Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree National Park With Kids
Are you looking for all the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park with kids? Read on for our family friendly guide, including short hikes, stargazing, local fun, and all the logistics you need to know to plan your trip to Joshua Tree with kids.
Joshua Tree is one of the most unique National Parks we’ve visited and one of our favorites with kids.
Initially, we thought Joshua Tree would be one of the more “boring” parks for our kids who complain about traditional hiking and having no cell phone service. Turns out, though, there’s a ton to do in Joshua Tree with kids.
First, there are tons of super short hikes in Joshua Tree for kids. We all know how flat, regular hikes go. If my kids can’t parkour or play floor is lava, it’s just not fun enough. Joshua Tree’s trails pack a lot of bang for your buck and I promise your kids will forget they are even hiking with all the rock climbing and exploring they’ll do!
Meander through what seems like a Dr. Seuss book, visit old mining stations, and discover interesting shaped rocks shapes like hearts, skulls, and hats. And of course one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park with kids is climbing through the boulder caves. Hall of Horrors was a highlight of our trip.
Many of the ‘must visit’ spots aren’t more than half a mile’s walk, and the longer trails offer kids plenty of room to run, jump, and climb! Even my seven year old went an hour without asking for an ipad…
Joshua Tree is also one of the biggest National Parks in the NPS system, at almost 800,000 acres, with no shortage of campgrounds, unique landscapes, jaw dropping viewpoints, and desert oases.
Kids will love rock climbing at their campground, visiting the epic Key’s View with breathtaking sights of Coachella Valley (okay, maybe that one was more for the adults), and marveling at the changing scenery from the Joshua Trees to the cacti to the rock formations.
And of course a trip to Joshua Tree for kids is incomplete without Junior Ranger led activities or the badge program. Our boys absolutely loved learning about the high and low deserts and all of the plants and animals that miraculously survive the harsh climate. Even we learned quite a bit as adults, too!
So let’s jump right into our ultimate guide to visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids!
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Table of Contents
Info About Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is known to have a distinct desert ecosystem, uniquely positioned and protecting where two deserts meet: the Mojave and the Colorado.
The western half of Joshua Tree National Park is in the Mojave Desert, or the “high desert,” which sits between 2,000 and 4/5,000 feet of elevation. The slightly cooler temperatures enable unique desert species to thrive, including the famous Joshua Trees.
The eastern half of the park sits at the edge of the Colorado Desert, or “low desert.” The elevation here – under 2,000 feet – yields less rainfall, hotter temperatures, and barren landscapes home to some of the most resilient species, like the Chola Cactus. One of our favorite things to do in Joshua Tree National Park with kids was to look for all the desert animals that somehow make a home out of the scorching desert.
Joshua Tree was declared a National Monument in 1936 and redesignated as a National Park in 1994 via the California Desert Protection Act.
Fees for Joshua Tree National Park
- $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle
- Visitors 16 years and older on foot are $15 per person
- An annual pass to Joshua Tree National Park is $55 per year
- An annual NPS pass is $80 and would cover entrance fees to Joshua Tree and all other NPS sites
Best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park
Listen, the California desert is scorching in the summer. But if you’re planning to visit Joshua Tree National Park with kids, we understand that summer may be your only option. This was the case for us as east coast residents and non homeschoolers/van lifers.
We visited during a summer heatwave and temperatures were 116+ every day. Plan for evening or early morning hikes, pack way more water than you think you’ll need, and exercise general caution in the heat. We packed lightweight clothing (no cotton), kept our heads covered, used cooling towels, and kept hikes to half a mile or under. We also spent a lot of time in the air conditioned car and hiding out in shade.
Summer nights are also the best time to view the Milky Way Galaxy, since Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park (more on that below!).
If you’re flexible, the absolute best time to visit Joshua Tree with kids or without, is between March and May or between the end of September and November. During these times, the desert is more temperate with an average high of 85 degrees.
All that said, Joshua Tree does occasionally get snow in winter and I would love to visit one day for the desert snowfall.
How Long do You Need in Joshua Tree for Kids and Families
We personally think there are a ton of things to do in Joshua Tree National Park with kids, and would recommend at least three days for outdoorsy families.
If your little ones won’t hike too much you can get away with two days. Note though that there are still fun excursions in and around Twenty Nine Palms and the town of Joshua Tree for kids and families that you’ll probably want to leave time for!
Getting to Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree isn’t as remote as it seems. While it feels desolate, it’s actually only:
- 140 miles east of Los Angeles
- 175 miles northeast of San Diego
- 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada
- 222 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona
Directions to Joshua Tree National Park:
The park is sandwiched between i10 and Twenty Nine Palms Highway (California Highway 62):
- West Entrance: located in the village of Joshua Tree off Highway 62, about 31 miles northwest east of the junction between i10 and CA-62
- North Entrance: located in Twenty Nine Palms off Highway 62, about 52 miles west of the junction between CA-62 and CA-177
- South Entrance: located off i10, about 25 miles east of Indio
Where to stay in Joshua Tree National Park with Kids
While there is no lodging available in Joshua Tree National Park, however there are five campgrounds within park boundaries. You can also find campgrounds and RV parks outside of the park, as well as hotel, motel, and rental accommodations in the neighboring towns.
Black Rock Campground
- 99 sites
- 4,000 feet in elevation
- water, flushing toilets, tables, fire grates, dump station
- equestrian sites available
Cottonwood
- 62 sites
- 3,000 feet in elevation
- water, flushing toilets, tables, fire grates, dump station
- group sites available
Indian Cove
- 101 sites
- 3,200 feet in elevation
- pit toilets, tables, fire grates. No water
- group sites available
Jumbo Rocks
- 124 sites
- 4,400 feet in elevation
- pit toilets, tables, fire grates. No water
Ryan
- 31 sites
- 4,300 feet in elevation
- pit toilets, tables, fire grates. No water
- equestrian sites available
All five campgrounds can be reserved six months out on recreation.gov.
First Come First Served Camping
All have pit toilets, tables, and fire grates. No water is available.
- Belle: 18 sites, 3,800 feet in elevation
- Hidden Valley: 44 sites, 4,200 feet in elevation
- White Tank: 15 sites, 3,800 feet in elevation
Where to Stay Outside of Joshua Tree National Park
Camping
There are dozens of private campgrounds and RV sites around Joshua Tree National Park. The NPS has a list of developed campgrounds available.
Hipcamp also has diverse options for tent camping, RV sites, and even unique stays near Joshua Tree National Park, like shipping containers, yurts, and ranches.
Lastly, dispersed camping is available on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM land allows camping except within 300 feet of of roadways. The land has no developed facilities, including no toilets, water, or trash cans. Campfires require a permit.
Hotels, Rentals, etc near Joshua Tree National Park
If you’re visiting Joshua Tree with kids, you may be looking for accommodations with more amenities. I’m not the biggest fan of certain home rental companies, but I do think it’s nice to have a hot shower, a place to cook a meal for picky kids, and a place to play board games. We also love to chill out at a hotel pool after a day of hiking.
You’ll find excellent rental options in the small town of Joshua Tree and in 29 Palms, where there are also shops, restaurants, and plenty of coffee. Search booking . com for Cabins and rentals near Joshua Tree National Park.
We absolutely loved our mid-century style rental in 29 Palms, with games, laundry, plenty of comfortable seating, a fully stocked kitchen, and gorgeous outdoor patio. The checkout list was reasonable, too!
What to Pack for Joshua Tree National Park With Kids
Don’t forget to pack hiking essentials, including safety equipment, tracking devices, maps, and plenty of water and food.
Hiking Gear
- We always carry the ten essentials: a basic first aid kit, navigation, a knife, fire starter, headlamps, sun protection, an emergency blanket, extra food, extra water, and extra clothes (especially socks!) in a day pack.
- Our kids carry their own water and snacks in a 1.5L hydration pack
- GPS: we use AllTrails offline maps (subscription required) with a solar powered charger or power bank for our phones. If you’re hiking remotely, a GPS with an SOS like the Garmin In Reach Mini is key.
- Osprey Poco Plus child carrier – great for kid carrying six months and up.
- Trekking Poles – help with stability and weight distribution, especially if kid carrying or hiking on uneven terrain
- Quality hiking shoes for kids and hiking boots for adults
Read more about our top hiking gear for kids and families.
Camping Gear:
- Tent: we have the REI coop 4 person backpacking tent and love it
- Sleeping pads: we have two of these queen size ultra light sleeping pads
- Sleeping bags: we use the 40 degree Kelty Mistral (it’s the budget one!) and our kids use these inexpensive Coleman 50 degree.
- Light: Black Diamond tent lantern light
- Cooking: Jet Boil Flash Cooking System
- A solar powered charger comes in very handy when camping to keep devices charged
Note that most of the campsites in Joshua Tree National Park are closed during the summer due to the extreme heat.
Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park with Kids
Best Hikes in Joshua Tree with Kids
Joshua Tree is littered with unique rock formations and Dr. Seuss like cacti. We’ve rounded up our top hikes in Joshua Tree for kids and families. Many of them are incredibly short and along the main park loop, Park Blvd.
We recommend entering the Park at the North Entrance Station, in Twenty Nine Palms, and stopping at the Ranger Station to grab Junior Ranger packets and trail maps first.
Joshua Tree becomes extremely hot in the warmer months. Even moderate hikes may not recommended in the heat. During the Summer, begin short and easy hikes prior to 9am and exercise caution.
Short Hikes in Joshua Tree With Kids:
- Arch Rock Trail: 1.4 miles | lollipop train
- A flat but rocky trail with a .6 mile trail, leading to a .2 mile loop, featuring the famous Arch Rock. You can add Heart Rock on via a short fork in the lollipop portion of the trail, making for a 1.6 mile total hike.
- Discovery Trail: 0.7 miles | loop
- This short hike connects the Split Rock and Skull Rock trails at Face Rock
- Ryan Ranch: 1 mile | out and back
- An old ranch roads leads hikers to a historic adobe structure.
- Cap Rock Nature Trail: 0.4 miles | loop
- Discover fun boulders and rocks, including one that is shaped like a hat.
- Hidden Valley Nature Trail: 1 mile | loop
- A rock enclosed valley that was rumored to have been used by cattle rustlers
- Barker Dam: 1.1 miles | loop
- Explore cultural history and and a water tank build by cattle ranchers. You may even see bighorn sheep!
- Cholla Cactus Garden: 0.25 miles | loop
- Meander through thousands of naturally growing Cholla Cacti along a short loop.
- Oasis of Mara: 0.5 miles | loop
- A short walk near the Oasis Visitor’s Center that explores a desert oasis.
Moderate Hikes in Joshua Tree for Kids:
- Split Rock Loop: 2.5 miles | loop
- The 2.5 mile loop includes a spur to Face Rock (not to be confused with skull rock), but Split Rock itself is accessible from the Split Rock Picnic area parking lot, without much of a hike to access split rock at all.
- Skull Rock Nature Trail: 1.7 miles | loop
- A rock loop that explores boulders, washes, and the infamous Skull Rock.
- Hall of Horrors 0.6+ | loop
- The Hall of Horrors is a must visit spot with a short hike and two slot canyons. Also popular for rock climbing, it’s a fun area to spend some time exploring!
More Hikes Near Cottonwood Visitor’s Center:
- Bajada: 0.25 miles | loop
- Walk along a bajada (a desert lowland carved by stormwater and gravel deposits) and explore the plants of the Colorado Desert.
- Cottonwood Spring : 0.1 mile
- A very short walk to a fan palm oasis, with plenty of birds and shaded areas. Longer hikes can be added on to Mastodon Peak (3 miles) and Lost Palms Oasis (7.5 miles)
More things to do in Joshua Tree National Park with Kids
Into nature but not the hiking? While Joshua Tree is perfect for hiking and climbing, the park offers a bit more if you don’t want to trek too far.
These options are also great for visiting Joshua Tree with kids who can’t hike far, or for a summer visit when you want to keep your exertion to a minimum.
Take a Scenic Drive
Did you know most parks have a free driving tour available though the NPS app? Download the offline interface before entering any National Park and experience driving tours, maps, and so much more!
Park Boulevard
Park Boulevard is the main loop through Joshua Tree National Park that connects the 29 Palms entrance with the entrance in the town of Joshua Tree. The drive will take you past tons of the must see rock formations, including Split Rock, Skull Rock, Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Cap Rock, and the Hall of Horrors
Key’s View
From Park Boulevard, near Cap Rock, you can take Key’s View Road for about 5.5 miles down to one of the most epic viewpoints in Joshua Tree National Park, overlooking Coachella Valley.
The short walk from the parking lot at Key’s View was one of the easiest in Joshua Tree for kids since it’s paved and super short.
Go Star Gazing / Observe the Milky Way
As an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree has some of the darkest evening skies. Designated Star Gazing areas are the parking lots of Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Ryan Mountain
During the summer months, especially on moon-less nights, the Milky Way Galaxy is visible to the naked eye! Since there is light pollution from the surrounding towns, it’s recommended to drive down into the Pinto Basin to best view the dark skies without the light creeping over the horizon. We headed down Pinto Basin Road and enjoyed Milky Way Views from a number of parking lots along the way!
Become a Junior Ranger
All National Park sites offer the Junior Ranger Program, and packets are available for pickup at the Visitor’s Center and Park Entrance Booths. We personally recommend grabbing them from the Visitor’s Center in case the booths run out and to grab maps, chat with park staff about hiking conditions, and peruse the gift shop.
The Junior Ranger Booklet at Joshua Tree National Park was great for our kids, who were five and seven at the time of our visit. The booklet is colorful, that tons of age appropriate activities, and taught the kids (and me!) a lot about the geology of Joshua Tree.What’s nearby Joshua Tree for Kids?
Things to do Nearby Joshua Tree National Park with Kids:
- Noah Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
- ‘Transmission’ Sculpture
- Coyote Corner Gift Shop / General Store
- Joshua Tree Friendly Hills Park
Restaurants / Food / Coffee Shops Near Joshua Tree National Park
- Kitchen in the Desert: Caribbean inspired, quirky aesthetic, one of the best meals I’ve had in my whole life
- GRND SQRL: good eats, casual vibes, craft beer, and a kids’ menu
- Joshua Tree Coffee Company: organic, sustainably crafted coffee
- The Dez: coffee bar, breakfast sandwiches, lunch, and snacks
- Sky High Pie: artisan pizza in the desert
If you’re looking for more to tack onto a road trip, we’d recommend the following:
Other close by National Park Sites
- Mojave National Preserve (70 miles | 1 hour, 15 minutes)
- Channel Islands National Park (199 miles to Ventura | 4 hours)
- Death Valley National Park (248 miles | 4 hours)
- Sequoia / King’s Canyon National Park (311 miles | 5 hours, 30 minutes)
- Grand Canyon National Park (366 miles | 5 hours, 30 minutes)
Close by cities and California Attractions
- Indio, CA (26 miles | 30 minutes)
- Coachella, CA (27 miles | 35 minutes)
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA (52.5 miles | 1 hour)
- Disneyland (120 miles | 2 hours 30 minutes)
- Los Angeles, CA (131 miles | 2 hours 30 minutes)
- Universal Studios Hollywood (145 miles | 3 hours)
- San Diego, CA(164 miles | 3 hours)
- Las Vegas, NV (187 miles | 3 hours)
- Phoenix, AZ (233 miles | 3 hours 20 minutes)
Overall, would I recommend a trip to Joshua Tree National Park with kids? Absolutely!
With dozens of short hikes and rock formations to explore, it’s a hand’s on paradise for kiddos.
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