When you think of heading to Joshua Tree National Park, the last thing you expect to find is traffic! However, with an estimated 3 million visitors per year, you may find it’s a little busier than you anticipated, especially in the high season, October through May. Below you will find some tips and ideas for exciting alternatives! In fact, if you look closely at our website, you will find over 100 attractions…

If the park entrance in Joshua Tree is busy, try entering the park through the 29 Palms entrance. 29 Palms is just twenty minutes east of Joshua Tree and most of the time there is no wait to enter.  You may even want to grab lunch or explore this unique town for its art galleries, cute shops and public art.

29 Palms is considered the “Oasis of Murals” and begins at the North entrance to the park and the visitor center. These beautiful murals are a great way to enjoy an afternoon and take in the areas heritage and desert landscape.

Pick up a free brochure/map to make sure you find and see them all. They’re available at the California Welcome Center in Yucca Valley, or the 29 Palms Visitors’ Center… great resources to all kinds of places to explore in and near Joshua Tree.

Needing a little more adventure? Did you know that there are three new national monuments in California? Sand to Snow, Castle Mountains and Mojave Trails.

These National Monuments offer vast desert landscapes, towering mountain peaks, wildlife habitats, historic cultural sites, spanning 1.8 million acresand offering a wide variety of recreational opportunities

Sand to Snow National Monument

Encompassing 154,000 acres, the Sand to Snow National Monument is an ecological and cultural icon and one of the most biodiverse areas in southern California. Standing at 11,503-feet, it is home to the region’s tallest mountain: San Gorgonio;  the highest point in California.  Endless adventures await for those looking to explore. From hiking, rock climbing and site seeing to snowshoeing in the winter,  there is something for everyone.

Mojave Trails

The Mojave Trails National Monument spans 1.6 million acres and a vast landscape of rugged mountains, ancient lava flows, and incredible sand dunes; Cadiz Dunes that formed from the sand of dry lake beds. The monumentis home to the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66 and Amboy Crater, an inactive Volcano! From hiking to camping to off roading, this national monument is a great pitstop between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Castle Mountains

Another place to find a natural habitat for eagles, mountain lions and bobcats is in the native Mojave grasslands of the Castle Mountains. Take note, there are no paved roads in the Castle Mountains and most roads require 4WD or a high clearance for vehicles.

Mojave National Preserve

We had to mention the Mojave National preserve, home to the largest Joshua Tree forest and Kelso Dunes, the Mojave National Preserve offers diverse adventures, landscape and history for all. Its woodlands, rugged mountains and canyons depict water-sculpted canyons, ancient lava flows and desert animals like mountain lions, coyotes and bats.

So, whether you are looking for solitude or adventure, these Joshua Tree National Park alternatives are worthy weekend jaunts and a great way to experience roads less traveled.