While most National Parks have their few hidden gems here and there, scattered throughout the park, Joshua Tree National Park seems to made entirely of hidden gems. It is, in my opinion, the quirkiest and most eccentric park in the system (what else would you expect from a place so close to retro/hippie paradise Palm Springs?) and it's well worth the visit... even when Coachella isn't going on! Get ready to do a ton of exploring, because we've rounded up the coolest of the park's best-kept secrets.
74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, California United States
Hop in the car, crank up the A/C and set off on a scenic drive to Keys View. Turn off Park Boulevard and onto Keys View Road for a 20-minute cruise that will take you to a sweeping overlook. Sure, the views are kind of smoggy these days, but the views of the valley and the San Andreas Fault can't be beat. Pro tip: come here to watch the sun set!
Bill Keys was also involved in mining in the area. He built the Wall Street Mill, a gold ore crushing mill. There's still a ton of equipment left behind, even though most of it is in pretty run-down shape. One of the creepiest things here, though? A stone commemorating the fact that Keys shot and killed a man named Worth Bagley over access to the land. It reads "Here is where Worth Bagley bit the dust at the hand of W. F. Keys, May 11, 1943."
Inside the park, there is tons of awesome rock climbing, scrambling, and bouldering-- and perhaps the coolest geological formation you can climb is Skull Rock. It looks like something straight out of The Goonies! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there's definitely something for you to climb at Joshua Tree.
Cottonwood Springs Rd, Blythe, California United States
Spring brings waves of colorful wildflowers, and summer has, far and away, the best stargazing. Of course, winter means more manageable temperatures, and more things are open and available in the cooler spring, fall, and winter months, but if you come prepared, summer isn't a terrible time to visit if you're concerned with avoiding crowds and getting good deals on rates and rooms.
