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Before you go
Your trip to Twentynine Palms.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Twentynine Palms – California Destination Palm Springs and Joshua Tree
How to get there
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Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) Palm Springs · 90 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is about 90 km away. You drive in on I‑10 and State Route 62, which passes through Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. There is no public transport into the park.
How many days
One to two days: one day for the park’s main sights with short trails, and another for longer hikes, climbing, or an evening of stargazing.
When to go
October to April, with mild days and cold nights, sometimes below 0 °C. In March and April the desert can bloom. In summer, heat exceeds 40 °C, and trails are recommended only early in the morning.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. The park is large, attractions are tens of kilometers apart, and there is no internal transport or fuel stations inside it.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Twentynine Palms
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Morning
Hidden Valley
Enter through the north entrance early, head to Hidden Valley and do the loop trail among the stone walls.
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Afternoon
Keys View
Climb up to the Keys View lookout to see the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and, on clear days, the Salton Sea.
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Late afternoon
Cholla Cactus Garden
Descend to the Cholla Cactus Garden and walk among the cacti in the low light of late afternoon.
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Evening
Starry sky
Stop at a park parking area away from lights and watch the stars before returning to Twentynine Palms.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Twentynine Palms?
Enter Joshua Tree National Park via the north entrance, visit the Oasis of Mara, hike in Hidden Valley, climb to Keys View, and see the stars at night.
Which Joshua Tree entrance is in Twentynine Palms?
The north entrance, near the Oasis of Mara visitor center.
Can you see stars in Joshua Tree?
Yes. The park has very dark skies and is recognized as a dark sky area. On moonless nights, many more stars appear.
How many days to stay in Twentynine Palms?
One to two days for the park’s main sights and one night for the stars.