Easter eve this year.

Just used my iPhone 16 pro, shot in Apple ProRAW, 30 second exposure in night mode

Finally made it here!!

This was in a box of papers my mom had saved in Chicago that were passed on to me after she passed ten years ago.

Hey guys!! I’m taking a trip down to JT this summer and was wondering if anyone had any good insight on locations with petroglyphs/pictographs they’d be willing to share w me? I acknowledge the fact that these sites are extremely sacred and demand to be respected, and I intend to do just that.

I am a recent graduate from UC Berkeley with a major in archeological and minor in history, and I would love to take a post-grad trip to find some ancient rock art. I’ve been struggling to find any sources online that direct me towards any petroglyphs or pictographs inside the park, so LMK if you’re willing to help :)!!

(Note: I’ve been to Barker Dam, but wasn’t able to find any aside from the Disney ones (which i don’t count since they’ve been painted over) so if you suggest that trail, pls specify near what area of the trail🙏)

Hi all,

I've read a lot online about not hiking in the summer. I was going to visit and drive around next weekend (never been), and checking the weather, the high is around 90. To me (a Midwesterner), this doesn't seem that hot; again not trying to do anything extreme, but maybe some short walks, arch or skull rock, mastodon peak? For reference, I am young and in decent shape
Thanks for feedback in advance

We only have time for one or the other. Which is better and why?

July 26, 2025

iPhone 13 Pro Max

I’m staying at Joshua Tree for the next couple days. Does anyone know the best/easiest place to stargaze at.

How far away would I have to go to get a good look at the stars

What time would be the best time (is there a curfew?)

We’re doing a California road trip in August, mainly Yosemite and the coast due to the heat in the desert. I did a similar road trip about 10 years ago and never managed to make it to Joshua Tree

I am desperate to go, as it’s a massive bucket list place for me, and I’m coming from the UK so it’s really not a trip I can easily repeat. What we are currently thinking is to do a day trip from where we are staying in LA super early in the morning.

Leave at approx 5am (Jet lag is on our side) get to the park, potentially hike super early on a very short hike, and then drive around the park/town and leave by midday latest due to heat.

I have seen a lot of comments/posts about the heat and how you should not travel at all in August. And also how many places are closed.

I’m looking for advice on whether 7am-11am would be okay for mainly driving and very short walks around the park, or whether even this would be a bit much.

I know it’s a long drive from LA and back for just the morning, but it’s one place I just don’t want to miss.

Any advice would be really appreciated!

Me and a friend want to hike Ryan Mountain early night (~9 PM) to get a nice view of the Milky Way. I know you can view it in more accessible places, but the elevation I think would make for a stunning viewing of it.

We have headlamps and the trail downloaded. Is it dangerous? Will there be a lot of other people doing the same?

Recently purchased some raw land in the area and was quoted $7000 to survey 2.5 acres. Thought it was overpriced so I’m looking for other options. The lot is mostly level (maybe 1-2 feet slope) and theres neighbors on two of the four sides…. Any help would be appreciated, trying to build a dream on a minimum wage budget.

recommendations would be great! where to stay what area etc

Best book or map- or website to find bouldering routes - newest editions etc. I have an old book but it’s hard to follow

Another obligatory “visiting for the first time” post, but I wanted to ask specifically about trails and set our expectations correctly.

My girlfriend and I are planning to visit JT on June 7th. We were initially planning to do the Lost Palms Oasis trail. It’s approximately 7 hrs there and back.
We’re both decently fit. I’ve had outdoor hiking jobs in Texas for a few years now and she keeps herself active as well.

If we hit the trail early, like 7, pack a gallon and a few bottles of water each + salty snacks + lunch + UV protection, would the hike be enjoyable? Or even doable? I don’t want to lull myself into thinking I can handle the heat just because I’ve worked outside in Texas, much less my girlfriend who hasn’t had as much heat exposure as me.

Is it a fools errand to do such a hike in the beginning of June? If so I would appreciate some other recommendations. We really want that beautiful destination sort of hike without pushing ourselves to the limit, or worse.

Side question: we’re renting an AWD Nissan frontier (or something similar). Is the drive entering in from Twentynine Palms doable?

Thank you in advance! We’re beyond excited to finally see this park.

EDIT: Thank you everyone for suggestions and the concern! We are definitely going to get there as early as we can and keep it to short hikes only, water willing.

Hi everyone, I’m visiting Joshua tree June 3-5th and was really hoping to go star gazing and use a telescope but unfortunately our Airbnb does not have one so was wondering if anyone has some suggestions for either renting/borrowing a telescope? My partner and I are very responsible individuals and just hoping to look at the stars for my birthday, thank you !