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?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

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 5 days taking in 6 stops.

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The route · 6 stops

2 overnight bases · 1 day trip · 3 stops on the way

Palm Springs

2 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. Two nights leave 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. Two nights leave time for spas, hikes and a relaxed start before the mountains.

Recommendations

On the way

Idyllwild
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: 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. A few hours are enough to feel the cool air and slower pace before the high desert.Worth a stop on the drive: 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. A few hours are enough to feel the cool air and slower pace before the high desert.
Recommendations

On to Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree

2 nights

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.

Recommendations

Day trip from Joshua Tree

4
Twentynine Palms

On the way

Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: 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.Worth a stop on the drive: 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.
Recommendations
Palm Springs
Quick stop
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.

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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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Loop

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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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