DV and Joshua Tree

Question

Driving from Las Vegas and planning to ck off Death Valley & Joshua Tree NP in 3 days…help with an itinerary, please??

Answer

For a 3-day road trip covering Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks from Las Vegas, it’s important to balance driving time with sightseeing. Here’s a suggested itinerary that allows you to see key highlights while managing distances and heat, especially in summer months.

Day 1: Las Vegas → Death Valley National Park

Leave Las Vegas early morning to maximize your time in Death Valley.
Stop at Dante’s View for panoramic views of the valley.
Visit Zabriskie Point for iconic desert landscapes and photography.
Check out Furnace Creek area: Visitor Center, Borax Museum, and lunch options.
Drive to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, for a short walk on the salt flats.
Optional short hikes: Golden Canyon or Mosaic Canyon (moderate, avoid midday heat).
Stay overnight either inside the park at Furnace Creek or nearby lodging in Beatty, NV or Shoshone, CA.

Day 2: Death Valley → Joshua Tree NP

Depart early from Death Valley to Joshua Tree (approx. 4–5 hours drive).
Stop in Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree Village for snacks and supplies.
Begin exploring the park in the afternoon: Hidden Valley Trail (easy loop, great for rock formations and kids) and Barker Dam.
Consider sunset at Keys View for panoramic vistas over the Coachella Valley.
Overnight stay options: Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree town. Check for motels, small inns, or Airbnb options.

Day 3: Joshua Tree NP → Return to Las Vegas

Morning hike: Choose a short, iconic trail like Cholla Cactus Garden or Skull Rock.
Optional rock climbing demonstration areas if interested (many beginner-friendly spots for observation).
Lunch in Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms before heading back to Las Vegas.
Drive back to Las Vegas (approx. 3–4 hours) and return rental car or check into hotel if staying overnight.

Tips:

Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks; both parks are hot and dry, especially in summer.
Start early each day to avoid peak heat hours.
Fill up gas in towns before entering remote areas; gas stations in the parks are limited and expensive.
Check park alerts and road conditions, especially for Death Valley, as some roads can close due to weather or maintenance.

This itinerary allows you to experience both parks’ highlights without feeling rushed, balancing sightseeing with reasonable driving times.