Advice on route/somewhere to stay please

Question

Hi there,

I am in the early stages of planning a road trip for next year Las Vegas-Zion NP-Bryce Canyon NP-Grand Canyon NP-Joshua Tree NP-Los Angeles.

I have figured out most of where to stay and for how long, for the last part from Grand Canyon to Los Angeles I would like to drive to Joshua Tree NP (I believe 6/7 hours), stay the night somewhere and then spend a few hours in Joshua Tree NP the next day.

I'm thinking to stay near the South Entrance then explore the park leaving from the Joshua Tree entrance and then pick up I-10 to Los Angeles (I haven't figured out where I'll be staying in LA yet).

My questions are is that the best/most logical route through Joshua Tree NP and if so could anyone recommend an area or even a hotel to stay for the night within easy driving distance of the South Entrance?

I am open to staying somewhere a bit quirky/maybe a ranch?

Thank you.

Answer

Your plan to drive from the Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree and then onward to Los Angeles is quite reasonable, though it will be a long day of driving. Stopping near the South Entrance (Twentynine Palms area) makes the most sense for a one-night stay and allows easy access into the park the next morning.

Route through Joshua Tree NP:

Enter the park via the South Entrance near Twentynine Palms.
Head north through the park along Park Boulevard, which will take you past key areas such as Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and Jumbo Rocks.
Exit the park through the Joshua Tree (North) or West Entrance, depending on your preference and which route to Los Angeles you take. Taking the West Entrance connects you directly to I-10 west toward LA.

Staying near the South Entrance:

Twentynine Palms: This town has a variety of hotels and motels, from budget-friendly options to mid-range chains. Staying here puts you about 10–15 minutes from the park entrance.
Joshua Tree Village: Smaller and more quirky, with boutique motels, Airbnb options, and desert-style cabins. It’s slightly farther from the South Entrance (about 25 minutes), but offers a fun, artsy vibe.
Quirky/ranch-style stays: Consider places like Joshua Tree Inn or AutoCamp Joshua Tree, which offer unique accommodations that match the desert setting. Some ranch-style Airbnbs are also available in the area, giving a more secluded desert experience.

Tips for your visit:

Arrive at the park early the next day to maximize your time exploring popular spots like Hidden Valley, Keys View, and Cholla Cactus Garden.
Bring plenty of water and snacks—Joshua Tree is remote and services inside the park are limited.
Cell service is limited in many areas of the park, so download maps or use offline navigation if needed.
If you’re into photography or stargazing, plan to arrive before sunset or stay into the evening, as the desert skies are spectacular.

After your morning in the park, heading west on I-10 toward Los Angeles is the most direct route. Depending on traffic and your next hotel location, you could also explore the Palm Springs area briefly before continuing to LA.