Just a couple of hours from Los Angeles is one of my favorite places in the world to rest and reset. Joshua Tree National Park is perfect for a weekend escape. I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 8 years. Wow, can’t believe I am saying that! It’s become one of my favorite destinations in California. Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave Desert, and it’s extremely dry and hot (in the summer). It’s known for its massive Joshua Trees, which are essential to the area’s ecosystem. With its otherworldly landscapes (massive founders, unique fauna), completely dark skies, and a variety of dog-friendly activities, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Joshua Tree with your dog.
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How Long to Stay
To experience everything Joshua Tree has to offer, I recommend staying at least 2 nights. If you’re coming from Los Angeles or San Diego, it’s also a relatively long drive (depending on traffic). I personally don’t want to drive there just to turn around the next day! If you’re coming from other areas like Palm Springs or the surrounding area, a day in the park is fine.
Two days give you enough time to explore some of Joshua Tree National Park’s key attractions and hikes, enjoy outdoor dining and activities with your dog, and unwind under the beautiful desert sky. If you have more time, 3-4 nights will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the area’s unique vibe, get some peace and quiet, visit hidden gems, and maybe even venture into the nearby towns of Yucca Valley or Pioneertown.
Top Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree offers incredible lodging options, with Airbnb being popular due to the limited hotel availability. There are thousands of beautiful Airbnb’s that range from affordable/minimalist to absolutely insane luxury! I personally love the desert-chic aesthetic of most of the Airbnbs. Many of them allow dogs, so make sure you add that to your filter if you’re bringing one!
Make sure you check where your Airbnb is located in relation to the park. Sometimes the accommodations are far from the main entrance, and there is a 30-40 min drive to get yourself through the entrance and into the main area of the park. There are technically two entrances to the park, one in Joshua Tree and one in Twentynine Palms. You could technically stay in either, but most people stay in Joshua Tree.
Here are some dog-friendly lodging options in Joshua Tree:
- AutoCamp Joshua Tree
- AutoCamp offers stylish Airstream accommodations with a mid-century modern touch. The property is dog-friendly and includes a clubhouse, heated pool, and BBQ areas, and is only a few minutes from the entrance of the park.
- The Bungalows by Homestead Modern
- A unique stay with mid-century modern decor, and it’s dog-friendly!
- Pioneertown Motel
- A little bit outside of the Joshua Tree area, but a cute area to stay with activities & restaurants, plus it’s dog-friendly.
Explore all of the Joshua Tree properties listed on Booking.com.
Where to Eat & Drink: Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Joshua Tree doesn’t have a lot of restaurant options, but there are a few gems, many of which allow dogs! The town of Joshua Tree is pretty tiny. It’s surrounded by a couple of commercially developed areas (Yucca Valley & Twentynine Palms) where you can find a lot of fast food. There are also numerous grocery stores on the way into Joshua Tree (Aldi, Walmart). Most accommodations have full kitchens and outdoor grills and it might be easier to cook.
Make sure you check these spots’ websites and hours. Sometimes in the summer months when it’s quieter, they can be closed.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
- Joshua Tree Saloon
- A fun, quirky spot to listen to music and enjoy bbq and beers. They have a huge outdoor patio and dogs are allowed.
- Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown
- A must-visit for live music lovers, this iconic spot in Pioneertown allows dogs on their outdoor patio. Enjoy delicious bbq while soaking in the rustic desert atmosphere.
- Mas o Menos
- Perfect for breakfast, all-day snacks, and cocktails, Mas o Menos is a trendy spot with a large back patio where dogs are welcome. It’s a great place to relax with your pup while enjoying a morning coffee or an evening cocktail.
- La Copine
- This hip eatery offers eclectic, farm-to-table dishes and they’re so good! Hands down the best food in Joshua Tree. Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it a great spot for a leisurely brunch.
Other Non-Dog-Friendly Joshua Tree Restaurants & Cafes
- Crossroads Café
- This cozy café is perfect for breakfast, but unfortunately, they don’t allow dogs (unless it’s a service dog). You could get food to go, though, before hiking.
- Dez Fine Food
- If you’re planning a day in the park and need some gourmet takeaway, Dez Fine Food is the go-to spot. They offer amazing sandwiches, salads, smoothies desserts, and more. I recommend packing a cooler for your trip into the desert because food and drinks will spoil in the heat quickly.
- Joshua Tree Coffee
- Great spot to grab a quick coffee, but they don’t really have any seating.
Best Hikes & Areas of Interest to Visit With a Dog in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree has amazing hikes, with a variety of trails that offer stunning views of the desert landscape, unique rock formations, and iconic Joshua trees. While dogs are not allowed on the main trails within Joshua Tree National Park, there are still plenty of dog-friendly activities you can enjoy together. In general, the rule is that dogs are only allowed within 100 feet of roads in the park and they are never to be left in your car. They can also be walked on dirt roads. They must always be on a leash 6 feet long or less. Make sure you clean up after your dog and bring lots of water! I love taking my collapsable rubber dog bowl for trips like this.
Dog-Friendly Hikes
- Keys View: Keys View is known for its incredible sunsets and panoramic views of Coachella Valley. Parking is limited so arrive early! There’s a short walk to the viewpoint from the parking lot.
- Skull Rock Area: You can explore the Skull Rock area with your dog by sticking to the paved and unpaved roads. The huge rock formations here are incredible – perfect for photos with your pup.
- Barker Dam Trail (Leashed Dogs Allowed on Roads): Although dogs can’t hike the actual Barker Dam Trail, you can still walk with your dog on the unpaved roads leading to the trailhead. This allows you and your dog to experience the stunning scenery without breaking park rules.
- Hidden Valley Picnic Area: This is a large area amongst rock formations and beautiful Joshua Trees. You can walk your pup around freely in this area.
- Exploring the Campgrounds: Many campgrounds in Joshua Tree are dog-friendly, allowing you to take your dog on leash for short walks within the camping areas. Sites like Jumbo Rocks, Black Rock and White Tank are great spots to enjoy the surroundings while keeping your dog by your side.
- Picnic at Quail Springs: Quail Springs Picnic Area is a lovely spot where you can relax with your dog. The area is surrounded by impressive rock formations.
- Other Dirt Roads (dogs are allowed): Queen Valley Road, Desert Queen Mine Road, Geology Tour Road, Stirrup Tank Road
Getting to Joshua Tree & Transportation Guide
Joshua Tree is easily accessible from major Southern California cities, making it a convenient weekend getaway.
- From Los Angeles: It’s about a 2.5-hour drive east via I-10 and CA-62. The scenic drive is straightforward, but be sure to fill up on gas and water before entering the more remote desert areas.
- From San Diego: Expect a 3-hour drive via I-15 N and CA-62 E. This route also takes you through some stunning desert landscapes.
- From Palm Springs: The drive to Joshua Tree is just under an hour, making it a quick and easy trip. Take CA-62 E from Palm Springs, and you’ll reach the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park quickly.
- From Phoenix, Arizona: The drive from Phoenix to Joshua Tree takes around 4.5 hours via I-10 W. This route takes you through the beautiful Sonoran Desert, transitioning to the unique landscapes of the California desert as you approach Joshua Tree.
Getting Around:
- Car: The most convenient way to explore Joshua Tree and its surrounding areas is by car. Since many roads are rough and unpaved, a vehicle with decent clearance is ideal.
- RV/Camper Van: If you’re traveling in an RV or camper van, Joshua Tree has several campgrounds with amenities. Just be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season.
- Biking/Walking: While it’s possible to explore some areas on foot or by bike, the distances between key spots are significant, so I recommend using a car to get from place to place and then biking or walking from there.
Other Joshua Tree Tips & Things to Know
Best Time to Visit
Fall through spring offers the best weather, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Summers can be extremely hot, so if you visit during this time, plan for early morning or evening activities and always carry plenty of water for both you and your dog. In the evenings it can get VERY cold, especially in the winter, so also bring warm layers.
Desert Safety
The desert environment can be harsh, with sharp rocks, cacti, and extreme temperatures. Keep your dog on a leash and watch out for hazards like rattlesnakes and prickly plants. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Pet Regulations
Your dog must be on a leash at all times 6 feet long or less. You cannot carry your dog in a backpack or leave it in your car. Dogs can be within 100 feet of the roads and on any dirt roads or campgrounds. Always clean up after your dog and respect the environment.
Packing Tips
Bring a cooler and lots of water to refill your reusable water bottle. There isn’t anywhere to fill up your water in the park and it gets extremely hot and dry. Make sure to bring a travel dog water bowl for your dog!
Limited Supplies
There are no restaurants, gas stations, electric chargers, hotels, or stores in the park, so you need to bring all supplies in. Make sure to fill up your tank or charge up before entering. The park is really large and hilly, so you’ll probably use more gas or charge than you may think. Plus, it can get very hot, so you’ll be cranking the AC.
Limited Cell Service
The cell service is terrible, so make sure you download your Google Maps offline before visiting.
Entrance Fee
The park is open 24/7, and you need to purchase a pass to enter. You can buy on the official government website ahead of time or at the entrance. Sometimes they ask to see your pass and sometimes they don’t. We’ve found usually later in the evenings there’s no one in the booth.
Joshua Tree is a magical destination and a great place to explore with your dog! Whether you’re planning on hiking or just relaxing, you and your pup are sure to have an unforgettable adventure. So pack your bags (and your dog(s), and get ready for the best weekend!
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