Joshua Tree & Palm Springs | 2-Day Desert Adventure Itinerary 🌵✨

Why did Marilyn Monroe love desert vacations? Maybe she got tired of California’s beaches… Day 1️⃣: Joshua Tree National Park 🚗 Route Strategy: • Enter from South Entrance → Exit from West Entrance (no backtracking!) • South zone is sparse – drive straight to the highlights in the northwest. 📍 Stops: 1. Cottonwood Visitor Center – Grab a map + water 2. Cholla Cactus Garden – Silver spiky "teddy bear" cacti 🌵 3. Arch Rock/Heart Rock – Natural stone heart ❤️ (short hike) 4. Skull Rock – Eerie skull-shaped boulder 💀 5. Keys View – Sunset spot overlooking Coachella Valley 🌅 ⚠️ Tips: • Download offline maps – zero signal in the park! • Stay in an Airbnb near the west exit for easy Day 2 access. Day 2️⃣: Desert Treasures & Marilyn 📍 Yucca Valley Giant Cactus • Gun shop with two massive cacti – quirky photo op! 📍56158 29 Palms Highway 📍 Pioneertown • Old Western movie set – saloons, staged shootouts, and insta-worthy backdrops 🤠 📍 Indian Canyons • Giant skirted palms in desert canyons: • Andreas Canyon Trail (1.2 miles ⭐⭐⭐⭐) • Palm Canyon Trail (16 miles – hike partially then turn back ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) • Go early – afternoon light gets blocked by cliffs! 📍 JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort • Free flamingo photos at the hotel lagoon 🦩 📍 Forever Marilyn Statue • 7-story tall statue – park at Downtown Palm Springs Parking (free), then explore downtown! 🛍️ Desert Hills Premium Outlets • End with retail therapy – Nike, Lululemon, Gucci discounts revive tired souls! 💡 Pro Tips ✅ Best time: Oct-Apr (avoid summer heat!) ✅ Pack: Water, sunscreen, hiking shoes, and a power bank ✅ Book Airbnb early – Joshua Tree’s west side sells out fast #JoshuaTree #PalmSprings #DesertRoadTrip