Help w/ 2-week itin. Nov-Dec. Joshua Tree-Death Valley &?

Question

DH and I (50s-60s) enjoy hiking and the outdoors, and he is an avid amateur photographer. We are considering a driving trip from LA in late November-early December to some of the inland parts of Southern California that we've never visited before -- particularly Joshua Tree NP, through the Mojave and to Death Valley NP (possibly with a detour into NV to see the Valley of Fire). We have previously driven the west coast from LA up to Washington State and have also been to San Diego, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, and Yosemite, so we're not planning to visit any of those areas this time. We plan to rent an SUV with high clearance but do not plan to camp at all. We have family we can stay with in LA and Palm Springs, but are otherwise looking for advice on where to stay/base ourselves, scenic driving routes to/between Joshua Tree, Mojave, and Death Valley, day hikes in those areas (no multi-night hikes or anything too technical/strenuous), any state or local parks we should consider seeing in those areas, good local restaurants, especially good birding/wildlife hotspots, viewpoints, etc. We are flexible on the number of days, as we can go any time between Nov. 28-December 23 and can tailor the length of the trip depending on how many places we visit & how many nights we spend in each place, and how many nights we spend with family on either end of the trip. We prefer to travel slowly and take our time rather than rushing from place to place. Budget is not a concern but we also don't need anyplace fancy; we're fine with basic en-suite accommodation, park cabins/cottages, either self-catering or dining out. Many thanks in advance.

Answer

For a two-week Southern California driving trip focused on Joshua Tree, the Mojave, and Death Valley, you have a fantastic mix of desert landscapes, photogenic vistas, and unique wildlife. Since you prefer a slower pace and enjoy hiking and photography, it’s best to base yourselves in a few key towns and explore day by day rather than trying to pack everything into short stints.

Suggested Itinerary Structure:

Days 1-2: LA / Palm Springs
- Stay with family or book a boutique hotel in Palm Springs.
- Optional photography stops: San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Canyon, and the iconic mid-century architecture of Palm Springs.
- Nearby local parks: Indian Canyons for short, easy hikes with palm oases.
- Restaurants: Farm, Cheeky’s, and local Mexican cuisine.
Days 3-6: Joshua Tree National Park
- Base yourself in Joshua Tree Village or Twentynine Palms.
- Scenic drives: Park Boulevard loop, Keys View for sunset, and Pinto Basin Road.
- Day hikes (easy to moderate): Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden.
- Photography: Sunrise and sunset at Cholla Cactus Garden and Keys View, boulder formations in the park, star photography at night.
- State / local parks nearby: Joshua Tree National Park has all the main attractions; consider Joshua Tree’s Oasis Trail and Joshua Tree Coffee for local flavor.
- Restaurants in town: Crossroads Café, Pie for the People, Joshua Tree Saloon.
- Wildlife: Desert bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, roadrunners, and abundant bird species.
Days 7-8: Mojave / Valley of Fire (Nevada detour)
- Base in Primm (NV), Las Vegas outskirts, or Beatty (NV) depending on pace.
- Scenic drives: Mojave National Preserve, Kelso Dunes, Zabriskie Point in Death Valley on the way.
- Valley of Fire highlights: Fire Wave, Elephant Rock, and scenic viewpoints.
- Short hikes: White Domes Loop, Mouse’s Tank.
- Photography: Red sandstone formations in the morning light.
- Wildlife: Desert tortoise, lizards, and birds like ravens and roadrunners.
- Dining: Local diners in Beatty or small eateries along NV highways; pack snacks for the preserve.
Days 9-12: Death Valley National Park
- Base in Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, or Beatty (for a quieter night)
- Scenic drives: Artists Drive, Dante’s View, Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
- Short hikes: Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, and Natural Bridge Trail (all relatively easy and under 2-3 miles).
- Photography: Sunrise at Zabriskie Point, sunset at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, night photography of Milky Way.
- Wildlife: Desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, kit foxes, and a variety of birds, especially near water sources.
- Dining: The Oasis at Death Valley has casual dining options; bring some snacks for longer drives.
Days 13-14: Return toward Palm Springs / LA
- Consider a slow scenic drive through Mojave Desert back to Palm Springs or LA.
- Optional stops: Red Rock Canyon State Park, Mojave National Preserve, Calico Ghost Town.
- Final night: Relax with a sunset in Palm Springs or LA, enjoy a special dinner to wrap up the trip.

Additional Tips:

Weather: Late November to mid-December is generally mild, with daytime highs in the 60s-70s°F and cooler nights in the desert (30s-40s°F). Layered clothing is essential.
Timing: Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography, so plan short hikes or viewpoint visits accordingly.
Gas / services: Fill up in towns; some desert stretches have limited service stations.
Wildlife: Morning and evening are best for spotting desert animals; bring binoculars for birding and wildlife viewing.
Accommodation: Booking ahead is recommended in Joshua Tree and Death Valley; these areas have limited options in the off-season.
Scenic photography: Include wide-angle lenses for landscapes, and a tripod for night sky photography in Joshua Tree and Death Valley.

This itinerary balances scenic drives, photography opportunities, easy hikes, and wildlife viewing while allowing a relaxed pace, staying in comfortable lodgings without rushing.

Help w/ 2-week itin. Nov-Dec. Joshua Tree-Death Valley &?

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