Number 1 BEST Place in Joshua Tree National Park to Watch Sunset
Paige Outdoors contains affiliate links and is a member of Viator. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.
Who doesn’t love chasing sunsets? Not to mention, a desert sunset! Find the #1 place in Joshua Tree National Park to watch sunset during your next visit. You certainly won’t be disappointed!
In this guide you will also find basic information about Joshua Tree National Park, unique things to do, 20 things to do, 20 best hikes, and of course, the #1 place to watch sunset.
Joshua Tree National Park Hours
The park is always open & can be visited throughout all seasons of the year. There are 4 different visitor centers at Joshua Tree National Park – the Oasis Visitor Center & the Joshua Tree Visitor Center are the only 2 that are open all year Monday-Sunday. Check out the hours for the all 4 visitor centers & which one to stop at during your visit: Visitor Center Hours of Operation
Is Joshua Tree Safe at Night?
Visiting Joshua Tree at night is considered to be safe because the roads are well marked & the park is patrolled at night. The park gates are open 24/7 as this park is known for it’s wonderful stargazing! As always, be aware of your surroundings & animals that come out at night.
#1 Place in Joshua Tree National Park to Watch Sunset
Key’s View is notably one of the best views in the park & perfect for watching sunset at Joshua Tree National Park. You can see the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto & Mount Gorgonio from Key’s View as well. This lookout is great because you can drive to the top making it accessible to many or if you would rather hike to Key’s View it is a 2.6 mile loop.
Wondering what the best time to catch sunset is at Joshua Tree National Park? Use timeanddate.com so you don’t miss out on any sunset & sunrises!
Where Else Can I Watch the Sunset in Joshua Tree?
Another great place to catch sunset and/or sunset is Ryan Mountain. Both times of the day give way to beautiful colors over the surrounding ridges & Joshua Trees in the distance. The Ryan Mountain hike is 2.9 miles, on average taking people about 2 hours.
Is Joshua Tree Better at Sunrise or Sunset?
If you have time I would suggest trying to catch both sunrise & sunset. Sunrise at the Cholla Garden is such a unique experience & really brings out some amazing colors as the sun begins to rise over the Chollas. Whereas, sunset is a completely different experience & view as you sit up on the Key’s View. The vista overlooks so many wonderful landscapes near & far. You really can’t go wrong with either!
When Should I Go To Joshua Tree?
Since Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, it can get pretty hot when visiting this park. You can expect summer to be the hottest months (June-September). For many, the most pleasant & enjoyable weather is during the spring months (March-May) & fall months (October-November) which the temps are mid-80s on average. You can expect March & April to be the busiest time for the park.
How Many Days Do You Need to See Joshua Tree National Park?
Two to three days would be the ideal amount of time to spend at Joshua Tree National Park.
Unique Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park Off Road Jeep Tour
- Beginner Group Rock Climbing
- Exclusive National Park Driving Tour
- Private, Guided 6-hour Rock Climbing Experience
20 Things To Do In Joshua Tree
There are so many things to do at Joshua Tree National Park & something to enjoy for everyone. Here is a quick list of 20 things to do in Joshua Tree:
- Check out many of the wonderful trails at Joshua Tree National Park (read ‘Best Hikes in Joshua Tree below)
- Camp at Joshua Tree National Park
- If you are there in the spring, go searching for wildflowers
- Walk along the cacti at the Cholla Garden
- Horseback riding
- View the Skull Rock
- Enjoy bird watching
- Take a Keys Ranch guided tour
- Check out the Cottonwood Spring Oasis
- Go rock climbing or bouldering
- Explore the park by bike
- Learn through ranger-led programs
- Take a driving tour
- Stop 1 of the 4 visitors centers
- Admire the the view at Key’s View
- Take a picture by the heart rock
- Stay until dark & go stargazing
- Explore the Hidden Valley day use area
- Go backpacking
- Check out the Barker Dam
20 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree
Since Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, the temperature can vary & the sun can ware you down easily. Know before you go – pack water & other essentials to be prepared for your hike. Take a look at this simple guide including difficulty & length of the trails for the 20 best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. For a full map of the park: Joshua Tree National Park Map
- Ryan Mountain Hike – difficult, 3 miles out & back, popular trail
- Hidden Valley Nature Trail – easy, 1 mile loop near the valley
- Split Rock Nature Trail – moderate, 2.5 mile loop to Face Rock
- Skull Rock Nature Trail – easy, 1.7 mile loop with a lot of boulder piles & one that looks like a skull
- Boy Scout Trail – difficult, 8 mile one way trek through the Wonderland of Rocks
- Barker Dam Trail – easy, a little over a mile loop, known for it’s history
- Warren Peak Trail – difficult, just shy of 6.5 miles out & back to Warren Peak
- Oasis of Mara – easy, 0.5 mile loop, & pets are allowed on a leash
- Mastodon Peak – moderate, about a 3 mile loop
- Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail – difficult, 3 miles out & back with elevation
- Mastodon Peak Hike – moderate, 3 mile loop with elevation that takes you to a granite peak & old gold mine
- Arch Rock Trail – easy, 1.4 miles loop with an arch rock formation half way along the trail
- Wall Street Mill Trail – easy, almost 1.5 miles out & back
- Ryan Ranch Trail – easy, 1 mile out & back along an old ranch road with views of a historic structure
- Lost Horse Mine Trail – moderate, 4 miles out & back with elevation. This mine is known to be on of the most successful gold mines in the park.
- Discovery Trail – easy, 0.7 mile loop
- Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop – difficult, 6.6 mile loop that takes you along the ridgeline of the Little San Bernardino Mountains offering wonderful landscape views
- Lost Palms Oasis – moderate to difficult, nearly 7.5 miles out & back
- Cottonwood Spring Trail – easy, 0.1 trail near the Cottonwood Visitor Center
- Cholla Cactus Garden – easy, 0.25 loop used to admire the thousands of natural cholla cacti
What Should You Not Miss in Joshua Tree?
Short on time or you are planning a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park?
Here’s what you shouldn’t miss at Joshua Tree National Park: Skull rock is an iconic place to visit at Joshua Tree, make a stop at the cholla garden, sunset at Key’s View, go stargazing & if time allows try these trails – Ryan Mountain, Hidden Valley, & Cottonwood Spring Oasis.
Overview: Joshua Tree National Park Sunset
Between hiking, viewing Joshua Trees, rock formations, & other sites – there is so much to do & see at Joshua Tree National Park. Stay for sunset & go to the #1 place in Joshua Tree National Park to watch sunset – Key’s View for beautiful panoramic views of distant landscapes.
Thanks for reading!