Planning a day trip from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree is simple when you start with a reliable car rental at LAX. In about 2.5–3 hours (traffic permitting), you can trade city skylines for jumbo boulders, Dr. Seuss–like yucca trees, and other‑worldly desert light—perfect for sunrise or golden‑hour photos.
Quick plan
- Route: I‑10 E → Highway 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway). Enter via West Entrance (Joshua Tree) or North Entrance (Twentynine Palms).
- Timing: Start by 7:00 a.m.; explore two scenic areas; exit before dusk if you’re new to desert driving.
- Essentials: 4–6 liters of water per person, sun protection, full tank, offline maps.
Best first‑timer loop (6–8 hours on site)
From the West Entrance, follow Park Boulevard to Hidden Valley for a flat one‑mile loop among monzogranite formations. Continue to Barker Dam for classic vistas and, if open, detour the unpaved spur to Key’s View for a sweeping Coachella Valley panorama. Break for lunch at designated pullouts, then head east toward Cholla Cactus Garden—a surreal stop best photographed in soft light. Exit through the North Entrance to loop back to the I‑10.
Fees, parking & safety
- Entrance: Expect a per‑vehicle fee valid for seven days; buy online in advance or pay at the kiosk.
- Parking: Lots are small—arrive early for Hidden Valley and Barker Dam, and never park on vegetation.
- Safety: Cell signal is limited; tell someone your plan, carry a paper map, and respect heat advisories.
Rental tips for a smooth day
Book early for spring weekends and holidays. If you prefer UK wording, browse our car hire page. Most travelers choose a midsize SUV for clearance and cargo, but compact sedans work fine in good weather. With Hola Car Rentals, you get transparent pricing, All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage, Free Cancellation up to 48 hours, and even cashback on tolls where applicable.
Where to start & extend
Flying into LA? Pick up in town via Los Angeles locations or at LAX. Planning a longer Southwest loop? Browse our California drive hub to connect destinations or continue toward Nevada with an optional drop at Las Vegas Airport. One‑way options appear during checkout when available.
Ready to go? Lock in your Joshua Tree day with Hola Car Rentals—no hidden fees, save up to 60% versus on‑site counters, and enjoy included travel insurance up to US$150,000 on selected itineraries.
Best time to visit
Spring (Feb–Apr) brings mild temps and, some years, wildflower blooms; fall (Oct–Nov) offers crisp nights and glowing sunsets. Summer heat can exceed 100°F—start at sunrise, limit hiking to short shaded areas, and carry extra water. Winter is quiet and beautiful; check road conditions after storms.
Good to know
- Navigation: Download offline maps—signal drops shortly after leaving the highway.
- Distance stacking: The park is larger than it looks; cluster nearby stops to reduce backtracking.
- Leave no trace: Stay on established trails and never touch the cholla—it looks soft, but spines detach easily.
FAQs
- Do I need a 4x4? No. The paved highlights (Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Keys View, Cholla Cactus Garden) are accessible in a standard car; avoid unpaved roads after rain.
- Can I do this in one day? Yes—plan 2.5–3 hours each way from LA plus 6–8 hours in the park for a relaxed pace.
- Are there services in the park? There’s no food, limited water, and few restrooms. Fuel up before entering; towns like Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms have groceries, cafes, and gas.
Book with confidence: Hola Car Rentals includes maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries, straightforward fuel policies, and 24/7 support so you can focus on the desert, not the paperwork.
