This is your ultimate guide for visiting Joshua Tree NP in the fall months.
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a full day of adventure in autumn, this article covers everything you need to know, including a meticulously planned itinerary that maximizes your time.
We’ll also discuss essential tips for what to wear and the weather conditions to expect this season. Plus, camping tips, itinerary tips (for one day!), and more advice.
Hotel Deals
Staying the night before in a nearby hotel is the best way to ensure you’re fresh and ready to start your one-day adventure in Joshua Tree National Park at sunrise.
- Start Fresh and Ready: Staying the night before in a nearby hotel lets you start your Joshua Tree adventure at sunrise, refreshed and ready.
- Beat the Heat and Crowds: You’ll get to enjoy the park during the cooler, quieter early morning hours, ahead of the crowds.
- Comfortable Rest: A good night’s sleep nearby means you’re energized and focused, without the hassle of a long morning drive.
Guide Book Tips
- Kaiser, James (Author)
- National Geographic Joshua Tree National Park #226 by California - TI00000226
- Blough, Jenna (Author)
Fall Weather and Outfits
- Visitation/Crowds: Moderate
- Weather: Mostly pleasant with mild temperatures
Although fall officially starts in September, the actual fall in Joshua Tree National Park happens in October and November. This season is short and sweet. With comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, these may be the best months to visit this desert park.
Only Thanksgiving week is busy in the park, but otherwise, you’ll find it an excellent season to visit and enjoy outdoor activities. Those are two great months as temperatures start to cool off. And while there are more visitors than in the summer, the fall months are not as active as the peak spring season.
Fall visitor quote: ‘November is such a great time to visit the park because it’s cool and pleasant, with moderate crowds.’
September
September is the turning point between summer and fall, and the evenings begin to cool with an average low temperature of 66°F (18°C). You should still wear hot-weather clothing like shorts, short-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, and hats for the daytime, but evenings will be comfortable. Celebrate the month by attending Joshua Tree’s charming Night Sky Festival (requires tickets)
October
October in Joshua Tree marks the transition between the heat of summer and the cold of winter. The average monthly high temperature is 85°F (29°C), with lower temperatures in late October.
While the daytime temperatures are relatively warm, it will feel distinctly cooler during the night, when the average low temperature is 55°F (12°C). Bring hot-weather clothing and plentiful water with you for the day, as well as a warm sleeping bag and layers such as a light sweater if you are camping overnight.
November
November is one of the most pleasant months in the park, with relatively comfortable temperatures. Many local Southern Californians like to camp here during Thanksgiving week in late November. There is an average high temperature of 71°F (21°C), making this an ideal month for any outdoor activity, including hiking and rock climbing.
However, although daytime temperatures are ideal, ensure that you wear a warm sweater, thick jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves for nighttime and morning activities. This can be a windy month, too, so bring a windbreaker.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Most visitors will not need more than a day in Joshua Tree National Park, but for the best experience, it is better to visit for at least two days. If you want to see the night skies of this park, you should consider camping for a night in or near the park in the city of Twentynine Palms.
One Day Visitors
You need one day of driving in Joshua Tree to see most of the main attractions, which are only a few minutes away from the parking lots. Even in the hot summer months, you can take a short walk for a quick photo.
If you are visiting in the summer or only have one day to visit, start your day as early as possible, ideally before sunrise. If you arrive in the park before the visitor center opens at 8:00 a.m., bring your annual National Parks pass (you can buy your pass online a couple of weeks before your trip).
Multiple Day Visitors
For an even better experience, we do recommend visiting the park for two or three days. That way, you can drive on the park’s main roads, hike a few trails, and enjoy the exceptional stargazing at night.
The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
Joshua Tree National Park is a unique place with amazing rock formations and unusual Joshua trees that look like they come from another world. If you have only one day to explore, here’s how to make the most of your visit.
Sunrise and Breakfast
- Catch the Sunrise: Start your day at Cholla Cactus Garden. It’s on the eastern side of the park, making it a fantastic spot to watch the sunrise. The sky turns beautiful colors and the cacti are stunning in the morning light.
- Tips: It can be cold in the morning, so wear a jacket or a warm sweater.
- Getting There: From the park entrance, follow the main park road (Park Boulevard) which turns into Pinto Basin Road. The drive takes about 30 minutes from the north entrance.
- Breakfast (Town of Joshua Tree): After the sunrise, head to Crossroads Cafe in the town of Joshua Tree for a good breakfast. They serve hearty meals to start your day right.
- Getting There: Exit the park the same way you entered and drive to the town of Joshua Tree, which takes about 15 minutes from the north entrance.
Explore Hidden Valley
- Hike the Hidden Valley Trail: This trail is about a one-mile loop that is easy to walk. It’s famous for its stunning rock formations and beautiful Joshua trees. It feels like you’re walking in a giant outdoor playground.
- Tips: Carry water, wear sunscreen, and put on a hat because it can get sunny.
- Getting There: Drive back into the park and head to Hidden Valley. It’s a short 10-minute drive from the West Entrance.
Climb Rocks at Barker Dam
- Rock Climbing and Scenery: After Hidden Valley, go to Barker Dam. It’s a nearby area where you can do some easy rock climbing or just enjoy the view.
- If you don’t want to climb, there’s also a short trail that takes you around a small lake.
- Tips: If you want to climb, make sure you have the right shoes. Always be careful.
- Getting There: Barker Dam is just a 5-minute drive from Hidden Valley. Follow the signs; it’s well marked.
Watch the Sunset at Keys View
- Sunset View: Finish your day at Keys View. It’s a lookout point where you can see a breathtaking sunset over the Coachella Valley.
- Tips: It can get windy, so bring a jacket.
- Getting There: Keys View is about a 20-minute drive from Barker Dam. You’ll drive on Park Boulevard, then turn onto Keys View Road.
This itinerary lets you see some of the best parts of Joshua Tree National Park in just one day. You’ll get to enjoy nature, do some hiking, and see some beautiful views. Remember to take lots of pictures and have fun!
Opening Hours
Joshua Tree National Park is open night and day every day of the week throughout the year, even on public holidays.
The Joshua Tree Visitor Center is open from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily. Other visitor centers in the park, like Oasis or Cottonwood, open at 8:30 AM.
Tip: Stay one night and you can start early to avoid the crowds. That’s the best way to visit the park: Hotel Deals – Joshua Tree National Park | via booking.com (bookmark the link to save money!)
Stargazing at Night | Milky Way Viewing
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Joshua Tree is one of the only three International Dark Sky Parks in California; Death Valley National Park and Anza-Borrego State Park are also worth visiting.
The “Dark Sky” certification ensures that you’ll see bright stars like the Milky Way without any of the infamous light pollution of Southern California. On a clear and moonless night, you can view stars from anywhere in the park. Visit the park in September for the annual Night Sky Festival.
Stargazing in the Winter
Winter is the best time to stargaze in Joshua Tree as you will have the most viewing hours due to shorter days and longer nights. For instance, in December, it’s dark after 5:00 p.m.
Top Stargazing Sights by Season
On moonless nights year-round, you can see many remarkable sights. For instance, in the winter, you may spot Sirius and Orion. In the spring, you can see Arcturus and Leo. In the summer, look for the Milky Way or the mid-August wonder, the Perseid Meteor Shower. And in the fall, enjoy Pegasus and the Andromeda Galaxy.
Fall is the Best Time to Camp
The best time to camp in Joshua Tree National Park is, in fact, in September and October. During these months, the nighttime temperatures are mild to warm, and there are no strong winds.
Because schools have reopened, the park also has fewer visitors, which means more campsite availability. However, the days will be hot through late September, so prepare for summer-like weather during sunlit hours.
When is the Best Time of Day to Avoid Crowds at Joshua Tree?
The best time of day to avoid crowds in Joshua Tree National Park is in the early morning (like 7:00 a.m.) before the visitor center opens at 8:00 a.m. The visiting crowds often queue at the gate for a park entrance ticket, but you can enter the park and pay when you exit. This way, you will start on trails before the crowds do.
Another good time is the late afternoon when many visitors drive back to their campground or city. The hours before sunset provide excellent golden light, long shadows, and fewer crowds.
Where Can I Camp for Free in Joshua Tree?
There are no free developed campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park, but you can register and prepare for free backpacking in the backcountry. If you aren’t a backpacker, there are free wilderness campsites outside the park managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) near the park (search a map here). All free camping has space limits and typically no bathrooms.