Morning: Depart Garden Grove early, driving north on I‑5 and then east on CA‑62 toward the high‑desert. The 4‑hour journey includes a quick stop at the historic town of Twentynine Palms for coffee and a stretch.
Afternoon: Check into your lodge near Joshua Tree National Park and enjoy a light lunch. Spend the early afternoon strolling the Joshua Tree Visitor Center to pick up maps and learn about seasonal conditions.
Evening: After settling in, head to Keys View for a spectacular sunset over the Coachella Valley. Return to the lodge for a relaxed dinner and stargazing in the clear desert sky.
Find HotelsMorning: Start with a hike to Hidden Valley, a 1‑hour loop that showcases iconic rock formations and dense Joshua trees. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen for the high‑desert sun.
Afternoon: Drive to Barker Dam for a gentle 1.3‑mile trail that often reveals desert wildlife and historic cattle‑dam structures. Afterward, have a picnic at the nearby picnic area.
Evening: Visit the famous Skull Rock at twilight, when the rock's silhouette is most dramatic. End the day with a night‑time walk on the park’s paved roads to enjoy the Milky Way.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out of your lodging and drive east on I‑40 toward Lake Havasu, crossing the Arizona border. Stop at the historic Route 66 Museum in Kingman for a quick photo opportunity.
Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Havasu City and check into a lakeside hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic London Bridge and strolling its surrounding shops and waterfront promenade.
Evening: Relax on Lake Havasu City Beach as the sun sets, perhaps renting a paddleboard or simply enjoying the sandy shoreline. Dine at a local restaurant with lake views to cap the day.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for Las Vegas via US‑95, a scenic 2‑hour drive through the Mojave Desert. Stop at the historic Hoover Dam for a quick tour and photo session.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel on the Las Vegas Strip and have a leisurely lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the world‑famous Bellagio Fountains and the nearby Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of the Strip, perhaps catching a show or trying your luck at a casino. End with a stroll down Fremont Street Experience for neon lights and live entertainment.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short hike at Red Rock Canyon to soak in the striking sandstone formations before the city buzz. Return to the hotel for checkout.
Afternoon: Enjoy a farewell lunch at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Strip. Use any remaining time for souvenir shopping or a quick visit to the Neon Museum.
Evening: Depart Las Vegas for Garden Grove (or your next destination) via a late‑night flight or drive, carrying memories of desert sunsets and city lights.
Find HotelsTotal Estimated Cost: $1,594
If you have an extra day, consider adding a full day at Red Rock Canyon for additional hiking or a day trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim. To shorten the trip, skip the Lake Havasu beach time and head straight from Joshua Tree to Las Vegas, which reduces travel fatigue while still covering the major highlights.