Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. We saw one national park in Arizona and all five national parks in Utah. This designationplays an important role in ensuring this desert landscape and its inhabitants are protected for future generations. Since we made the drive to Yosemite, we felt we needed to see Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, too. 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. Experienced rock climbers can climb the routes on their own. iconPictureUrl: "logo", Leashed pets are welcome within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Few things beat the thrill of a road trip. I saw pictures of them but never saw them in their natural setting until traveling West. Event starts on Friday, 24 February 2023 and happening at Phoenix, Arizona, USA, Phoenix, AZ. DIG IN-PERSON: Summer Flowers - It's So Hot, What Do I Grow? This type of plant isnt exactly a tree, although some Joshua trees reach nearly 50 feet in height. Now it sits on Lake Havasu, surrounded by an oasis in the arid desert of Arizona. Trippy is where Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. It happens to be the largest variety of yucca, and also serves as the home for birds, mammals and reptiles. next trip! It covers 340 miles and will take you 5 hours and 20 minutes to cover this road trip with minimal stops in between. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractionsthe road is his page. Very cool. starting from Phoenix 36 minutes Surprise 2.5 hours Ripley 54 minutes Desert Center 1 hour Joshua Tree National Park. stay overnight and leave the next day around 11:00 am, 11:00 am leave from T-Rocks There are a few times the hike seems to peak, but you turn the mountain and continue. Although the national park has reopened for the public to enjoy, visitors are encouraged to review the alerts and conditionshere. Try searching for places within 3.5 hours of Phoenix. It was 1993 when I first traveled this road on my way from Cave Creek, AZ to Vegas. The scenic road is worth a drive even if you dont plan on spending much time on top. Climb the desert dunes of the Mojave Natural Preserve and peer out the window of your car . Read More. 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. Barker Dam, also known as the Big Horn Dam, is a water-storage facility located in Joshua Tree National Park in California. enabled: true, The Oasis Visitor Center is located at74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA. Adjust the options below to cater the website to your accessibility needs. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. As Joshua Tree lies in a desert, it all comes down to the level of your heat tolerance. Palm Springs. 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. If you were to drive nonstop, it would take about 4 hours driving roughly 291 miles straight to Joshua Tree National Park. You are back in the Sonoran Desert again, and drive through driving Kingsman and Wickenburg. Cheers! documentTracking: { Celebrate the season with these deals and offers at Greater Phoenix hotels and resorts. 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. Pickup locations. With Los Angeles, California, about two hours to the west of the southern entrance to Joshua Tree, and Phoenix, Arizona, three hours to the east, a convenient road trip itinerary begins in Joshua Tree and heads north toward Death Valley. Even though you can cover this road trip from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park in a single day, we suggest you take a few days, stopping overnight in exciting places along the route and enjoying everything they have to offer. It is an ideal destination for an overnight stay, especially after a day-long drive through the deserts of Arizona. Joshua Tree and Grand Canyon Road Trip - Joshua Tree National Park California, Nevada, Arizona This road trip includes parks: Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Kaibab National Forest and more! Any suggestions? Just over 30 minutes south off I-10,thisrefuge is a walk on the wild side thats worth the drive. Accommodation prices may also be slightly cheaper during these times. Mammoth Lakes (and maybe Devils Postpile National Monument), Make sure you have a reservation before visiting Yosemite National Park, Spend Time Along Tioga Road During the Hottest Summer Days, For the Best Experience, Spend Multiple Days at Yosemite, 11 Best Stops On A Road Trip From Phoenix To Durango, 11 Great Day Trips From Phoenix Perfect For Summer, Driving the Apache Trail near Phoenix, Arizona, Ancient Maya Ruins and Archaeological Sites. The route continues on to the Wests Most Western Town of Wickenburg, a classic Old West town where cowboys roam and artists reign. The social distance requirement in Joshua Tree is 2 metres. This will take you to the breathtaking Joshua Tree National Park. If you plan to visit more than 3 national parks, historic sites, or monuments in a one year period, I recommend the America the Beautiful Pass, which costs $80 for one year entry into all national sites including national parks. Eventually, the environment changed, but only slightly, as we passed from the Sonoran to the Mojave Desert, and from Arizona into California. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. The entrance to the parks is about 100 miles from Yosemite, or about two to two-and-a-half hours. Joshua Tree is a town located along California State Route 62 between the communities of Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it Catch your breath and enjoy the refreshing sunshine for a day. Thanks for the input. While the history of this Basin dates back to ancient times, the lake was accidentallycreated by Colorado River runoffin 1905. Or get a full Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park flight plan. For some, a RV sets off romantic notions of going on unplanned journeys, stopping whenever one feels tired. You can visit stunning beaches just a short drive from this hotel. There are more than 8,000 rock climbing routes in this park. Here you can find incredible rock formations formed through erosion by wind and water. who wants the trip to end? Address:62-510 Chiriaco Road, Chiriaco Summit, CA. Hours: Day use and campground open 24 hours. Planning the trip to Joshua Tree. If you choose the longer route, take I-10 W and follow it to Buckeye. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. Horseshoe Bend is a natural phenomenon near the Utah border that offers a natural vista and a horseshoe meander of the Colorado River. Pricey lodging won't be a hindrance to your budget during this time. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. 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 . It begins in Wikieup, with landmarks such as the Snoopy-piloted Wikieup arrow and Wikieup Trading Post. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Cheers, Mike. 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. Scenic Roads: Joshua Trees Parkway in Arizona. Youll also pass Lake Pleasant Regional Park, one of the popular outdoor recreations place, another opportunity for a stop before the city. Thru-the-years, these dedicated people had faith in Nothing, hoped for Nothing, worked at Nothing, for Nothing.. We started off in the greener Sonoran desert, home of the giant saguaro, in bloom this time of the year. And that old Joshua tree in Cave Creek is still there, nestled amongst some fruit trees and a good size Saguaro I planted about the same time. The trail is well marked and well trafficked. Joshua Tree has standard national park fees, which is $30 per vehicle for a 7 day pass to that national park only. For beachy, summer vibes, head over to the beautiful Gateway Park in downtown Yuma on the banks of Colorado Rover with a stunning beach. About two hours later, 100 miles past Mt Whitney, youll reach Mammoth Lakes, with its surrounding pine forests and lakes. We didnt stay in the park overnight, but our reservation entitled us to enter the park for three consecutive days. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Monument Valley. }, Admission:Private soaking areas, $15per person(ages 16 and under are free) Which is the most scenic route? We always love a scenic route! Scattered Clouds. Joshua Tree National Park to Phoenix drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Easily find and keep track of places to stay, local dining, unique experiences andtours, and even find events happening during your trip. Most of the main sights are along the main road, or a short drive on a smaller side road. Busy cities and desolate ghost towns. For a short and direct journey to Joshua Tree National Park, get on Interstate 10 (I-10) W from W Washington St and follow it to Phoenix Bypass Rte in Buckeye. You will reach Gila Bend and continuing on this Interstate for a bit longer, you will reach Yuma, the perfect place to stay overnight on this route. Weve seen a few cars (and motorcycles) turned around from the gate because they didnt have one. Monument Valley is a great option for a weekend road trip from Phoenix. Visit the stunning city of San Diego where you will get a chance to take a dip in the ocean. trip dates & more! Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Both spring and fall are great times to visit Joshua Tree National Park with temperatures ranging between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. We are traveling from Desert Palms to Joshua Tree to Phoenix (Sun City West, actually) next week. Or maybe it was just good timing. Hey Becky, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience. Well, you are not the only one. Once inside the park, youll appreciate this system; I know I did, since it limits the number of visitors to the park. Subscribed to personalized events updates! The El Dorado Hot Springs checkall the boxes of both a roadside attraction and a hidden gem. It includes one stop, the Salton Sea which is a huge blue saline body of water and a former popular tourist spot. At Milepost 147, youll start seeing giant boulders piled on top of each other. Youll find a few of the lakes surrounded by pine forests and hiking trails. 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. And if you know Phoenix well, please help your fellow Hours:Open 24 hours a day, year-round. This southern California national park road trip to Joshua Tree and Death Valley is the third and final installment of our 3-part series on national parks to visit this spring. Once your exploration is done, you can return to Interstate 10 to continue your journey to Joshua Tree. This desert city will give you the chance to finally succumb to your beach dreams - all without having to leave Arizona. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Discover how to get to attractions and hotels near Joshua Tree. If you frequent a Phoenix to Sin City road trip, then you've probably already seen Arizona's own Joshua Tree Forest. Admission: Adults,$11; seniors and prior military, $9; ages 7-12, $6; ages 6 and under & active duty military, free. Alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a bus from Phoenix Bus Station to Palm Springs North twice daily. If youre like us, just stoping on your way to Yosemite, drive to the trailhead, hike about a mile or so on the summit trail and enjoy time in the pines. This amazing viewpoint in Joshua Tree National Park will give you panoramic views over the California desert. Being set 309 miles from Joshua Tree, Phoenix offers bus trips as it is a good solution for last-minute reservations or cheap journey. And, to see the original London Bridge, the same one the childrens rhyme claimed was falling down. or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. This is a popular time for tourists because of the pools and beaches. These sand dunes are very beautiful and have oftentimes made an appearance in film shoots. Though they introduced the reservation system because of CoVid-19, I am glad they are keeping it so far; It really isnt difficult to get one, and offers a better experience overall for everyone inside the park. defaultLanguage: "", In the 50 and 60s it's warm water and sandy beachesdrew droves of visitors including Rock Hudson, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis and other Hollywoodelites for a wide variety of recreation and relaxation activities. The park was neglected between 1988 and 1996, while the ACLU sued San Bernardino County for separation of church and state issues, after which a nonprofit foundation took over and renovated the park. So we enjoyed the views of blooming saguaros, surrounded by low hills and high mountains. by calculating the distance from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:28 pmdrive for about 57 minutes, 2:25 pm stay at White Tank Campground Here are six stops tomake your next journey just as exciting as the destination. Joshua Tree is 1h behind Phoenix. to each other and sharing tips and advice. Since we would pass right by it on our road trip to Yosemite, we felt we needed to stop and enjoy some time on the mountain. 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. What are the travel restrictions in Joshua Tree? With at least 25 national parks, monuments, and recreation areas within a 500-mile radius of the city, you can plan a road trip itinerary for as long as 10 days with stops at some of the country's most . With an Art Deco setup, the on-site restaurant provides AAA/CAA Four Diamond cuisine. Once you've bounced back, follow Broadway and Eleventh Ave to CA-163 N. From there, drive from Moreno Valley Fwy to Whitewater. Take a trip to the interior of Southern California and its unique desert landscapes, best enjoyed in spring, winter and fall. Petrified and Organ Pipe Road Trip Arizona It is a great place to experience the best of the Mojave Desert, and learn about this unique environment. Our vote for accommodation goes to The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel. textDarkColor: "#ffffff", . If you're planning a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park, you can research locations to stop along the way. While Mr. Rex's Dinosaur Adventure and the gift shop may be closed in accordance with CDC guidelines, the outdoor dinosaur trail isavailable seven days a week. A short interpretive trail starting at the Visitor Center gives you more choices to explore the surroundings. Phoenix, and Beyond Hot tub, sun terrace, table tennis, dart, and an outdoor swimming pool make for a fun and relaxing stay. Fancy a steer through a forgotten Californian oasis or a dip in the hot springs on your way to a popular retreat spot? Go a little further and youll reach Milepost 147, which is where you will see some rocks piled on top of each other. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $120-$190 and takes 7h 37m. The distance between Phoenix and Joshua Tree is 399 km. They can live for hundreds of years, while some specimens can also survive a thousand years. BMT1071. ", Note: Please do not attempt to hike the length of the summit trail, unless you are prepared for it, have the proper gear, and experience. We see that there is Rt 10 on the south and Rt 62 to Rt 72 to Rt 60 coming from the north. I believe we took the route 93, though I cannot remember for sure. Serene desert gardens, one-of-a-kind museums, award-winning dining and more: Make sure these, From museums to outdoor excursions, here are the details on what's open in Greater Phoenix for the. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Where To Shop in USA: From Budget-Friendly Items to Luxurious . Entrance fees still apply, this is just a way to ensure you can actually enter the park. But, in the '70s, heavy rain from a series of tropical storms caused the to flood its banks and devastated shoreline businesses andsurrounding towns. It was, indeed, getting swallowed by the Thames River, before it ended up in the middle of the desert of Phoenix. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Joshua Tree? Park Blvd and Pinto Basin Road In Joshua Tree are scenic, paved, and well maintained. Last updated: 1 Mar 2023 It was mostly a two lane road back then but the pace was very quick because everyone was in a hurry to get to Vegas. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions Find pet-friendly stops. I'm also going to check out if we will be close to Park Blvd and Pinto Basin Road. Unfortunately, when we visited, in early June, the National Monument wasnt open for the season yet. Joshua Tree Death Valley Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park Yosemite Redwoods Lassen Volcanic National Park Pacific Northwest National Park Road Trip Crater Lake National Park Olympic National Park Mount Rainier North Cascades Florida National Park Road Trip Everglades National Park Dry Tortugas East Coast National Park Road Trip Tickets cost $27-$65 and the journey takes 7h. Note: Joshua Tree National Park used to offer a free shuttle . Take exit 94 off I-10 and within half a mile, you'll find yourself in the midst of desert oasis. You will see a sign that says The staunch citizens of Nothing are full of hope, faith, and believe in the work ethic. Carina from San Francisco asked:First-timer weekend in Joshua tree with girlfriends (3 answers), Michael from Venice Beach asked:Best campsites at Joshua Tree? Visit Phoenix is the source for everything you'll need to knowabout the nations sunniest major city as well as Sonoran Desert. 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. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, 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. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. It is a cultural center of California, featuring a thriving craft beer industry. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. textColor: "#ffffff", Halfway Point Between Phoenix, AZ and Joshua Tree, CA. While it is not exactly an official park or destination, there are a few spots to pull off and take in the sights. Striated canyon walls straddle the highway while saguaro cacti, ocotillo, scrub and distant mountains paint the landscape. Mailing Address: 74485 National Park Drive. We rented a car for the day to check out the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West (Skywalk was cool! Walter Sound Labs Open Decks Thursday (Breaks edition) hosted by Fraktured Phoenix. Top Stops Between Joshua Tree & Death Valley. You will also love looking at the highway from your window which is sandwiched by the striated canyon walls in yellow, white, and taupe. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. 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. The main road through the park leads through a few famous landmarks and large patches of Joshua Trees. Located halfway between Los Angeles and Phoenix, Joshua Tree National Park is actually extremely accessible. Free. coordinates: "unset unset 3 20", ), we recommend adding a few stops to exploresomeof the top hidden gems along the way. This 113-mile Cycling Trip Through Joshua Tree Is the Best Way to Stargaze and Explore Cool California Towns The trip includes transfers from Palm Springs, as well as meals and use of. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. I wouldn't call many of the main stops "hikes", but rather trail-walking (1 to 2 miles round trip) along mostly flat and comfortable roads. If your answer is yes, you are just like the Mormon settlers when they first saw the plant. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience. A large, Hopi-style pueblo, built in the Pueblo Revival Style, it contains artworks, artifacts of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures, and memorabilia of early desert homesteader life. You are about to drive to Joshua Tree and need the right music to set the tone and ensure the proper vibes.seek no further. It was so cool, and added to an otherwise already great day! Covering a lot of miles, the road trip to Yosemite took us through some of the most spectacular and famous landscapes in the US. to double check the weather. Today, the museum promotes peace by honoring the service and sacrifice of Americas veterans while educating the public on modern U.S. military history through the preservation and interpretation of artifacts from the major conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. The visitor centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Climb Smart in December is a four-day event packed with action and educational experiences. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the There are five distinctly different pools to choose from, depending on whether you're in the mood for the shady Duck Pondor the sunny Desert Vista. Joshua Tree is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a quick weekend getaway, being just a stone's throw away from LA. 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. To take a different route, you can drive back to Phoenix through Lake Havasu City, home to the famous London Bridge. It also features a spa, wellness center and fitness center. buttonHoverColor: "#0A3859", To get to Glacier Point, youd have to take a long hike during this season. 720 miles. Which is the most scenic route? 1st sizable road trip for me. Nicknamed the Sunniest City on Earth, Yuma offers sunshine 90% of the year. It takes approximately 4h 50m to drive from Phoenix to Joshua Tree. The other route goes north via rt 62 to rt 72 to rt 60. 9 a.m. 7 p.m. Monday through Friday This section could be endless, so rather than trying to One Month I stood there at Lipan Point for a while, enjoying resting my legs at the end of my 3.5-day, 57.5-mile trip through the Grand Canyon, when finally I realized that today, May 23rd, marked exactly one month since I had left Pennsylvania for Exotic wildlife and bold wildflowers. JOSHUA TREE - Best Things To Do In Joshua Tree - YouTube Joshua Tree is like no other place in California. But once inside, check-in is low key: You'll likely be greeted by any combination of the peacocks, ducks, chickens andquail, make your payment, getdirections to the private soaking pool you reserved (yes, reservations are required)and from there you can pull your car right up to that area. There is the option of camping in the wild but if you'd prefer a hotel, we've got you! The entrance to both parks is the same, but once passed the gate, we chose to visit Kings Canyon National Park first. 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Winding through large groves of sequoias, and showcasing a fallen log you can walk through, the trail follows a flat terrain, with few obstacles. This makes it easily accessible from a whole bunch of spots! 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. On a hot day, youll find the best hikes on the higher elevations, surrounding the alpine lakes along Tioga Road. Thanks for stopping by. It really is a wonderful drive. You can enjoy gorgeous sunny weather without worrying about crowds. The park has seen more visitors as its popularity increases. Those raring for an exciting stop in their road trip through the Sunshine State will also find plenty of things to do in this Southern Californian gem. And seeing the nearby Noah Purifoy Outdoor museum, even a short visit to Pioneertown. But now it whispers the interesting and chilling story of its lost glory, with waters that are now unsuitable for swimming and fishing. It's not just the sand, though. When planning a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, you'll ideally want to be in the park for both sunrise and sunset. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Overnight camping, $50 per person ($100 minimum for overnight stay) from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Other than the two small Arizona towns, youll drive through a Joshua Tree forest, in certain parts more dense than Joshua Tree National Monument. With temperatures hovering above the 100F (over 38 degrees Celsius), summer is not the ideal time to visit this park, but a short stop is still worth it. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines fly from Phoenix to Joshua Tree every 4 hours. I have yet to do the Skywalkneed to do that one of these days. Distance. One of the stops youll encounter is Nothing. Camping along the way? Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best.