Our Family Trip to Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree, California, is pure magic—scenic hikes, endless desert trails, and park landscapes that make you pause and soak it all in. Over three days, our family stayed in a cozy Airbnb just outside the park. We spent our days climbing rocks, chasing the sun, and soaking up every moment. From the best kid-friendly hikes to where to stay, here’s everything we loved about exploring Joshua Tree as a family.
Ready for more California adventures? Check out our recent trips to Disneyland and San Diego next!
What’s So Special About Joshua Tree?
This part of Southern California feels like another world. The landscape is shaped by two deserts—the Mojave and the Colorado. They come together to create a mix of towering Joshua trees, scattered cacti, and smooth rock formations.
Joshua Tree National Park is known for its stunning scenery and wildlife, from jackrabbits darting across trails to the occasional bighorn sheep sighting. It’s a dream for photographers, whether capturing the golden glow of sunrise, the deep orange hues of sunset, or the endless star-filled skies at night.
Beyond hiking, there’s plenty to do. Some visitors come for rock climbing, camping, biking, or even horseback riding, while others just want to take in the views. We came for the hikes, but after seeing how much the kids loved it, we’re already talking about coming back—maybe next time in an RV so we can stay right inside the park!
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree offers a mix of accommodations, from rustic desert cabins to boutique hotels, but for this trip, we stayed at La Choza in 29 Palms, a luxury Airbnb just 15 minutes from the park.
The house was designed for relaxation, with mountain views from every window and a heated saltwater pool that felt amazing after long days on the trails.
One of the highlights was the kitchen. Fully stocked with high-end cookware, stylish dinnerware, and every appliance imaginable—from a blender and highchair to a coffee machine and water purifier—it made cooking easy and fun.
Instead of dining out, we took advantage of the space, making quinoa bowls with sumac chicken, roasted red pepper and carrots, black beans, and a cilantro ranch sauce for dinner. Mornings started with an asparagus, scallion, and feta frittata, which lasted us a couple of days.
Between the kitchen setup and the cozy atmosphere, it was the kind of stay that made the trip feel even more special.
Weather in Joshua Tree
The desert climate can be unpredictable, swinging from intense heat to freezing cold depending on the season. While it doesn’t seem like a place that gets snow, it actually does—along with occasional rain. The best times to visit are fall and spring, when temperatures range from 50°F to 85°F, making outdoor adventures more comfortable. If you’re planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to check the current weather conditions before heading out.
Exploring Joshua Tree National Park
February turned out to be the perfect time to visit. The park is open year-round, but avoiding the peak season meant fewer crowds and cooler weather—great for hiking with kids. While we stuck to the trails, camping, stargazing, biking, and horseback riding are all popular activities in the park.
With four visitor centers, including one in downtown Twentynine Palms, there are plenty of spots to stop and grab maps or ask rangers for advice. But once inside, it’s a true desert experience. No water, limited cell service, and miles of open space, so it’s important to come prepared.
Best Hiking Trails for Kids
Some of Joshua Tree’s most famous hikes are surprisingly kid-friendly, with plenty of places to climb and explore.
Hall of Horrors quickly became a favorite. Despite the ominous name, it’s an easy, flat loop trail, less than a mile long, with plenty of rock formations and narrow slot canyons to explore. Crew was thrilled to scramble up some of the boulders—nothing too challenging, just enough to feel like an adventure. The landscape is unique, with dramatic formations and tight spaces that add a bit of a thrill, but nothing too intense for little hikers.
Skull Rock Trail, was another must-do. It’s a 1.7-mile loop that takes about 40 minutes to complete. The trail winds past cacti, desert plants, and, of course, the famous skull-shaped boulder that gives it its name. It’s an easy walk with plenty to see along the way.
For anyone looking for even more options, Hidden Valley and Barker Dam are great choices. Both are short, scenic, and perfect for families wanting an easy yet rewarding hike.
Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Bring water, salty snacks, and sunscreen—there’s no water inside the park, so it’s essential to pack everything you need.
Download maps ahead of time—cell reception is unreliable, and it’s easy to lose service.
No pets on the trails—dogs aren’t allowed on hiking paths, so plan accordingly.
Buy your park pass in advance—purchasing ahead of time at recreation.gov speeds up entry.
Respect the park—pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, and avoid feeding wildlife.
A Cozy Moment: Tea at Más o Menos
After spending so much time on the trails, a stop at Más o Menos in Joshua Tree town was the perfect way to unwind. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxed, and the tea selection was exactly what we needed before heading back out for another hike.
Planning Our Next Trip: Camping in Joshua Tree
We had so much fun that we’re already thinking about what a future trip might look like. Camping inside the park sounds like an entirely different experience, and since the kids loved it so much, we’re considering getting an RV to make it happen.
For families thinking about camping, there are several campgrounds within the park, with Hidden Valley, Jumbo Rocks, and Cottonwood being some of the best options. Next time, we’ll be coming prepared to sleep under the stars and experience Joshua Tree in a whole new way.
Common Questions
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Spring and fall are perfect, with comfortable temperatures between 50°F and 85°F.
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Yes, but it’s worth staying longer. While a day trip allows for quick stops at major landmarks, staying overnight means more time for hiking, stargazing, and fully experiencing the park.
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Absolutely! The terrain is perfect for little climbers, and there are plenty of short, easy hikes that make it family-friendly.
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No, but you can find plenty of dining options in Joshua Tree town, 29 Palms, and Yucca Valley. We opted to cook at our Airbnb, which was a great decision.
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