If you live in Southern California or are planning a trip to Los Angeles, you probably think of beaches and traffic. But just two and a half hours to the east, the landscape changes dramatically and transports you to what looks like…. Mars.
Welcome to Joshua Tree National Park, the place where the Mojave Desert meets the Colorado Desert. In this 2026, it is no longer just a place to climb rocks; it has become the world capital of “Glamping” and the most bizarre and photogenic accommodations in the world.
What to do in Joshua Tree National Park
From its granite monoliths to stunning vistas and unique wildlife, discover California’s Joshua Tree National Park. pic.twitter.com/bEcUZZp5hb
– Nat Geo Adventure (@NatGeoAdventure) April 24, 2017
The first thing you’ll notice are the trees that give the park its name.
Joshua Trees are no ordinary trees; they look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, with twisted arms and thorns pointing skyward.
The Vibra: It is mystical.
Musicians, artists and celebrities come here to “disconnect” and recharge their batteries.
It is said that there are energy vortexes in the earth (believe it or not, you will feel an incredible peace).
The Night Show: A High Definition Sky
Vastness. 🖤🤎🧡
A sunset view from Joshua Tree National Park. pic.twitter.com/QOgjI9cgzB
– Thru My Eyes Gallery 📷 (@ThruMyEyesPhoto) January 9, 2025
Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park.
This means that light pollution is minimal.
The Plan: Enter the park at night (it’s open 24/7), drive to a remote parking lot, turn off the car lights and look up.
You will see the Milky Way so clear that it looks like you can touch it.
It is the ultimate romantic plan.
Where to sleep? The Airbnb craze
The perfect home does exist and it’s the Invisible House on almost 60 acres in Joshua Tree, CA. There’s a 100 foot “HTP solar heated swimming pool” that runs along the west wall that “offers a natural indoor element built for relaxation” and more
Currently listed for $18,000,000 pic.twitter.com/QC8dIV6NgN
– Zillow Gone Wild 🏡 (@zillowgonewild) January 15, 2023
You don’t come here to stay in a Holiday Inn.
The full experience is to rent something unique in the surrounding towns (Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley or Twentynine Palms).
The UFO (Futuro House): Yes, you can rent a house in the shape of a bright red flying saucer in the middle of nowhere.
The Invisible House: A horizontal skyscraper covered in mirrors that reflects the desert and “disappears” from view (Famous on Instagram!).
Airstreams and Domes: If you are looking for something more bohemian, there are hundreds of renovated retro campers and geodesic domes to sleep watching the stars from your bed.
Mandatory Photo Stops
Skull Rock at Joshua Tree National Park, CA pic.twitter.com/AQMvHsYYqW
– ⛩️ 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒃𝒚 𝑯𝒊𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊 ⛩️ (@deathbyhibachi) December 5, 2022
Skull Rock: A giant rock that literally looks like a skull. It is at the foot of the main road.
Cholla Cactus Garden: A natural garden of “teddy bear” cacti (don’t touch them, they stick just by looking at them!). At sunset they glow as if they had a light of their own.
Keys View: The overlook where you can see the San Andreas Fault and, on clear days, as far as Mexico (Signal Mountain in Mexicali).
Park Ranger Tips
Water, lots of water: It’s a real desert.
In summer, temperatures are dangerous.
The best time to go is from October to May.
Signal: There is no cell phone signal inside the park.
Download the map from Google Maps before entering.
Escape the city and go touch the stars (and aliens) in Joshua Tree.
More information, HERE.
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