Korakia Pensione
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The tram climbs to 8,500 feet, where it can be 30 degrees cooler. Bring a jacket.
Indian Canyons
The Indian Canyons, ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, have streams and palm oases.
Andreas, Palm and Murray Canyon trails take 30 to 60 minutes each. When I posted about it, entry was $12 per adult and $6 for kids 6 to 12, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Evening in Uptown
Shop and eat in the Uptown Design District, then see the mid-century homes in Vista Las Palmas and the Movie Colony.
See the Palm Springs boutique hotels guide.
- Also: Moorten Botanical Garden, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Sunnylands Center and Gardens, Palm Springs Art Museum
Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park, North Side
The West Entrance is an hour up Highway 62. The north side has the densest Joshua trees.
For two full days, see 2 days in Joshua Tree.
- Eat: Crossroads Cafe in Joshua Tree for breakfast
- Sleep: a rental in Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley, or the Pioneertown Motel
Keys View at Sunset
Keys View overlooks the Coachella Valley and, on clear days, the Salton Sea.
Pioneertown After Dark
Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown has dinner and live music.
See hotels near Joshua Tree, including AutoCamp, which I featured in a paid post.
Day 3: Joshua Tree South and the Salton Sea
Allow 2.5 to 3 hours of driving plus stops.
- Sleep: La Casa del Zorro or The Palms at Indian Head in Borrego Springs
Ryan Mountain and Skull Rock
Ryan Mountain is 3 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of gain. Skull Rock is a roadside stop.
Arch Rock and the Cholla Cactus Garden
Arch Rock is 0.7 miles round trip, about 45 minutes.
The Cholla Cactus Garden has a short boardwalk through teddy bear cholla.
The Salton Sea
Exit at Cottonwood, take I-10, and drive down the east side of the Salton Sea past Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain.
Take S22 west to Borrego Springs; see Borrego Springs and Palm Desert resorts.
Day 4: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Start at the visitor center of California’s largest state park.
- Eat: Carlee’s Place or Red Ocotillo in Borrego Springs
- Stargazing: Borrego Springs is an International Dark Sky Community
Borrego Palm Canyon
Borrego Palm Canyon is a 3-mile round trip to a palm oasis, often with bighorn sheep.
Galleta Meadows Sculptures
Ricardo Breceda’s metal sculptures include a serpent crossing the road.
The Slot and Fonts Point
The Slot is a sandstone canyon off Buttes Pass Road; see the California slot canyons guide.
Watch sunset at Fonts Point.
Day 5: Julian and Home
Julian is an hour west up Montezuma Grade. Get apple pie at Julian Pie Company or Mom’s Pie House.
San Diego is 1.5 hours away; Los Angeles is 2.5 to 3.
Where to Stay on the Desert Loop
Palm Springs has the most hotels; Joshua Tree is mostly rentals and small motels.
Book peak weekends 1 to 2 months ahead, and earlier for April festival weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego?
At least 4 days, ideally 5: one in Palm Springs, 1 to 2 in Joshua Tree and one in Anza-Borrego.
What is the best time to visit the Southern California desert?
Late October through April. Summer heat is dangerous.
Do you need 4WD for Anza-Borrego?
No, except for sandy roads like the one to Fonts Point.
How long is the Arch Rock trail in Joshua Tree?
About 0.7 miles round trip, roughly 45 minutes. Go near sunset.
Destination guide
My Joshua Tree hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
