Joshua Tree National Park — A Surreal Desert Escape 🌵☀️

#summervacay Visiting Joshua Tree feels like stepping into another world — endless desert, bizarre rock formations, and the iconic Joshua trees, standing tall with their spiky branches for over a hundred years. It’s like a living museum of desert life. 🚗 Getting There: Roughly a 2-hour drive (200 km) from Los Angeles — an easy day trip. 💵 Entrance Fees: • $30 per vehicle (up to 4 people) • If you plan to visit 3+ national parks, consider the $80 Interagency Annual Pass — valid for a whole year at all US national parks. 🕒 Best Time to Visit: • 3–4 hours is enough if you’re not hiking. • Late afternoon is perfect — softer sunlight, cooler temps, stunning sunset. • Stay after dark if you love stargazing — low light pollution makes the night sky incredible. 🌵 Recommended Route (Self-drive): Enter via Joshua Tree Visitor Center (West Entrance) — closer to the main spots. Stops along the way: ✔️ Quail Springs & Hidden Valley — Joshua trees and desert landscapes, great for short walks and photos. ✔️ Ryan Mountain Trailhead — Optional short hike with desert views. ✔️ Skull Rock — A giant rock shaped like a skull, cool photo spot. ✔️ Cholla Cactus Garden — A must-see! These cacti glow under the sunlight — but be careful, the spines are super sharp. ✔️ Keys View — The best sunset viewpoint over the valley (arrive 30+ mins before sunset). ✔️ Practical Tips: ✅ Download offline maps — no signal inside the park. ✅ Roads are paved and easy to drive. ✅ Sunscreen and hats are essential — desert sun is intense. ✅ Bring a jacket — it gets chilly after sunset. Personal highlight: The Cholla Cactus Garden was magical, especially at sunset when the cacti seem to glow. The whole park feels raw, untouched, and timeless — definitely a summer adventure worth doing. #naturalwonders #thingstodo #travel #trip #staycation #myitinerary #usa