Joshua Tree National Park: Top Hikes and Photography Spots

As I was winding down my stay in Los Angeles, I decided to take one more little day trip up to Joshua Tree National Park. Two-and-a-half hours and one In-N-Out pit stop later, I was pulling up to the entrance, feeling like I had arrived on another planet. With it’s unique rock formations and Dr. Seuss-looking trees, Joshua Tree really is one-of-a-kind. Basically, I spent the day as a bit of a mountain goat, scrambling up boulders, scaling rock faces and finding the perfect spots to take in the epic views — definitely worth the thick layer of dust I had to power wash off my car.

Nestled in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a 1,235-square-mile haven for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike. Known for its otherworldly landscapes, this iconic park is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, creating a stunning and unique ecosystem. Home to the eponymous Joshua Trees and an incredible variety of desert flora and fauna, it's no wonder this place attracts millions of visitors each year.

If you're looking for the best hikes and Instagram photography spots in Joshua Tree, here's my list of must-see destinations:

Jumbo Rocks

Jumbo Rocks is a playground for photographers and hikers alike. This area boasts huge boulders perfect for scrambling, and you'll find yourself hopping from one rock to another, looking for the perfect angle to capture the fascinating landscape. The golden hour here is especially beautiful, with the warm light casting an enchanting glow on the boulders and surrounding desert.

Skull Rock

Skull Rock is another extraordinary spot in Joshua Tree, famous for its rock formation resembling a human skull. The natural erosion created two hollowed-out "eye" sockets that make this place truly unique. This popular spot is an easy hike from the main road, and it's perfect for that quirky photo to remember your trip by.

Arch Rock

Arch Rock is a geological wonder in Joshua Tree that offers a fantastic opportunity for photographers to play with perspective. This natural granite arch seems to defy gravity and offers a beautiful frame for capturing the desert landscape or even a silhouette of yourself! Full disclosure, I walked about twenty minutes in the wrong direction before finding Arch Rock. It’s pretty deep in the park and right where my cell service began to cut out. But once I made my way back to the road, it was a fairly short hike.

Cholla Cactus Garden

The Cholla Cactus Garden is a little bit out of the way, but definitely a must-see if you plan on driving to the southern end of the park. This easy-to-access, flat loop trail takes you through a dense field of Cholla cacti, perfect for snagging a prickly and cinematic photograph. If you end up taking the southern exit, this is pretty much the last scenic stop in the park.

Key's View

For panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see, Key's View is a must-visit spot in Joshua Tree National Park. Overlooking the Coachella Valley, this viewpoint offers stunning views of the San Andreas Fault, the Salton Sea, and even Mexico on a clear day! I’d recommend visiting Key’s View as your final destination before the sun sets. Seeing the world from that high, especially during a sunset, is one of California’s greatest wonders.

So pack your hiking boots and camera, and plenty of water and sunscreen, and embark on an unforgettable day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. If you’re anything like me, you’re going to fall in love with its magical landscapes, whimsical trees, and fascinating rock formations. It’s truly a desert paradise.