So, you’re thinking about hitting the road from LA to Joshua Tree. It’s the quintessential Southern California escape, right? You pack the car, grab a cold brew, and expect to be staring at a twisted yucca tree in two hours flat.
Honestly? That’s rarely how it goes.
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The drive from Los Angeles to the high desert is a weird, beautiful, and sometimes infuriating gauntlet of 100-plus miles. If you time it wrong, you’re stuck in San Bernardino traffic wondering why you didn't just stay in Silver Lake. If you time it right, you get that magical moment where the air suddenly drops ten degrees and the San Jacinto mountains start looking like a literal painting.
The Reality of the LA to Joshua Tree Route
Most people just punch "Joshua Tree" into Google Maps and follow the blue line. Don't do that.
The standard route—taking the I-10 East to Highway 62—is about 130 miles from DTLA. On a Tuesday at 10:00 AM, you might make it in two hours and fifteen minutes. On a Friday at 4:00 PM? Forget about it. You’re looking at four hours of brake lights.
If you're starting from the Westside or LAX, the 105 to the 605 to the 60 is often a "secret" way to bypass the absolute nightmare that is the 10/110 interchange. It's longer on paper, but smoother on the nerves.
Why the 62 is the real start of your trip
Once you exit the I-10 and hit Highway 62 (the Twentynine Palms Highway), the vibe changes. This is where the climb begins. You’re moving from the low desert of the Coachella Valley up into the Mojave.
Keep an eye on your temperature gauge here. In the summer, your car is working hard against the heat and the incline.
Things to actually stop for (and what to skip)
Everyone stops at the Cabazon Dinosaurs. They're iconic, sure. But unless you have kids who desperately need to see a concrete T-Rex, it’s mostly a crowded photo op.
If you want a stop that actually feels like the desert, pull over at Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley. They have a "dig your own" cactus bar. It’s exactly what it sounds like—you grab a little pot, pick a baby succulent, and DIY a souvenir for five bucks.
The Palm Springs Detour
Is it worth swinging through Palm Springs? Kinda. If you want a sit-down brunch at Cheeky’s or want to gawk at mid-century architecture, go for it. But it adds an hour to your trip.
If you’re strictly here for the boulders and the stars, stay on the 62.
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Navigating the 2026 Entrance Changes
Here is the big one: the National Park Service changed things up this year. If you aren't a U.S. resident, the price of admission just got way steeper.
As of January 2026, international visitors now pay a $100 surcharge per person at "surcharge parks," and Joshua Tree is on that list. For locals and U.S. citizens, the $80 America the Beautiful Pass is still the gold standard. It pays for itself in three trips.
Which gate should you use?
- The West Entrance (Joshua Tree Village): This is the one everyone uses. Consequently, the line can be an hour long on Saturdays.
- The North Entrance (Twentynine Palms): Only 15 minutes further down the road, but usually half the wait.
- The South Entrance (Cottonwood): Use this if you’re coming from Indio or Phoenix. It’s the "back door" and takes you through the Colorado Desert portion of the park—lots of Ocotillo plants, very few Joshua Trees.
Where to eat without the two-hour wait
Social media has ruined some of the best spots. Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown is legendary for a reason—the tri-tip is incredible and the live music is world-class—but if you don't have a reservation weeks in advance, you’re eating at the bar at 11:00 PM.
Try these instead:
- The Tiny Pony Tavern in Yucca Valley. It’s got a dive bar soul but the food is surprisingly upscale. Great burgers, better vibe.
- La Copine. It’s only open for brunch/lunch (typically Thursday–Sunday). It’s in the middle of nowhere on Old Woman Springs Road. The fried chicken is life-changing.
- Royal Siam. Sometimes you just want Thai food in the desert. It’s consistent, fast, and right in the heart of the village.
Surviving the High Desert Environment
The biggest mistake people make? Underestimating the "high" in High Desert. Joshua Tree Village sits at about 2,700 feet. The park goes up to over 5,000 feet at Keys View.
It gets cold. Fast.
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You can be sweating in a t-shirt at noon and shivering in a puffer jacket by 5:00 PM. Always, always have a layer in the trunk. And water. More than you think. There is zero water inside the park. If you run out, you're done for the day.
The "Silent" Danger
Cell service is basically non-existent once you pass the ranger station. Download your Google Maps for offline use before you leave LA. If you rely on a live GPS, you’ll find yourself lost on a dirt road in North Joshua Tree with no bars and a lot of regrets.
The Best Way to Spend Your Last Afternoon
Before you head back to the sprawl of LA, do yourself a favor. Skip the crowded Skull Rock (it’s just a rock that looks like a skull, guys) and head to the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum.
It’s ten acres of "assemblage" art—basically massive sculptures made from junk, tires, and toilets. It’s eerie, beautiful, and completely free (though you should leave a donation). It captures the true, gritty spirit of the Mojave better than any gift shop ever could.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the official NPS website for any sudden road closures—the West Entrance has had intermittent maintenance lately. If you're planning on hiking Ryan Mountain, aim to be at the trailhead by 7:30 AM to beat the heat and the crowds. Pack a physical map, grab a gallon of water per person, and leave LA before 7:00 AM if you want to actually enjoy your first day.