Climb a mountain. The park has 10 mountains greater than 5,000 feet.
Take a hike. Arch Rock, .5-mile loop includes a natural arch. Walk Cap Rock, a.4-mile loop and see Joshua trees and other plants of the Mojave Desert.
Ride a Mountain bike or take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle on established roads.
Take a 4-wheel drive high clearance vehicle on Berdoo Canyon Road for 11.5 miles. The last 3.9 miles to Dillon Road winds past the ruins of the Berdoo Camp, which was established in the 1930s by the builders of the California Aquaduct.
Drive to Covington Flats and access some of the park’s largest Joshua trees. From Covington Flats picnic area to Eureka Peak is 3.8 miles one way. The dirt road is steep near the end, but the top offers views of Palm Springs.
Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Roads is a challenging 20-mile road beginning just south of Cottonwood Visitor Center, and traveling along Smoke Tree Wash, cutting down Pinkham Canyon, exiting onto a service road that connects to I10. Or you can pass Pinkham Canyon and continue on to Thermal Canyon Road. Drivers must be prepared and should not attempt travel on these roads without a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle and emergency supplies.
An 18-mile driving tour leads through one of Joshua Tree National Park’s finest landscapes. There are 16 stops along this dirt road and it takes approximately two hours to make the round trip.
Horseback riding is a popular way to experience Joshua Tree National Park for those who bring their own horses. However, because of the special requirements for horses in this environment, care should be taken in planning your trip. The lack of available drinking water is both a challenge and a limitation.
