JT from Palm Dessert this wknd - itinerary advice?

Question

Hi all,

My family of 4 will be visiting JT National Park for the better part of a day this upcoming weekend. We are staying in the Palm Dessert area.

Based on my research, we are planning on getting to the park around 9am, pick up some lunch from Dez Fine Foods and then start our day from the West Entrance. What do you think of this tentative plan?

1). Visitor's Centre

2). Arch Rock

3). Skull / Jumbo Rocks

4). Hidden Valley Trail

5). Keys view

I believe this gives us a good amount of hiking/driving through the park if we are doing "most" of the day there. I would say we would be done by about 2-3pm.

Thoughts? Am I missing anything? Should I add/remove anything?

Also, would you recommend I exit through a different exit vs. the one we came in?

Thank you.

Answer

Your tentative itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Desert looks very solid for a half-day visit, especially with a mix of short hikes and scenic drives. Starting at the West Entrance and including the locations you listed will give you a good overview of the park’s highlights without feeling rushed.

Morning Start:

Visitor Center: Great first stop for maps, park information, and guidance on conditions. Starting here is perfect.
Arch Rock: Short, easy hike—perfect for the kids to stretch their legs and take photos.

Midday:

Skull Rock & Jumbo Rocks: Excellent for exploration and short hikes among interesting rock formations. Allow 45–60 minutes to enjoy the area.
Hidden Valley Trail: A 1-mile loop that is easy to moderate, offering iconic rock formations and opportunities to spot wildlife. Great for a more immersive experience.

Afternoon:

Keys View: End your visit with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and, on a clear day, the Salton Sea. This is a must-see for first-time visitors and is easily accessible by car.

Additional Recommendations:

If you have extra time and energy, consider a quick stop at Cholla Cactus Garden—short loops that are easy for all ages.
Remember to carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats, as desert sun can be strong even in the morning.
Photography stops are frequent; allow a bit of flexibility in your schedule.

Exiting the Park:

Exiting through the same West Entrance is convenient, especially if returning to Palm Desert.
If you wanted a slightly different route and scenic drive, you could exit via the North Entrance near Twentynine Palms, but this may add 30–40 minutes to your drive back.

Overall, your plan provides a balanced mix of scenic driving, short hikes, and iconic spots, making it very doable to finish around 2–3pm while keeping the day enjoyable for the whole family.

JT from Palm Dessert this wknd - itinerary advice?

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