This desert park is filled with fantastic rock formations and the Joshua
Trees which lend its name. They're not really trees at all but a kind of yucca
plant that's the closest thing to a tree you'll find in this parched
environment.
Ready to Go? Use our Joshua Tree Planner and you'll be ready in no time.
Joshua Tree is Popular For: Family outings, outdoor recreation (especially rock climbing), driving tours and in the spring the desert sometimes bursts into kaleidoscopic bloom.
How Far? Check the map at the beginning of this gallery to see which getaways are closest to your starting point. Most weekend-trippers limit their adventures to about three hours' travel time and most drive there. If you're going by car, Joshua Tree is Within 200 Miles of Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino and San Diego.