Phoenix, Sedona, Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs

Question

During Christmas week, I have one week. Land in Phoenix, planning to visit Sedona, Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs, then back to Phenix to fly back home. I can do either

Sedona, Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs

Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs, Sedona

Which way is better logistics wise? And which entrance to go into Joshua Tree NP?

Answer

For a one-week trip during Christmas week landing in Phoenix, planning your route efficiently can save a lot of driving time and give you more time to enjoy each location. Considering your destinations—Sedona, Joshua Tree National Park, and Palm Springs—here is a breakdown.

Option 1: Phoenix → Sedona → Joshua Tree NP → Palm Springs → Phoenix

This is a logical route geographically. From Phoenix, it’s a relatively short drive north to Sedona (about 2 hours), which allows you to start your trip with a scenic stop. After Sedona, heading south to Joshua Tree NP is a longer drive (roughly 6–7 hours), so you might want to break it up with an overnight stop in between, possibly in the Palm Springs area or a town along the route. From Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs is nearby (about 45 minutes to 1 hour), and returning to Phoenix from Palm Springs is a long but straightforward drive (roughly 4–5 hours).

Option 2: Phoenix → Joshua Tree NP → Palm Springs → Sedona → Phoenix

This route is less efficient. You would first drive west and south from Phoenix toward Joshua Tree NP (about 4–5 hours), then Palm Springs (close by), but after that, heading back north to Sedona (roughly 6–7 hours) and then returning south to Phoenix (2 hours) adds significant extra driving and backtracking. This makes Option 1 the more practical choice for minimizing time in the car.

Joshua Tree NP Entrance Recommendations:

West Entrance (Joshua Tree Visitor Center / Twentynine Palms): Ideal if coming from Palm Springs or the south. Accesses popular spots like Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and Ryan Mountain trailheads.
North Entrance (Joshua Tree Visitor Center near Joshua Tree town): Convenient if you are coming from the west side of the park. Good for exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden and Skull Rock area.
South Entrance (Cottonwood Spring): Best if coming from the south or Coachella Valley. Access to Cottonwood Spring Oasis and hiking opportunities.

Recommendation: Start with Sedona, then head to Joshua Tree NP via the West or South Entrance depending on your specific itinerary, spend some time exploring the park, continue to Palm Springs, and then return to Phoenix. This keeps your route geographically sensible, avoids unnecessary backtracking, and allows for scenic stops along the way.

Additional tip: Since Christmas week is busy, book accommodations in advance for Sedona, Joshua Tree area (or Palm Springs), and consider planning shorter driving segments to avoid fatigue.