Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Palm Springs, California to Palm Springs, California in Southern California, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is October to April.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Adventure, Classic road trip, Culture.

Palm Springs and Joshua Tree: A Southern California Desert Loop

Q: How long is the Palm Springs and Joshua Tree: A Southern California Desert Loop route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 6 stops.

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The route · 6 stops

1
Palm Springs
3 nights
The desert resort city and base for the loop, ringed by the San Jacinto peaks. Ride the rotating Aerial Tramway to alpine air in minutes, walk the palm oases of Indian Canyons, and wander the mid-century modern downtown. Three nights leaves time for spas, hikes and a relaxed start before the mountains.
The desert resort city and base for the loop, ringed by the San Jacinto peaks. Ride the rotating Aerial Tramway to alpine air in minutes, walk the palm oases of Indian Canyons, and wander the mid-century modern downtown. Three nights leaves time for spas, hikes and a relaxed start before the mountains.
Book the Aerial Tramway online and go early; afternoon winds can close it. It is much colder at the top, so pack a warm layer.
2
Idyllwild
1 night21m · 25 km from previous
A pine-scented mountain village a world away from the desert floor, reached on the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway. Browse the independent galleries and cafes, then walk towards the Tahquitz or Suicide Rock viewpoints for granite and forest scenery. One night is enough to feel the cool air and slower pace before the high desert.
A pine-scented mountain village a world away from the desert floor, reached on the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway. Browse the independent galleries and cafes, then walk towards the Tahquitz or Suicide Rock viewpoints for granite and forest scenery. One night is enough to feel the cool air and slower pace before the high desert.
The Highway 74 and 243 mountain roads are steep and winding; drive them in daylight. Snow is possible in winter, so check conditions first.
3
Joshua Tree
2 nights1h 3m · 75 km from previous
Gateway to the national park's western half, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. From the busy west entrance reach Hidden Valley, Barker Dam and Keys View, with its vast outlook over the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. Two nights allows sunrise boulder walks, a Ryan Mountain climb and dark-sky stargazing.
Gateway to the national park's western half, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. From the busy west entrance reach Hidden Valley, Barker Dam and Keys View, with its vast outlook over the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. Two nights allows sunrise boulder walks, a Ryan Mountain climb and dark-sky stargazing.
There is no fuel, food or reliable signal inside the park. Fill the tank and pack plenty of water in Joshua Tree town before you enter.
4
Twentynine Palms
1 night26m · 31 km from previous
The park's quieter north gateway, home to the Oasis of Mara and the main visitor center. Drive Pinto Basin Road south to the Cholla Cactus Garden and Ocotillo Patch, and see the town's Oasis of Murals. A practical overnight that sets up the run down to the Salton Sea.
The park's quieter north gateway, home to the Oasis of Mara and the main visitor center. Drive Pinto Basin Road south to the Cholla Cactus Garden and Ocotillo Patch, and see the town's Oasis of Murals. A practical overnight that sets up the run down to the Salton Sea.
Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise for the best light and fewest crowds. Stay on the boardwalk; the spines detach very easily.
5
Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain
1 night2h 1m · 145 km from previous
California's largest lake, below sea level and ringed by surreal, half-abandoned shores. See Bombay Beach's outdoor art, the folk-art hill of Salvation Mountain at Niland, and wide desert sunsets. A striking, offbeat contrast to the national park before the short drive back to Palm Springs.
California's largest lake, below sea level and ringed by surreal, half-abandoned shores. See Bombay Beach's outdoor art, the folk-art hill of Salvation Mountain at Niland, and wide desert sunsets. A striking, offbeat contrast to the national park before the short drive back to Palm Springs.
The lakeshore can smell of sulphur on warm, still days. Carry water and fuel; services around the south shore are very limited.
6
Palm Springs
2h 8m · 154 km from previous
Close the loop back in Palm Springs. The easy drive north up Highway 111 returns you to the resort city to drop the car or spend a final night by the pool before onward travel.
Close the loop back in Palm Springs. The easy drive north up Highway 111 returns you to the resort city to drop the car or spend a final night by the pool before onward travel.
Time the final leg to beat the afternoon heat and rush-hour traffic on Highway 111 into the city.

Palm Springs and Joshua Tree: A Southern California Desert Loop

The route · 6 stops

Palm Springs

Idyllwild

Joshua Tree

Twentynine Palms

Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain

Palm Springs

Route highlights

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Palm Springs and Joshua Tree: A Southern California Desert Loop

The route · 6 stops

Palm Springs

Idyllwild

Joshua Tree

Twentynine Palms

Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain

Palm Springs

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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