ROSE FAMILY JOURNAL

Whether you live in Las Vegas or you’re using Las Vegas as the launch pad for your trip (great idea!), there is a load of destinations within a four hour driving radius to have a wonderful two or three day excursion. As a duo of 9-5ers, we have made the most of our weekends and explored many of these areas. I am excited to share a few of my favorites, like Joshua Tree, California 

Curious about the more weekend road trips from Las Vegas? Check out the Rose Family picks for a good weekend trip to:
St. George, Utah
Death Valley, California
Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Without further ado, let’s dive in! 

Joshua Tree, California
While this destination is a popular place to visit from Los Angeles, San Diego, or other southern California destinations, Joshua Tree is only three and a half hours from Las Vegas. Do fill up on gas before you leave the state of Nevada. Otherwise gas stations are EXTREMELY limited until you get closer to Joshua Tree. You do drive by a Kelso Depot, which has bathrooms around halfway. 

Hikes

I have three favorite hikes at Joshua Tree National Park. It can be quite fun to scramble around the Jumbo Rocks near Skullhead rock as well. If you enjoy rock climbing at all, Joshua Tree has some of the most pleasant climbing and an abundance of options.

Here are my top three picks for hikes to prioritize at Joshua Tree over a weekend. 

Ryan Mountain
(Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/ryan-mountain-trail) 

This is the best hike to watch the sunrise in Joshua Tree. It might be the only time I recommend hiking this trail, because it is quite narrow on some parts of the trail. With bigger crowds and the sun hitting you, going any later in the day is not as pleasant. When camping at Hidden Valley or Jumbo Rocks, this one is easy to catch for sunset.

Forty-nine Palms Oasis
(Alltrails:https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/fortynine-palms-trail)Wow. The oasis at the end of this trail is so refreshing and gorgeous. The hike has enough of an elevation gain/loss to make you feel like you’re getting a nice workout, and does not take up all of your day. This is a great one to check out on your way out or if you’re camping at Indian Cove Campground.

Lost Horse Loop
(Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lost-horse-loop)
It is possible this one is making my top three, because it is a loop trail. Loop trails simply have a special place in my heart. However, this one does incorporate a lot of scenery and views that many other trails in Joshua have. This one has a mine, a walk through Joshua Trees, and a taller overlook out into the desert. 

Not a hike, but a great option for sunset…
Keys View

It is always a good idea to arrive a little early, since you are able to see the sunset a few steps away from the parking lot. The sunset is far worth it though!

Restaurants

Admittedly, we typically eat dehydrated meals (homemade and store bought) and snacks on a trip to Joshua Tree National Park, simply because restaurants feel so out of the way from the park. However, we have been to a few places that we can recommend.

Natural Sisters Cafe: A vegetarian/vegan place with a handful of menu items. Everything is so fresh and really hits the spot on a hot day of hiking! Also, they have lots of yummy smoothies. 

Joshua Tree Farmers Market:  Lots of vegan options for meals, snacks, desserts, or kombucha.

Places to sleep
Heading to Joshua Tree National Park requires a little more advanced planning, if you would like to car camp at one of the campgrounds in Joshua Tree. If you are late to planning, we have lucked out and snagged a last minute campsite on recreation.gov the week before going. 

We have car camped at Jumbo Rocks and Indian Cove, but any car camping spot you are able to snag will be a five-star experience. We have also gone backcountry camping in Joshua Tree, which is not as glamorous as backcountry camping in other parks. However, if you did not get a campsite, it certainly works and allows for that private experience in nature and with the night sky.