48 Hours in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park - Global Dish - Stephanie Arsenault

I don’t know what it is about the desert that is so appealing to me, but I just can’t get enough of it. Maybe it’s because it’s so unlike where I grew up in Canada, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Maybe it’s because it’s the closest terrain to outer space that I’ll ever experience. Or, maybe it’s just because it’s so damn beautiful.

Regardless of the why, Joshua Tree {both the national park and the surrounding area} is a place unlike any other. Its namesake trees dot the landscape, giving it an unreal, Dr. Seuss-y feel, and the general atmosphere make it the perfect place for a unique experience. There’s a reason JT draws the attention of all kinds of people, from artists to outdoor-enthusiasts, and spiritual to UFO-seekers.

Monument House Joshua Tree - Global Dish - Stephanie Arsenault

thinking of taking a quick getaway to the desert? LET’S GET PLANNING!

WHEN TO GO

Fall and spring are the best times to head to the desert, as winter and summer can be mighty harsh; we’re talking chilly with biting winds in the winter, and melt-your-face-off hot in the summer. If you do happen to go in the winter, be prepared to dress in layers, and in the summer, try to get your outdoor activities done as early in the day as possible.

GET THERE

The west {main} entrance right outside of the town of Joshua Tree. It’s about two hours and 40 minutes from San Diego, and about two and a half hours from Los Angeles. If you’re flying into Palm Springs {or are already there}, it’s less than an hour away.

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK

If you want to take a little twenty-minute trip to Pioneertown, a stop at Pappy + Harriet’s is a must. The world-famous live-music venue {Paul McCartney, Feist, and Lucinda Williams are just a few who have performed there; and, the P+H house band, which plays on Sundays, is known to have some surprise guests!} has delicious BBQ, refreshing cocktails, cold beer, indoor and outdoor seating, and tons of character. Pioneertown itself is an old movie set, so it’s worth a visit just for fun.

Right in town is the Joshua Tree Saloon; a great spot for classic pub food and an ice-cold beer on their patio. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of shade for those hot days, and as a bonus, they’re pup-friendly!

For your morning cup of joe, be sure to stop by the Joshua Tree Coffee Company. Their brews are beloved by many, and you can even grab some of the house-roasted beans to go.

The Natural Sisters Café, just across the street from the coffee company, has all kinds of healthy vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch options. In fact, it’s the perfect place to grab a smoothie and a wrap to fuel up for a day of adventure in the park.

Landers Brew Co - Global Dish - Stephanie Arsenault

Fellow beer lovers, you’ve come to the right place. There are two local breweries in the area: the Joshua Tree Brewery has an impressive selection of brews, and you fill up a growler to-go or purchase some crowlers to keep you hydrated during your time in the desert {Disclaimer: water is more hydrating, obviously.}. The second, more outlandish option, is the Landers Brew Company. They collaborate with other breweries to brew their own beer, but they also have over 25 beers on draft and an extensive bottle list. They’ve got a kitchy outdoor beer garden, a stage for live music, and hold all kinds of events {like their Celestial Sundays drum circle and UFO discussion}.

WHERE TO STAY

Camping is a great option in the park during the more temperate months, and while some sites can be booked online, many are first-come, first-served. The Jumbo Rocks and Indian Cove sites are particularly stunning, and can be booked online, but they book up quickly so be prepared to make other accommodation arrangements.

Giant Boulders in Joshua Tree National Park - Global Dish - Stephanie Arsenault

For those who prefer to just sleep indoors {ahem… me}, there are plenty of unique options in the area. Our pick: The Ox House. This little AirBnB has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a huge living area, and a well-equipped kitchen. The hosts have put so much work into the details that it truly feels like a home away from home. From the garage-turned-game room to a record player and accompanying collection, there’s never a shortage of things to do or places to just chill. As an added bonus, the house sits on a pretty vast property, making for a peaceful trip with unbelievable star gazing opportunities, and the perfect spot to watch the sun set {or make the most of golden hour}. See more photos, below.

THE PARK

The west {main} entrance to the National Park is just ten minutes from downtown Joshua Tree, and can be accessed year-round, 24-hours a day. If you’re coming from elsewhere, there is also an entrance in Twentynine Palms and one near Cottonwood Spring, east of Indio.

The park is made up of two completely different ecosystems and is the transition zone of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. This combination makes for all kinds of geological wonders including protruding granite rock towers and snaking canyons created by erosion and weathering {hello, hikers and climbers!}, and a surprising amount of rare species of plants and cacti.

If wildlife spotting is your jam, keep your eyes out for all kinds of creatures, like bobcats, jackrabbits {they are absolutely everywhere}, lizards, snakes, the Mojave desert tortoise, over 250 species of birds, and more bees than you can possibly imagine.

Cholla Cactus in Joshua Tree National Park - Global Dish - Stephanie Arsenault

For those staying overnight in the park, it’s the perfect place to take advantage of the lack of light pollution and enjoy a bit of stargazing. In fact, Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky designated Dark Sky Park, so don’t forget to bring your telescope and camera {or just a comfy blanket to lay on while taking it all in}.

WORTHY DETOURS + THINGS TO DO

The Cactus Mart, located in Morongo Valley just over 20 minutes southwest of Joshua Tree, is a quirky plant shop that sells all kinds of cacti, succulents, décor, and much more. It even has a “Dig Your Own” bar with a variety of itty-bitty cacti to choose from.

If you’re more into “the fusion of art, science, and magic,” be sure to book yourself a sound bath at the Integratron. The building itself is quite the sight, but to have access to the property {including the surrounding space and even the gift shop}, you must have an appointment.

Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum - Global Dish - Stephanie Arsenault

The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum, situated just north of Joshua Tree, is a free outdoor sculpture museum that first started back in 1989. There, more than 100 works of large-scale sculptures made entirely from junked materials can be seen; the artist, Noah Purifoy, was a “pivotal yet under-recognized figure in the development of postwar American Art whose effect is only beginning to be understood.” Be sure to grab a pamphlet at the entrance for more information on the pieces.

There are also plenty of art galleries and antique shops to visit, and to round out your trip, a stop at The Station is a must.

WHAT TO BRING

Sunscreen, plenty of water, comfy shoes, and a hat are non-negotiable. You should also pack some tweezers, a comb, and pliers for chance encounters with the cholla cactus {very deceivingly referred to as a “teddy bear cactus” because of its soft-looking appearance from a distance}. Lastly, don’t forget to download offline maps of the area on your phone, as service is spotty at the best of times and you don’t want to end up lost in the desert and be featured in some movie about that dummy who got lost in the desert, right?