8 Things to Do Around Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is a short drive from a number of different major metropolitan areas (Orange County, L.A, San Diego, & Phoenix to name a few). This makes it the perfect park for a weekend getaway or a week-long escape. Although you could spend your entire time in the National Park alone and still not see all 1,200 square miles in its entirety, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do after your hiking tour with us!
1. Get in touch with your Creative Side at the outdoor Assemblage Sculptures of the Noah Purifoy Foundation
The Noah Purifoy Foundation is a 10-acre outdoor sculpture museum showcasing the assemblage art of Noah Purifoy. The desert art outdoor museum is open to the public 365-days a year from sunrise to sundown. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information check out their website: Noah Purifoy Foundation.
“I do not wish to be an artist, I only wish that art enables me to be.” – Noah Purifoy, 1963
2. Hit those High Notes at the Joshua Tree Saloon Karaoke Night
The Joshua Tree Saloon is a unique bar and restaurant with great burgers and the coldest beer in town. The fun western ambiance of the Saloon will have you feeling like a cowboy on the hunt for gold in Joshua Tree’s Wild West. The Joshua Tree Saloon has both indoor and outdoor seating and offers karaoke, open mic nights, and live entertainment. Dust off those old cowboy boots and head over to the Joshua Tree Saloon for a wild time; just don’t squat with your spurs on.
3. Start Your Day with Freshly Roasted Organic Coffee
The Joshua Tree Coffee Company is a local coffee lover’s favorite! The JTCC takes coffee roasting very seriously and is constantly working on roast profiles to create tasty, delicious coffee. They’re also dedicated to using only organic, fair trade, and environmentally sustainable coffee beans. The Joshua Tree Coffee Company is passionate about the world’s favorite morning drink and you can taste that passion in their beverages. Enjoy the morning on their patio with a fresh cup of Joshua Tree Coffee Company coffee in hand. You’ll be happy you did!
4. Climb to New Heights in the Park
There’s a reason why Joshua Tree is a world famous rock climbing destination. Get on the the granite and find out why. The Climbing Life Guides offers private or small group guided climbing for all skill levels. A certified, professional rock climbing guide will provide you with 4-8 hours of rock climbing adventures; suited for all skill levels. Traveling with small children? Stone Adventures offers custom family rock climbing trips for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy a day on the rocks that your entire family will enjoy.
5. Bathe Yourself in Sound
Image curtesy of https://www.integratron.com
The Integratron is a one-of-a-kind wooden dome designed in 1954 by the late George Van Tasse. The Integratron offers 60-minute sonic healing sessions with quartz crystal singing bowls as you rest comfortably in the wooden dome. The Integratron is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and seek rejuvenation and introspection.
6. Shop for Fun Finds & Unique Treasures
Downtown Joshua Tree is home to art galleries, thrift shops, and unique novelty stores. Take a short walk down Highway 62 in Joshua Tree and you’re bound to find all sorts of unique gifts and treasures.
7. Learn About Your Desert Park
Before entering Joshua Tree National Park, you should visit the Joshua Tree Visitors Center to pick up your maps, check out the museum, and talk to a friendly Park Ranger. The Visitors Center also offers free Ranger Talks throughout the week. Inside the VC, you can also check out their wide selection of souvenirs. Proceeds from the gift shop sales go to help fund the Joshua Tree National Park Association, a non-profit dedicated to helping Joshua Tree National Park reach its goals in education, interpretation, scientific and historic research and activities.
8. Take a Field Class and Become an Expert
The Joshua Tree National Park Association’s Desert Institute offers field classes in and around the Mojave Desert. Between Natural Science, Guided Hikes, Cultural Science, Creative Arts, and “How To” courses, you’re bound to find a class that interests you. Classes run throughout the Fall and Spring and can also be taken for academic credit.
Written by Carmelina Krein
Carmelina is a landscape photographer & wilderness guide with Joshua Tree Excursions. Her full portfolio can be viewed on her website carmexploresphotos.com