Packing for Adventure

Our day was split into two adventuring sessions. Before it got super hot, and after it was done being super hot. With triple-digit temperatures, this ended up being the perfect way to experience the park without completely melting.

Before It Got Super Hot: 6 AM to 10 AM

Cholla Cactus Garden: 1st Stop

Our first stop was at the Cholla Cactus Garden. We got there right at 7 AM. It’s about a 50 minute drive from the campground we stayed at. It is so beautiful and we loved it so much that we went there again at 4 PM after our siesta.

Arch Rock Nature Trail: 2nd Stop

I loved this trail! The rocks are easy to climb on, even in flip flops. The rocks are sticky- not to the touch, but meaning it’s hard to slip. It’s a short hike and level, the only thing that would make it difficult is the heat. We hit this trail around 7:30 AM to beat the heat, wandered a bit off the main path, and had a blast climbing and exploring.

Skull Rock Trail: 3rd Stop

The internet makes it seem like you have to hike to this spot, but we found parking right next to it. Though it would be worth hiking to if needed. It’s a pretty cool spot with lots of fun opportunities to climb around and take photos.

Hall of Horrors: 4th Stop

I knew from what I read online that this would be a rock climbing playground, so this is the only “hike” we did where I actually wore shoes instead of flip flops. There were people there with actual climbing gear and it would be so fun to do that. But there’s plenty to climb on that doesn’t require gear.

At this point we drove back to our campsite. We went to the visitor center and checked out the local souvenir shop and had lunch and a nap in our air-conditioned trailer. I’d like to point out we don’t typically nap on these trips, but what else can you do in the heat?

After It Was Done Being Super Hot: 3 PM to 7 PM

Cholla Cactus Garden: 5th Stop

We left our campsite around 3 PM and arrived for the second time right at 4 PM. Hands down my favorite spot in the park. I loved it so much we came twice despite the distance from our campground (45 minutes- everywhere else we went was closer).

These chollas seem to come out of nowhere. They are so beautiful and full of life; a shocking contrast to their bleak desert surroundings. It’s a short walk and easy to do even in the heat.

Split Rock Loop Trail: 6th Stop

The internet makes it seem like you have to hike over 2 miles to get to this, and since it was 104 degrees, it was not on my list to see. However Chris wanted to drive by and it turns out you can park right next to it, no hiking necessary! There is a loop trail, and we went on part of it. It ended up being one of my favorite stops, so I’m so glad Chris’s sense of curiosity lead us there.

Keys View: 7th Stop

This was the only stop that didn’t earn a five-star rating from us. Keys View overlooks Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, and while it’s worth a quick stop, it didn’t live up to the hype. The air quality didn’t help.

Maybe sunrise or sunset would be more impressive, but for us, it was just okay.

Cap Rock: 8th Stop

A short, uncrowded 0.3-mile loop, Cap Rock was a pleasant surprise. It was easy to stroll through and really soak in the scenery without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail: 9th Stop

We wrapped up the day with Hidden Valley, a 1-mile loop and one of the longer trails we did. The carved-out steps and enclosed feel of the valley made this a fun and visually interesting hike to end the day.

Final Thoughts

And that ended our visit to Joshua Tree National Park. Not bad for a last minute detour! Is it my favorite National Park I’ve been to? No. But it’s not my least favorite either, and we loved our time here! I’d definitely swing by again, but hopefully on a day not so hot!

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