A Long Weekend in Joshua Tree
A long weekend in Joshua Tree, best sunrise in the Yucca Valley, a charming airstream, our favorite eats, and being towed 140 miles back to LA.
As we sat stranded in the middle of Joshua Tree National Park, I couldn’t help but be grateful we broke down with at least a single bar of service…
Every year around March Marco and I go through what I lovingly refer to as ‘the blues.’ It’s that sweet spot post holidays, before the weather gets warm, where there’s not a 3 day weekend in sight. In anticipation of the blues, I had suggested to Marco we make a quick getaway to the west coast over our last 3 day weekend in February. We had the points, my brother’s girlfriend generously offered for us to use her car, what could go wrong?
WHERE TO STAY
For me, the way to go here is airbnb all the way. One of the best things about Joshua Tree is the surrounding towns are artsy and have a really cool vibe. So the airbnb’s in the area are comfortable and aesthetic. I’d like to come back for a girls trip and rent one of the larger homes with a pool/hot tub.
We decided to stay in Big Blue — a vintage airstream hosted by Allison of Wonder Valley. For us it was important to feel in the middle of nature and be right near the entrance to the park. This ticked both of those boxes. Another bonus…the trailer was appointed with luxurious linens and home goods from the owner’s brand Wonder Valley which I took full advantage of after all day in the sun.
CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN
Here’s the thing…I’m not a morning person, so I know this is a big ask, but you must experience Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise. Marco and I actually came here our first morning and our last morning to watch the sunlight paint these beauties with unimaginable color. Joshua Tree is super accessible so this garden is just a short walk from the nearby parking lot. But watch where you step as the cholla’s love to cling onto shoes, clothes and anything else that might brush against them. I highly recommend packing your coffee and making a morning of it. When we were done watching nature’s light show we hopped in our car and made our way back to town to grab some breakfast.
WHERE TO EAT
Campbell Hill Bakery - Amazing bakery! Secret’s out about this place so be prepared to wait if you don’t get there first thing in the morning. Don’t miss out on the breakfast sandwich.
Crossroads Cafe - Quirky diner with yummy breakfast and large portions
Pappy + Harriet’s - An independent music venue and restaurant surrounded by mountain and sky. Anthony Bourdain ate here on No Reservations. The wait at this place is insane, but the BBQ does not disappoint (and as a girl from Kansas City….I know). There’s an area in the back that serves burgers, dogs and drinks if you want to just hang and listen to the live music without the long wait.
Red Dog Saloon - Hands down my favorite joint in Joshua Tree. Around the corner from Pappy + Harriet’s in Pioneertown. Amazing tacos and creative drinks in a funky setting. Usually has live music or DJ on the weekends. The vibes at this place are spot on!
The Dez - Specialty food market serving fresh and delicious salads and sandwiches to go. Excellent stop before heading into the park for the day.
Joshua Tree Coffee Co. - Marco and I are firm believers that where there is a national park, there is usually an awesome organic coffee roaster nearby. Joshua Tree did not disappoint. We left this place with 10 lbs of espresso beans to bring back with us!
SUNSET IN JOSHUA TREE
While most of your day in Joshua Tree can be spent driving around and finding various places to explore, I think you should find somewhere special to watch the sunset. For us, this was Ryan Mountain. This moderate 3 mile hike rewards you with panoramic views at the top. We began this hike about an hour before sunset and watched the sky begin to change from the top; however it was on our descend where Mother Nature really put on a show for us. The sky was like a 90’s tub of sherbet. If you are hiking back in darkness you’ll need headlamps for your descent.
Keys View is known for being the best place to watch sunset or sunrise in the park. If you are going during a busy weekend I recommend you arrive early as there is limited parking. We weren’t able to get close enough parking to go for sunset, but we found a nearby hilltop and still got amazing views. Added bonus — it was much more secluded.
HIKING JOSHUA TREE
As I’ve mentioned before, JT is super accessible so it’s great for people of all athletic abilities as well kids. I’d rate most of the hikes here as easy to moderate. If you are looking for something with a little more elevation gain, I’d recommend Panorama Loop Trail. This 6.3 mile loop is considered by many to be one of the best hikes in the park. If you want an easy loop that is suitable for the whole family I would check out the Hidden Valley Nature Trail.
there may be plenty on your list to explore, but spend at least one afternoon getting lost in the park. After lunch at Pappy + Harriet’s, Marco and I spent the afternoon on Geology Tour Road — an 18 mile self guided driving tour along a dirt road that winds through some of the park’s most fascinating landscapes and rock formations.
After catching one last sunrise at Cholla Cactus Garden, Marco and I packed our car and began our journey back to LA. As we neared the final stretch of Joshua Tree we felt the engine cut and our car slowly roll to a stop. The park was empty (it wouldn’t open for another hour). All we could do was sit stranded and wait for a park ranger to drive by.
The lows in travel, just like in life, help us appreciate the highs. While we certainly couldn’t have anticipated being towed the 140 miles back to LA, it is a story we continue to giggle about to this day. In some ways it makes the memories that much clearer.
Would also add Tiny Pony Tavern, not right by the park but a more veggie inclusive menu than Pappys
Such a good breakdown of Joshua Tree! I’m usually a hotels all the way kinda guy, but agreed this is one of the places where you really want an airbnb