Visiting Joshua Tree Part 4: Hikes and Must See Views from Inside the Park

If you look closely you can see a person near the top of Old Woman Rock. Photo: Wikipedia

Today wraps up the last of my four part series about visiting Joshua Tree; and sadly, the weather here is still is pretty dreary. But the forecast for the long weekend says there will be sun, so keeping my fingers crossed that the meteorologists got it right this time.

Joshua Tree National Park is a distinct desert region, a closer look will reveal that it's comprised of two differing desert ecosystems. According to the NPS, Joshua Tree is where the Mojave Desert (the high desert) and the Colorado (the low desert) meet, providing for a cross over of weather and species.

Hiking: While there are definitely options for backpacking in the park, I'm just going to focus on the day hikes, so you can make it back to your Airbnb spot or campground before nightfall. And as always, make sure you have a coat, water, sunscreen, and good shoes.

49 Palms Oasis Trail: Turn off HWY 62 onto Canyon Road and park at the lot at the end of the drive. The hike is three miles round trip, and doesn't loop, so you'll get to see everything twice. Lucky you. At the end of the hike is, you guessed it, an oasis of palm trees. Expect to gain some elevation throughout the hike, and check out the various rock formations.

Mastodon Peak: This hike is seven miles round trip, but you're treated to an amazing view.

Not really into hiking? These must see stops are just a short walk from the car.

Arch Rock: A quick half-mile loop to a rock arch that serves as beautiful backdrop to that Christmas card photo you need to take.

Keys View: For a vista view without the hike, Keys View is the optimal choice. Just a .2 mile loop, the viewpoint opens up to a landscape of the desert terrain. I suggest visiting in the morning or evening.

For more hiking, backpacking, climbing, and don't-want-too-walk-far-from-the-car options, check out the NPS site.

See you back here next week, have a great Memorial Day weekend.