Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Road Trip Loop from LAX

Southern California Loop: Palm Springs & Joshua Tree

Approx. 300 mi / 480 km (round trip), 2–3 days recommended, ~5–6 hours total drive time
Route: From LAX, head east on Interstate 10 across the San Gorgonio Pass (keep an eye out for hundreds of wind turbines spinning in this windy corridor) to reach Palm Springs (about 110 miles from L.A.). After enjoying Palm Springs, continue north on Highway 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) through Yucca Valley to the town of Joshua Tree and enter Joshua Tree National Park via the West Entrance. Drive Park Boulevard across the length of the park a scenic route past jumbo rock formations, Joshua tree forests, and cactus gardens exiting near Twentynine Palms. To complete the loop, take Highway 62 west back to I-10 (or alternate: exit the park earlier at Cottonwood Springs to rejoin I-10 near Indio). Finally, follow I-10 west back to the L.A. area. (The loop can be done clockwise or counterclockwise; the order above maximizes a Palm Springs overnight and a full day in Joshua Tree.)

Highlights:

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Soar from the desert to alpine heights in minutes on this engineering marvel. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway the world’s largest rotating tramcar carries you 2.5 miles up Chino Canyon, from the desert floor to an elevation of 8,516 ft (2,595 m). At the Mountain Station on Mt. San Jacinto, you’ll find cool pine-scented air, hiking trails, lookout decks with panoramic views, and even restaurants. It’s a refreshing change of climate and perspective (often 30–40°F cooler at the top!).
Mid-Century Modern Palm Springs Palm Springs isn’t just a pit stop it’s a destination in its own right. Take a self-guided tour of the city’s mid-century modern architecture in neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas (think butterfly rooflines and retro glamour), or visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. Enjoy a poolside drink under swaying palms, and in the evening, explore the lively downtown strip on Palm Canyon Drive, dotted with vintage boutiques, art galleries, and trendy eateries. The city’s chic yet easygoing vibe is a big part of the route’s appeal.
Cabazon Dinosaurs & Wind Farm On the I-10 approach to Palm Springs (near Cabazon), make a quick fun stop to see the Cabazon Dinosaurs: two gigantic vintage dino sculptures looming beside the highway. “Dinny” the brontosaurus (150 feet long) and “Mr. Rex” the T. rex (65 feet tall) have been iconic roadside attractions since the 1970s, famously featured in films like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. There’s a dinosaur museum and gift shop inside Dinny’s belly for kids and kitsch-lovers. In the background, you’ll also see the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm hundreds of wind turbines harvesting the area’s relentless wind. Pull over at the Wheel Inn or the Cabazon Outlet center for a safe view of the turbines and a photo with the dinos.
Joshua Tree National Park Explore the otherworldly landscapes of this famed park where two deserts meet. In the northern (Mojave) section, you’ll find the park’s namesake Joshua trees shaggy, twisty yucca trees sprouting from the sand and monolithic piles of granite boulders. Don’t miss popular stops like Hidden Valley (a short loop hike amid giant rocks), Skull Rock (a boulder eroded to look like a skull), and Keys View (drive-up panorama over the Coachella Valley). By day the park offers superb hiking and rock climbing; by night, it offers exceptional stargazing as an International Dark Sky Park. The Milky Way on a moonless night here is unforgettable.
Pioneertown Time-warp to the Old West in this quirky community near Yucca Valley (a slight detour off Highway 62). Pioneertown was built in 1946 by Hollywood western stars like Roy Rogers as a live-in movie set. Its Main Street has 1880s-style false-front buildings (saloon, jail, stable) that were used in 50+ films and TV shows in the ’40s and ’50s. Today, real shops, lodgings, and the famous Pappy & Harriet’s Saloon occupy those buildings. On select weekends, volunteer gunfighters put on mock shootouts to relive the frontier days. Even if quiet when you visit, Pioneertown’s preserved charm makes for fun photos and a pleasant stroll into cinematic history.

Tips:

When to go: The loop can be driven year-round, but the best seasons are fall, winter, and spring. Palm Springs and Joshua Tree get extremely hot in summer (100 °F+ / 38 °C). If you visit in summer, schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening when it’s cooler, and spend midday enjoying air-conditioned museums, shops, or your hotel pool. Spring brings mild weather and wildflowers (but also crowds), while winter offers crisp days and chilly nights (it can even snow lightly in Joshua Tree).
Desert essentials: Pack for a range of conditions. In Joshua Tree National Park, bring ample water (at least 1 gallon per person per day) and sunscreen the desert sun is strong and shade is scarce. Wear a hat and sturdy shoes for scrambling on rocks. Layers are key: days can be warm, but after sunset the temperature drops quickly (down to the 40s °F in winter).
No services in the park: Keep in mind that Joshua Tree has no gas stations, stores, or restaurants inside the park. Fuel up in Palm Springs or Yucca Valley before entering. Similarly, eat or carry food with you. The park’s visitor centers have water and restrooms, but that’s about it. Cell signal is very limited in Joshua Tree download offline maps or carry a paper map.
Reservations and timing: If you plan to camp in Joshua Tree National Park, reserve a campsite in advance, especially for peak season weekends (first-come sites fill up fast). For hotels, Palm Springs has many options consider staying overnight to enjoy its nightlife and tackle the tram or park early next day. Also, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway shuts down each September for maintenance; check its schedule and buy tram tickets in advance during holidays. Arrive early in the day for the tram or popular Joshua Tree spots to avoid lines and heat.
Driving & navigation: The route’s roads are generally well-marked and paved. In Joshua Tree, stick to the main paved roads unless you have a 4x4 dirt side roads (like Geology Tour Road) can be rough. Watch for wildlife on park roads, especially at dawn/dusk jackrabbits, tortoises, or even coyotes may cross. Obey posted speed limits; besides safety, it helps you spot the next unmarked viewpoint or trailhead in time. If you’re doing the loop clockwise (Palm Springs → Joshua Tree → I-10), note that on the return from Twentynine Palms you’ll drive a stretch of lonely two-lane highway (SR-62 through Morongo Valley) fill up on gas if needed and enjoy the open road.
Stargazing plan: Joshua Tree’s night skies are a highlight. For the best stargazing, consider spending a night in or near the park. If you’re not camping, you could stay in Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree town so you can re-enter the park after dark. Bring a star chart or stargazing app (and a flashlight with a red filter to preserve night vision). Even from Palm Springs, you’ll see plenty of stars, but nothing compares to the darkness in the heart of the national park.
Respect the desert: Leave no trace of your visit. Stay on marked trails in the park to avoid damaging fragile desert plants (the cryptobiotic soil is alive). Do not touch or feed wildlife. And take your time the desert may look sparse, but it’s full of subtle beauty. Whether it’s a funky roadside diner or a peaceful cactus garden, the charm of this loop is in the journey itself. Enjoy the mellow pace, and you’ll return to LAX with new memories of Southern California’s quieter side.

Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Road Trip Loop from LAX

Southern California Loop: Palm Springs & Joshua Tree

Highlights:

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Soar from the desert to alpine heights in minutes on this engineering marvel. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway the world’s largest rotating tramcar carries you 2.5 miles up Chino Canyon, from the desert floor to an elevation of 8,516 ft (2,595 m). At the Mountain Station on Mt. San Jacinto, you’ll find cool pine-scented air, hiking trails, lookout decks with panoramic views, and even restaurants. It’s a refreshing change of climate and perspective (often 30–40°F cooler at the top!).
Mid-Century Modern Palm Springs Palm Springs isn’t just a pit stop it’s a destination in its own right. Take a self-guided tour of the city’s mid-century modern architecture in neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas (think butterfly rooflines and retro glamour), or visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. Enjoy a poolside drink under swaying palms, and in the evening, explore the lively downtown strip on Palm Canyon Drive, dotted with vintage boutiques, art galleries, and trendy eateries. The city’s chic yet easygoing vibe is a big part of the route’s appeal.
Cabazon Dinosaurs & Wind Farm On the I-10 approach to Palm Springs (near Cabazon), make a quick fun stop to see the Cabazon Dinosaurs: two gigantic vintage dino sculptures looming beside the highway. “Dinny” the brontosaurus (150 feet long) and “Mr. Rex” the T. rex (65 feet tall) have been iconic roadside attractions since the 1970s, famously featured in films like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. There’s a dinosaur museum and gift shop inside Dinny’s belly for kids and kitsch-lovers. In the background, you’ll also see the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm hundreds of wind turbines harvesting the area’s relentless wind. Pull over at the Wheel Inn or the Cabazon Outlet center for a safe view of the turbines and a photo with the dinos.
Joshua Tree National Park Explore the otherworldly landscapes of this famed park where two deserts meet. In the northern (Mojave) section, you’ll find the park’s namesake Joshua trees shaggy, twisty yucca trees sprouting from the sand and monolithic piles of granite boulders. Don’t miss popular stops like Hidden Valley (a short loop hike amid giant rocks), Skull Rock (a boulder eroded to look like a skull), and Keys View (drive-up panorama over the Coachella Valley). By day the park offers superb hiking and rock climbing; by night, it offers exceptional stargazing as an International Dark Sky Park. The Milky Way on a moonless night here is unforgettable.
Pioneertown Time-warp to the Old West in this quirky community near Yucca Valley (a slight detour off Highway 62). Pioneertown was built in 1946 by Hollywood western stars like Roy Rogers as a live-in movie set. Its Main Street has 1880s-style false-front buildings (saloon, jail, stable) that were used in 50+ films and TV shows in the ’40s and ’50s. Today, real shops, lodgings, and the famous Pappy & Harriet’s Saloon occupy those buildings. On select weekends, volunteer gunfighters put on mock shootouts to relive the frontier days. Even if quiet when you visit, Pioneertown’s preserved charm makes for fun photos and a pleasant stroll into cinematic history.

Tips:

When to go: The loop can be driven year-round, but the best seasons are fall, winter, and spring. Palm Springs and Joshua Tree get extremely hot in summer (100 °F+ / 38 °C). If you visit in summer, schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening when it’s cooler, and spend midday enjoying air-conditioned museums, shops, or your hotel pool. Spring brings mild weather and wildflowers (but also crowds), while winter offers crisp days and chilly nights (it can even snow lightly in Joshua Tree).
Desert essentials: Pack for a range of conditions. In Joshua Tree National Park, bring ample water (at least 1 gallon per person per day) and sunscreen the desert sun is strong and shade is scarce. Wear a hat and sturdy shoes for scrambling on rocks. Layers are key: days can be warm, but after sunset the temperature drops quickly (down to the 40s °F in winter).
No services in the park: Keep in mind that Joshua Tree has no gas stations, stores, or restaurants inside the park. Fuel up in Palm Springs or Yucca Valley before entering. Similarly, eat or carry food with you. The park’s visitor centers have water and restrooms, but that’s about it. Cell signal is very limited in Joshua Tree download offline maps or carry a paper map.
Reservations and timing: If you plan to camp in Joshua Tree National Park, reserve a campsite in advance, especially for peak season weekends (first-come sites fill up fast). For hotels, Palm Springs has many options consider staying overnight to enjoy its nightlife and tackle the tram or park early next day. Also, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway shuts down each September for maintenance; check its schedule and buy tram tickets in advance during holidays. Arrive early in the day for the tram or popular Joshua Tree spots to avoid lines and heat.
Driving & navigation: The route’s roads are generally well-marked and paved. In Joshua Tree, stick to the main paved roads unless you have a 4x4 dirt side roads (like Geology Tour Road) can be rough. Watch for wildlife on park roads, especially at dawn/dusk jackrabbits, tortoises, or even coyotes may cross. Obey posted speed limits; besides safety, it helps you spot the next unmarked viewpoint or trailhead in time. If you’re doing the loop clockwise (Palm Springs → Joshua Tree → I-10), note that on the return from Twentynine Palms you’ll drive a stretch of lonely two-lane highway (SR-62 through Morongo Valley) fill up on gas if needed and enjoy the open road.
Stargazing plan: Joshua Tree’s night skies are a highlight. For the best stargazing, consider spending a night in or near the park. If you’re not camping, you could stay in Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree town so you can re-enter the park after dark. Bring a star chart or stargazing app (and a flashlight with a red filter to preserve night vision). Even from Palm Springs, you’ll see plenty of stars, but nothing compares to the darkness in the heart of the national park.
Respect the desert: Leave no trace of your visit. Stay on marked trails in the park to avoid damaging fragile desert plants (the cryptobiotic soil is alive). Do not touch or feed wildlife. And take your time the desert may look sparse, but it’s full of subtle beauty. Whether it’s a funky roadside diner or a peaceful cactus garden, the charm of this loop is in the journey itself. Enjoy the mellow pace, and you’ll return to LAX with new memories of Southern California’s quieter side.