Planning help

Question

My family and I flying to Las Vegas and then traveling to Joshua tree for two nights and Death Valley for two nights and departing Las Vegas late the last night.

Any advice on routes, places to stop for food, and hikes to do. Dinner in Las Vegas?

I have a 9, 14, and 16 year old.

Thank you!

Answer

It sounds like a fun adventure! Driving from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree and then Death Valley with kids requires some planning, especially around stops, hikes, and meals. Here’s a detailed approach:

Route and driving tips:

From Las Vegas to Joshua Tree (~3.5–4 hours depending on stops), take I-15 south toward Barstow, then CA-247 south to Yucca Valley. This route is scenic desert terrain and avoids smaller mountain roads.
From Joshua Tree to Death Valley (~4–5 hours), drive north via CA-62 and then through Baker and onto CA-127 to the Furnace Creek area. Make sure your car is in good condition — there are long stretches without services.
From Death Valley back to Las Vegas (~2–3 hours depending on your exit), take NV-160 east from Pahrump or the standard route via CA-190 east to US-95 north into Las Vegas.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection — desert temperatures can vary widely, especially in spring/fall.

Food stops:

Barstow: Great midway point from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree. Options like Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner for a classic experience or fast casual options at the outlets.
Yucca Valley / Joshua Tree: Crossroads Café or Pie for the People for breakfast or lunch; Joshua Tree Saloon for casual dinner options.
Baker: Small desert town with options for sandwiches or snacks; good for a fuel and restroom break.
Death Valley: Furnace Creek Ranch or Stovepipe Wells Village have casual dining; bring some picnic supplies for hikes if desired.
Las Vegas: For dinner, lots of family-friendly options. Off-strip: Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, In-N-Out for quick bites, or any of the themed buffets on the Strip for an iconic experience.

Hikes in Joshua Tree (kid-friendly, moderate):

Barker Dam Trail (~1.3 miles loop) — easy, scenic, great for photos, chance to see wildlife and petroglyphs.
Hidden Valley (~1 mile loop) — iconic rock formations, boulder scrambling, perfect for teens to explore.
Skull Rock (~1.7 miles) — fun stop to walk among rock formations, easy and interactive.
Optional: Short section of Ryan Mountain (~3 miles round trip) if your teens are up for a slightly more challenging climb for panoramic views.

Hikes in Death Valley (kid-friendly, short options):

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes — easy, fun for climbing dunes and taking photos.
Zabriskie Point — very short walk, iconic viewpoints, great sunrise/sunset location.
Golden Canyon (~2–3 miles round trip) — moderate hike, colorful canyon walls, accessible for teens.
Badwater Basin Salt Flats — flat and easy walk to the lowest point in North America.

Additional tips:

Start hikes early in the morning to avoid midday heat.
Carry sunblock, hats, water bottles, and snacks; both parks have limited shaded areas.
Bring layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly, even if daytime is warm.
Check park websites before you go for trail closures or road conditions, especially in Death Valley where extreme temperatures or maintenance can affect access.
Consider booking accommodations near park entrances to minimize driving after a long day of hiking.

Overall, this itinerary balances drive time with kid-friendly hikes, scenic stops, and convenient food options. You’ll get the desert experience, fun rock formations in Joshua Tree, and the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, all manageable for teens and adults alike.