Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs: Hiking, Scenic Drives, Desert Getaways

by Jenna Blough

Overview

From the chic pools of Palm Springs to the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, soak up the California sunshine with Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs. Inside you'll find:

• Flexible itineraries, like relaxing weekends in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley and the week-long best of Joshua Tree National Park, including day trips to the Salton Sea and Idyllwild
• Strategic advice for outdoor adventurers, spa-seekers, poolside loungers, and more
• The best hikes in Joshua Tree and the Palm Springs area marked with mileage, duration, difficulty level, and elevation gain, plus trailheads and detailed directions
• Top activities and unique experiences: Discover hidden waterfalls, fan palm oases, and stunning canyons on a hike through Joshua Tree, or trek part of the Pacific Crest Trail on a day trip to the Sand to Snow National Monument. Try a rejuvenating sound bath or soak in serene hot springs. Admire mid-century architecture and sip retro-chic cocktails in Rat-Pack-era hangouts and sample the best of the party scene, from poolside resorts to wild west saloons
• Insider advice from SoCal local Jenna Blough on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around, including how to get to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs from Los Angeles
• Helpful resources on Covid-19 and traveling to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs
• Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
• Background information on the landscape, history, and culture, plus tips for families, seniors, LGBTQ travelers, and visitors with disabilities

Experience the best of the desert with Moon Joshua Tree & Palm Springs.

Exploring California’s national parks? Check out Moon Death Valley National Park or Moon Sequoia & Kings Canyon.
 

About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.

For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781640496156
Publisher:	Avalon Publishing
Publication date:	08/16/2022
Series:	Travel Guide
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	175,655
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Jenna Blough grew up on the edge of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where she was allowed to run wild, instilling a love of the outdoors early on. After her parents dragged her and her sister on a cross-country road trip of epic proportions, she developed an equal appreciation for Wild West roadside attractions, historic sites, and wilderness.

Jenna eventually found the California desert to be her geographic soul mate. She loves Palm Springs for its poolside lounging and cocktails, and Joshua Tree for its fantastic hiking and otherworldly landscape.

Jenna received an undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology, an MA in English literature, and an MFA in writing. She is also the author of Moon Death Valley National Park. Jenna resides in Los Angeles with her husband Ryan Jones. Visit her blog at whentheroadends.com.

Table of Contents

Discover Joshua Tree & Palm Springs 6

6 Top Experiences 10

Planning Your Trip 16

Palm Springs Loves a Party 17

Best of Joshua Tree and Palm Springs 20

Day Trips from Palm Sprigs 21

Joshua Tree Camping Trip 23

Best Hikes 24

Best Spa Experiences 25

Retro Palm Springs Weekend 26

Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley 28

Sights 31

Entertainment and Events 39

Shopping 49

Sports and Recreation 52

Food 63

Accommodations 71

Transportation and Services 80

The Coachella Valley 82

The San Jacinto Mountains 97

Joshua Tree and the Hi-Desert 108

Joshua Tree National Park 111

Hi-Desert 147

Sand to Snow National Monument 167

Background 177

The Landscape 177

Plants and Animals 182

History 186

Local Culture 190

Essentials 192

Transportation 192

Travel Hub: Los Angeles 195

Travel Tips 200

Resources 207

Suggested Reading 207

Internet Resources 209

Index 210

List of Maps 214

Editorial Reviews

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From the Publisher