Joshua Tree National Park: Starting the day early with a visit to the national park is a must-do. Hike through the desert trails, climb the boulders, and admire the twisted Joshua trees. Head to Keys View for panoramic views of the valley (opens at 5:00 am).
Rock Climbing: Get an adrenaline rush with rock climbing in Hidden Valley. Take a class or go on a guided tour to experience this thrilling activity (opens at 8:00 am).
Pappy and Harriet's Legendary BBQ: For a delicious lunch, head to this quirky restaurant with an old school Western atmosphere. Enjoy their famous BBQ ribs and live music performances (opens at 11:00 am).
Integratron: Visit this unique and peaceful dome for a sound bath experience, where quartz bowls are played to promote relaxation and wellness. Make sure to book in advance (opens at 12:00 pm).
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum: End the day with a visit to this outdoor museum showcasing the assemblage sculptures of artist Noah Purifoy. Wander through the desert landscape and admire the thought-provoking artwork (opens at 10:00 am).
Time and Costs Estimates:
Joshua Tree National Park (4-6 hours, $30 per vehicle)
Rock Climbing (3-4 hours, $200 per person for guided tour)
Pappy and Harriet's BBQ (1-2 hours, $20-$30 per person)
Integratron (1-2 hours, $35 per person for a sound bath)
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum (1-2 hours, free admission)
Total Estimated Costs: $285 per person
Transportation:
It's recommended to rent a car to fully explore Joshua Tree's desert landscape. The closest airport is Palm Springs International Airport, located about 40 miles away from the park. A one-way ride takes about 45 minutes with average costs of $80-$100 by taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Useful Tips:
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Cholla Cactus Garden or Barker Dam. For those with less time, skip rock climbing or Integratron. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for changes in temperature throughout the day.
Airports:
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park, located approximately 40 miles northwest of the park in Palm Springs, California. The airport is served by several major airlines like American, Delta, and Alaska Airlines and offers direct flights to major cities in the United States including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Seattle.