Girls Camping Weekend in Joshua Tree: Our Detailed 4 Day Itinerary

 Welcome back, lovely souls! Join us as we recount the adventure of a spontaneous girls' weekend in Joshua Tree National Park, a desert oasis filled with natural wonders, enchanting landscapes, and vibrant energy. With minimal planning and a thirst for exploration, my travel bestie Chloe and I embarked on a journey filled with hiking, camping, and capturing the magic of the desert through photography. Let's dive into the details of our itinerary and relive the excitement of our unforgettable trip.   

Day 1: Camping under the Starlit Sky

After a scenic drive, we arrived at Joshua Tree town, our first stop on this adventure. We took the opportunity to grab some delicious food, fueling ourselves for the adventures ahead. With our energy replenished, we continued our drive into the park, reveling in the captivating rock formations that lined the road. Unable to resist their allure, we decided to stretch our legs and climbed one of the giant rock piles. Sitting atop the rocks, we toasted to our spontaneous adventure, cherishing the joy of experiencing it together. As the day drew to a close, we settled into Black Rock campground, nestled under the majestic Joshua Trees.

Day 2: A Day of Hiking and Exploration

We found Joshua Tree national park incredibly easy to navigate. The main road is clearly marked and there were many attractions within a short distance of each other.  We continued our journey through the park, stopping at various points along the way to immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of Joshua Tree. Here were our favorite places of the day.

• High View Nature Trail:  With our hiking shoes laced up and excitement in our hearts, we kicked off Day 2 with the High View Nature Trail.  Conveniently located next to our campsite at Black Rock Campground it was the perfect start to our busy day. The trail rewarded us with breathtaking views as we ascended, reminding us of the vastness of the desert landscape. Layers were essential as the winds picked up at higher elevations.

•   Hike to Hidden Valley: Our next hike led us to the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, where we navigated through the Chasm of Doom, squeezing through narrow rock formations. The thrill of the tight spaces added an extra sense of adventure to our day.  Explore the hidden nooks and crannies, marvel at the ancient rock art, and embrace the peacefulness of this remarkable place.  Disclaimer: this high has extremely tight spaces and not great for those who tend to become claustrophobic. 

• Barker Dam: Still energized, we explored Barker Dam for a picnic lunch. Taking a nice hiking break, we enjoyed the delightful meal amongst the massive boulders. It was the perfect place to admire the natural beauty while taking a well needed rest.

• Camping at Jumbo Rock: We settled into Jumbo Rock Campground for the night. We love how this campground was nestled in the natural rock formations.

• Experimenting with Astrophotography: As the night fell, we indulged in Chole’s passion for photography, capturing the hauntingly beautiful Skull Rock under the starlit sky.  

Day 3: Exploring Joshua Tree's Natural Wonders

This day was all about spontaneity and discovery. We set out with no specific plan, allowing ourselves to be guided by curiosity. Along Park Boulevard, we made frequent stops to explore the diverse rock formations that dot the landscape.

• Arch Rock stood out as one of our favorites, with its stunning geological structure just a short walk away.

• Our next adventure led us to the Hall of Horrors, where we embarked on a quest to find the hidden hall amidst the labyrinth of rock formations. Though we didn't stumble upon it, the thrill of climbing through giant boulders and squeezing through cracks left us exhilarated.

• We couldn't resist visiting Skull Rock once more, this time witnessing its unique features illuminated by the daylight.

• Regrettably, we missed the Cholla Cactus Garden on this trip, but we embraced the idea of leaving something for our next visit—a reason to come back and experience more of Joshua Tree's wonders!

Day 4: Explore the town of Joshua Tree before driving home

• Explore Joshua Tree's Art Scene: Immerse yourself in the artistic spirit of Joshua Tree by visiting its renowned art galleries and shops. Discover unique handmade crafts, stunning artworks, and one-of-a-kind treasures that capture the essence of the desert. Don't forget to stop by the Joshua Tree Art Gallery and the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.

• Shopping and Souvenirs: Take some time to explore the charming boutiques and shops in town, offering an eclectic mix of vintage finds, bohemian fashion, and desert-inspired décor. Find a special keepsake or memento to remember your magical weekend in Joshua Tree.

• Brunch at a Local Café: Indulge in a leisurely brunch at one of the cozy cafes in the town of Joshua Tree. Enjoy a delicious meal, savor a cup of locally roasted coffee, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere that characterizes this vibrant desert community.

Logistics: During our trip, we encountered a few logistical aspects to keep in mind.

• Camping fees are required at the designated campgrounds within the park, so it's essential to plan accordingly.

• Additionally, park entry fees should be considered before entering Joshua Tree National Park.

• It's worth noting that pets are not allowed within the park, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.

Our spontaneous girls' weekend in Joshua Tree was filled with serendipitous moments, breathtaking landscapes, and a shared sense of adventure. From hiking through captivating trails to capturing the essence of the desert under the stars, every experience left an indelible mark on our hearts.