Directions: Head east on the 10 Freeway past San Bernardino. Just passed the Palm Springs turn-off, head north on the Yucca Valley Freeway. Stay on the road through Joshua Tree “high street”. The entrance turns right off the main road, 5 minutes past the center of town on the northern border of the National Park.
Time from LA: 2.5 hours

Total adventure time: 1.5 days (1 night camping)

When to go: Spring & Fall are ideal. Winter also but it can get cold and windy (check the weather). Avoid summer due to the heat.

Treats along the way:

• Frontier Cafe, Yucca Valley. Great coffee & snacks. Next door to some excellent thrift stores.
• Sister’s Cafe, Joshua Tree: Health food, GF sandwiches, wraps, smoothies.
• Joshua Tree Saloon: Classic American fare right in the center of Joshua Tree.
• Pappy & Harriets: Famous saloon bar and grill 40 minutes out of town. Bustling and fun. Highly recommend the ribs! Can get busy on the weekends so best to arrive early, put your name down and watch the sun set.

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Roll mat
• Pillow
• Camp chair per person
• Head torch + spare batteries
• Firewood + firelighter
• Matches or lighter (+spare just in case)
• Camping stove
• Gas canister (make sure it’s the right attachment valve for your stove!)
• Pot & pan
• Cutlery
• Pen knife
• Thermal mug
• Metal french-press (for morning coffee)
• Cooler + ice (to store perishables & beverages)

• Large water canister
• Pasta
• Tomato & basil sauce
• Packaged tuna
• Parmesan cheese
• Desert of choice: dried fruit, cookies, chocolate, s’mores, mushrooms…

• California Naturals 2-1: Shampoo + Conditioner
• California Naturals Body Wash
• Sunscreen
• Toothbrush + paste

• Outdoor speaker (fully charged)
• Book
• Sketch pad & pen
• Camera & tripod