Los Angeles to Joshua Tree Road Trip Guide

The drive from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree can be done in just over 2 hours from A to B, but the real adventure is to be found in what lies between! And, if you’re renting a campervan in LA, you’ve got the opportunity to explore everything on offer at your own pace, turning what might be a weekend away into a longer adventure.

Below, you’ll find the perfect Los Angeles to Joshua Tree road trip guide, with unmissable stops and recommendations on what to see and do as you make your way to the national park.

Los Angeles to Palm Springs

Your trip begins by heading east on I-10, which keeps things simple and helps avoid unnecessary detours. Stop number one is Palm Springs, which, depending on the world-famous LA traffic, should take around 2 hours to reach.

It’s easy to explore Palm Springs without having to do too much planning, but a good place to start is with a walk through downtown, where you’ll find a mix of cafes, galleries, and shops. After you’ve done that, head to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (one of the most famous attractions here), which takes you from the desert floor into the cooler mountain air, where you’ll find walking trails and lookout points with incredible views at the top.

Palm Springs to Pioneertown

Leaving Palm Springs, you’ll now head north toward Joshua Tree. You’re not going straight there, though! Instead, a short 40-minute drive lands you in Pioneertown, where there’s a ton of exciting things to see.

Originally built as a movie set, Pioneertown now feels more like a preserved Old West streetscape. Mane Street is the most popular area, and its wooden storefronts and small shops hold a wealth of souvenirs and memorabilia. There are also a few places to eat along the street, so it’s a great place to refuel before hitting the road again. And, while it’s not a long stop, you do get a good chance of pace and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing on.

Pioneertown to Joshua Tree Town

From Pioneertown, it’s a 20-minute drive to Joshua Tree Town. You’re now very close to the national park, but haven’t arrived just yet. Instead, take this opportunity to explore small art galleries and outdoor supply stores (particularly useful if you’ve forgotten some of your camping or hiking gear).

The Joshua Tree Saloon is also an excellent place to stop for food, and if you’ve arrived late and want to camp overnight before making your way to the park, there’s often music here. This area is a good place to set up a base if you’ve not been able to find camping options closer to the park, too, giving you the opportunity to explore by day without having to drive far in the process.

Joshua Tree National Park

A quick 10-minute drive takes you to Joshua Tree National Park’s West Entrance, which is the most commonly used access point. Once you arrive, Hidden Valley is a good first stop, where you’ll find a short loop trail winding through rocks on an easy route.

Nearby, and a little more challenging, Darker Dam gives you the chance to take a route that has views of the open desert and surrounding hills throughout. Whichever you choose, neither stop requires much time but offers a great way of getting oriented with the landscape before heading deeper into the park.

Through the Park to Keys View & Skull Rock

Continuing east through the park allows you to keep the journey flowing without having to backtrack. Skull Rock is a good roadside stop to explore as you do, recognizable by its naturally eroded shape and surrounded by walking paths that allow you to explore the nearby rock formations up close.

Keys View is higher up and has wide views across the Coachella Valley on clear days. The overlook is also close to the parking area, making it accessible without having to tackle a long hike. It’s particularly beautiful here in late afternoon when the light softens, making for some incredible photo opportunities.

Exiting via the South Entrance

When you’re coming to the end of your vacation time, leaving Joshua Tree through the South Entrance near Cottonwood keeps the trip moving forward rather than looping back the way you came. It also gives you a final opportunity to experience another side to the park, with fewer Joshua trees and a broader desert landscape.

Why This Route Works

This Los Angeles to Joshua Tree road trip doesn’t try to do too much, which is often a pitfall when you’re planning the perfect adventure. Each stop fits naturally along the route, and none require major detours or complicated timings. So, whether you complete it in a couple of days or turn it into a week-long getaway, you’ll have an easy transition from city to desert and enough variation to keep things interesting from start to finish.