Weeknight Escape to Joshua Tree

 

Weeknight Escape to Joshua Tree

Not everybody has weekends off, and that usually feels like a bummer. But if you’re free on a Tuesday or Wednesday and itching for something interesting to do, a mid-week trip to Joshua Tree might be the perfect fall escape.

The cooler months from October to May are the best time to visit Joshua Tree—without the weekend crowds. That alone makes the 2.5 hour drive from DTLA worth it. You’ll also find great deals on accommodations, from classic motels to the literal thousands of short-term rentals in the area. Feeling adventurous? Camp out on the BLM land just 10 minutes from the Village.

If you’re a hiker, this is your moment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, nothing beats an early morning hike in a quiet JTNP. No lines of tourists waiting to take photos at Skull Rock, Heart Rock, Penguin Rock, or Arch Rock. If you plan well, you can hit all the highlight photo spots in just a few hours.

There are some good food spots in town, but be mindful of their hours—many close earlier than you might expect. For an early dinner, I personally recommend Sky High Pie for excellent pizza and a nice outdoor area to enjoy one of our famous desert sunsets. Or grab Pad Thai, Chicken Satay, and Crispy Tofu to-go from Royal Siam and take it to the Quail Springs picnic area inside the park to enjoy under the stars. And if you want to close the night out right, swing by Joshua Tree Saloon for fish tacos and a couple of beers.

Only staying one night and heading out in the morning? Breakfast + one last hike. Here’s the plan. Start with a true local gem: Larry & Milt’s Western Café. They open at 7 a.m. and are located right on your way out, at the edge of Yucca Valley. It’s a nondescript spot off Highway 62—you’ll see it on your right just before Walmart.

For your final outdoor stop, hop back on the 62 until you see the big blue horse statue in front of Spaghetti Western. Turn there for Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. It’s a lush little oasis in the middle of the desert and the perfect short hike before heading back to LA.

Mid-week trips don’t have to feel like leftovers—out here, they feel like the real thing.

3 Places to Avoid in Joshua Tree During Busy Season (and Where to Go Instead)

Busy season in Joshua Tree runs from October to May, when the desert finally cools down and half of Southern California decides to visit at the same time. If you’re trying to avoid crowds and long waits, here are three spots locals know to steer clear of — plus better alternatives.

3. Joshua Tree Saloon

You’ve just finished your early morning hikes, you’re sunburned, starving, and finally out of the National Park. The Saloon is a great place — their wings really are fantastic — but lunchtime on a Saturday during busy season is chaos.

They have a tiny kitchen, and getting that much food out for that many people takes forever. If you can wait it out, go for it. But if you need food immediately, cross the street to Roadrunner Grab + Go and get a cold drink and a quick sandwich.

Save the Saloon for the evening when the crowd thins out, grab a beer, and enjoy the live music.

2. Barker Dam

It’s a beautiful and easy hike — and because of that, if you don’t get there early, don’t bother. I’ve seen full tour buses unloading at Barker Dam on a Saturday. The trail gets shoulder-to-shoulder crowded, and if you were hoping for quiet desert serenity… you won’t find it here during peak hours.

Instead, head across Park Blvd to Hidden Valley Trail. It’s usually less packed and has plenty of places to wander outside the main loop. Stunning rock formations, lots of photo ops, and a few first-come-first-served picnic tables.

1. The West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park

It’s tempting to turn right off Highway 62 into Joshua Tree Village and enter through the iconic West Entrance. But during busy season, skip it completely.

Even though the park has opened more gates lately, you’ll still get stuck in a long, slow-moving line of cars.

Instead, take the extra 20-minute drive to the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms. It’s far less crowded, and the total time saved is almost always worth it.

Bonus tip: Once inside, head to Split Rock Trail. It’s underrated, quiet, and beautiful. With a little planning, you can detour and visit Face Rock and Skull Rock along the way.

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More tips coming soon — the desert rewards those who prepare.