The Perfect Joshua Tree to Death Valley Van Road Trip Itinerary
Southern California is one of the best places to take a road trip, containing two beautiful National Parks- Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park. Los Angeles is an airport hub, making it easy to take a Los Angeles to Joshua Tree road trip, followed by a Joshua Tree to Death Valley drive. To make your road trip more comfortable, rent a campervan! A van protects you from the harsh desert environment and gives you easy access to amenities. The 5 day Joshua Tree and Death Valley road trip described below has all the information you need to know for the best trails and the perfect one-day itinerary in Joshua Tree, how to spend one to two days in Death Valley, and when is the best time to visit these parks.
What to Pack for Your Joshua Tree to Death Valley Road Trip
Before heading out on your road trip, it is important to bring the right gear. Below is my recommended packing list for Joshua Tree and Death Valley.
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- Water– Always bring water to the desert! Neither of these National Parks has many places to get water, so make sure to bring enough for your trip and restock when you can! –Water Bottle
- Snacks– Neither Joshua Tree nor Death Valley has a ton of options for food. So make sure to bring your own snacks. –My Favorite Protein Bars
- Backpack- A daypack is essential to carry water, snacks, layers, and other necessities on your National Park hikes. –My Backpack
- Sun Shielding Hat– The sun is harsh in the desert, so make sure to bring a hat to protect your face and neck. –Baseball Hat
- Winter Hat– In the winter, it is very windy and cools off fast at night in the desert, so you will want something to protect your ears and keep heat in. –Carhartt Winter Hat
- Sunglasses– You’re visiting the desert, so make sure to pack sunglasses! –Polarized Sunglasses
- Moisture Wicking Shirts– They don’t need to be fancy but you’ll want some sort of comfortable athletic shirt for hiking in. Merino wool or synthetic shirts are the best for hiking. –Affordable Athletic Shirts
- Sun Shirt– In addition to tee shirts, it is a good idea to bring a sun shirt. This is a lightweight shirt you can wear to keep the sun off you. –Women’s Sun Shirt
- Hiking Legging/Shorts– Depending on your preference you will want either hiking leggings or hiking pants, and shorts. –Women’s Hiking Pants
- Fleece– A mid layer is necessary when hiking and great to have when hanging around the campground. –Fleece Zip
- Heavy Coat– Make sure to pack a compactable puffy jacket that you can wear in the morning and evening and then pack away when the sun comes out. –My Favorite Puffy Jacket
- Hiking Boots– Death Valley especially had some very rocky trails. Bring hiking boots with good ankle support. –My Favorite Hiking Boots
- Hiking Socks– Equally important as hiking boots is to wear good hiking socks to prevent blisters. –The Best Hiking Socks
- Headlamp– If you plan on doing any sunrise or sunset hikes, make sure to bring a headlamp –Recommended Headlamp
- First Aid– Always bring a first aid kit when hiking. -Lightweight First Aid Kit
- GPS– A GPS may be the most important thing you bring. While most of the trails on this list are short, the desert can be disorienting, and we still got lost on one of our hikes. There is no service in these parks, and an emergency GPS will make sure you stay safe. -Garmin InReach Mini
- Camera– If you are getting started with photography, the Sony a6400 is a great beginner mirrorless camera. -Travel Camera
- Toiletries– Along with your normal soap, shampoo, etc. Don’t forget to bring chapstick, sunscreen, and lotion with you to the desert.
Renting a Campervan for Your Road Trip
Disclaimer: Cabana Vans hosted us with a free campervan stay, but all opinions are my own.
A campervan is an ideal way to travel around Southern California. We rented a van through Cabana, and it had everything we needed for a week-long trip!
Advantages of taking a campervan on a California National Park road trip include:
- Many campgrounds in Joshua Tree and Death Valley don’t have easily accessible water, restrooms, or showers.
- Campervans give you shelter if the weather is bad. In the winter the desert is cold and windy, and in the summer it gets really hot in the middle of the day. A van gives you a place to shelter from the sun or warm up in the cold.
- You can save money on food by buying groceries and cooking in the van. Our Cabana’s fridge was big enough for 5 days with room to spare.
When to Road Trip from Joshua Tree to Death Valley
Late Fall and early Spring is the best time to visit Joshua Tree and Death Valley. November through March is the best time to visit Death Valley with the high not exceeding 90. Joshua Tree has a wider timeframe of comfortable temperatures, not exceeding 90 from September through May.
In Winter, the lows can reach around 40 in both parks in December and January, and into February in Joshua Tree. This is still an okay time to visit the park, just make sure to pack warm layers and be prepared for the wind.
Summer is the worst time to visit Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks. Death Valley holds the record for the hottest temperature on Earth and highs can reach well into the 110s in the summer. Most campgrounds in Death Valley close in April, so plan your trip before the temperatures soar.
Keep in mind that temperature also changes at elevation, so the temperature at the lowest point in Death Valley can be vastly different than at some of the overlooks.
Map of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley Road Trip
The Joshua Tree and Death Valley road trip map above starts and ends in Los Angeles. This is where we picked up our campervan, and there are many direct flights to LAX, making it an easy starting point.
Day 1 of your Southern California road trip will be picking up the van and driving to Joshua Tree National Park. Day 2 will be spent hiking the best trails in Joshua Tree. You will then drive up to Death Valley and watch the sunset. Day 4 will be spent exploring Death Valley National Park in one day. Finally, you will drive back to Los Angeles from Death Valley to drop off your van and head home!
5 Day Southern California Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park
- Los Angeles to Joshua Tree Distance: 130 miles
- Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
The first day of your road trip is going to be focused on picking up your campervan, getting supplies, and driving to Joshua Tree.
Depending on when you leave you may have some time to spend in the park in the evening. If you have the time, Ryan Mountain is a great option for a sunset hike, or you can relax at your campground.
Pick Up Your Camper Van in Los Angeles
If you are renting a campervan, your first stop will be to pick up your van! Depending on where the van company is located you may need to take a taxi or rideshare to the van rental. If flying into Los Angeles, you will likely fly into Los Angeles International Airport, LAX.
If renting through Cabana, you will check in and unlock the van through your phone. This makes it easy to pick up at any time, no matter when your flight gets in.
How to Get to Joshua Tree from Los Angeles
After picking up your campervan it’s time to head toward Joshua Tree! To head from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree take I-10 to CA-60 East. At Exit 177, take CA-62 North towards the town of Joshua Tree. In Joshua Tree, you’ll find a Walmart and a few more grocery stores to stock up on supplies before entering the National Park.
The entrance fee for the Joshua Tree is $30 per vehicle, valid for 1 week. However, if you will be visiting more than three National Parks in a year, it is worth it to buy the $80 America the Beautiful Pass which allows entry to all National Parks and Recreational Land for one year.
Joshua Tree National Park has three entrances. Two in the North by Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms and one to the South. Which way you enter will depend on where you are camping in Joshua Tree.
Where to Camp Near Joshua Tree
It is always easier to stay inside a National Park if you can! The campgrounds inside the park, are conveniently located and allow you to get started on your adventures earlier than if you have to drive in and out of the park every day. The views from inside the park are always jaw-dropping as well!
- Reservable Campgrounds- There are 5 campgrounds in Joshua Tree that can be reserved up to 6 months in advance. Black Rock Campground and Cottonwood Campgrounds have water and flush toilets, and the remainder have pit toilets but not water.
- First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds– Joshua Tree has three first-come, first-served campgrounds if you are not able to secure a reservation.
Day 2: Joshua Tree One Day Itinerary
Most of Joshua Tree National Park can be explored in one day. Many trails are short and flat, making it easy to do several in a day, especially if you start early in the morning.
Below are several trail recommendations, as well as other things you can do inside the park for a one-day itinerary in Joshua Tree.
Best Hikes in Joshua Tree
Your fitness level and the time of year you visit will determine how many trails you can do inside the park. You can likely fit 4 or more trails into your one-day itinerary! Joshua Tree trails are spread out so make a note of where the trails you want to do are on the map, and work your way through the park.
If visiting in the hot summer months, plan to hike in the early morning. Rest inside the van during the hottest part of the day, and hike again in the evening.
- Cholla Cactus Garden– 0.3 miles, 9 feet, Easy– Cholla Cactus Garden is a must-see loop trail through the cacti. Go here early close to sunrise to see the cacti glow in the morning light.
- Barker Dam– 1.1 miles, 59 feet, Easy– Barker Dam is one of the few places you might see water in the desert. It is most often dry, but occasionally water can be found in the dam.
- Arch Rock Trail– 1.4 miles, 88 feet, Easy– Arch Rock trail is an easy walk to see the unique natural arch. For an additional 0.4 miles, you can add a side trail to see Heart Rock.
- Hidden Valley– 1 mile, 118 feet, Easy– Hidden Valley is an easy nature walk with informative signs throughout the trail.
- Split Rock Loop- 2.5 miles, 275 feet, Easy– This trail loops around Split Rock. You can also take a side trail to Skull Rock for an additional 1-mile round trip. Skull Rock can also be accessed right from the roadside.
- Fortynine Palms Oasis– 3.0 miles, 636 feet, Moderate– Fortynine Palms is a little outside the main drive of the park. It leads down to a natural oasis covered in palm trees.
Things to Do in Joshua Tree
If you want to do more than just hike in Joshua Tree, mix it up by adding one or more of these other activities to your to-do list in Joshua Tree.
- Tour Keys Ranch– Take a guided walking tour of the historic Keys Ranch. Keys Ranch is a century-old ranch residing inside the park created by miner and rancher William Keys. Tickets are reservable up to 60 days in advance and tours last 90 minutes.
- Horseback Riding– Several companies offer guided horseback rides through Joshua Tree including Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary and Knob Hill Ranch.
- Climbing & Bouldering– Joshua Tree is an extremely popular climbing destination with thousands of routes. You are likely to see many climbers when visiting the park.
- Stargazing– Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, which means it is one of the clearest places to see stars in the world. Venture out after dark to see the stars or practice astrophotography.
Day 3: Joshua Tree to Death Valley
- Joshua Tree to Death Valley Distance: 265 miles
- Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Day 3 of your California National Parks Road Trip will begin in Joshua Tree and end in Death Valley. If there are any last-minute stops you want to see in Joshua Tree, make sure to see those first before heading North.
How to Get to Death Valley from Joshua Tree
It will take around 4 to 5 hours to drive to Death Valley from Joshua Tree, assuming you are staying near Furnace Creek where most of the amenities and campgrounds are. If you need more food, water, and supplies, stock up before leaving Joshua Tree.
To get from Joshua Tree to Death Valley, head West to get on CA-247 North towards Barstow. From there you will take I-15 North to Baker before turning onto CA-127 to Death Valley Junction. At Death Valley Junction take CA-190 West into Death Valley National Park and Furnace Creek.
There are long stretches of road without gas, restaurants, or amenities between Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Make sure to be continually checking where the next gas station is while driving, and bring snacks and lunch. You may also lose service and GPS as you approach Death Valley, so it is always a good idea to have maps saved offline or printed out.
Like Joshua Tree, Death Valley’s entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for one week or you can use an Interagency Pass, which costs $80 for a year.
Sunset Spots in Death Valley National Park
Depending on when you leave Joshua Tree, you will likely arrive in Death Valley before the end of the day. If necessary, secure your first come, first served campsite as mentioned below, before venturing to a spot for sunset!
Where you watch sunset in Death Valley will depend on your campground and personal preference. Sunset in Death Valley is truly special so don’t miss a chance to see the colors reflect off the mountains. A few of the best spots to see the sunset in Death Valley include the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Artist Palette.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes– The dunes are an iconic view in Death Valley. You can hike as far or as little as you want on the dunes! The dunes are especially stunning at sunset when the light makes dramatic shadows on the dunes.
- Artist Palette Drive– There is a 9-mile drive on the Artist Drive Scenic Loop which includes a stop at Artist Palette. Artist Palette overlook is an only a 0.4-mile round trip hike among the colorful purple, pink, and blue hills. While the hills are beautiful all the time, the colors are most vibrant at sunrise and sunset. The drive is restricted to vehicles under 25 feet long, which includes most campervans.
Other Death Valley sunset options include Badwater Basin Salt Flats and Dante’s View, mentioned in the next section.
Where to Camp in Death Valley
There are a few campgrounds inside Death Valley. Most are only open in Fall through Spring due to the extreme summer temperatures.
- Furnace Creek Campground– This is the only reservable campground in Death Valley. Furnace Creek is reservable 6 months in advance between October and April and is first come, first served the rest of the year. It is also the only campground in Death Valley with electric hookups.
- Texas Springs– Texas Springs is first come, first served located near Furnace Creek Campground, open October – April.
- Sunset Campground– Sunset Campground is near Furnace Creek and first come, first served. It is a good option if both Furnace Creek and Texas Springs are full since it is a large campground. The sites have no picnic tables or firepits, and are mostly in a large gravel lot,
- Stovepipe Wells Campground– Stovepipe Wells is a first come, first served campground near the Mesquite Sand Dunes, open from November to May.
- Mesquite Spring Campground– Mesquite Spring Campground is in the far North area of the park, and also first come, first served. It is the only campground open year-round in Death Valley, but far from most trails.
Note: Emigrant and Wildrose Campground are currently inaccessible due to road closures as of March 2023
Day 4: Death Valley 1-Day Itinerary
Day 4 of your road trip will be spent entirely in Death Valley. Unlike Joshua Tree, which is a relatively small park, Death Valley is extremely large. It is the largest National Park in the continental United States. Spanning 3 million acres, it is impossible to see everything the park has to offer in just one day, especially since much of the area is only accessible via rough unpaved roads. However, with just one or two days in Death Valley, you can see many of the more accessible highlights with a good itinerary!
Best Hikes in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley has a lot of short and easy-to-moderate hikes. Like Joshua Tree, you will want to start early in the day to avoid the midday sun and fit as much in as possible. If you missed them on Day 3, make sure to also check out the Mesquite Sand Dunes and Artist Palette!
If staying near Furnace Creek, I would recommend starting your day at Dante’s View or Zabriskie Point, detouring to Badwater Basin, and then working your way North!
- Badwater Basin Salt Flats– 1.9 miles, 6 feet, Easy– Badwater Basin is a must-see in Death Valley National Park! It is the lowest point in North America. At the beginning of the trail is a saltwater basin, and the trail leads out to the expansive salt flats.
- Zabriskie Point– 0.4 miles, 49 feet, Easy– Zabriskie is the perfect (and most popular) spot to watch the sunrise in Death Valley. With only a short walk you can look out and see an expansive view of the valley.
- Golden Canyon– 0.8 miles, 118 feet, Moderate– Gold Canyon stretches back far and you can either hike a short distance or all the way to Zabriskie Point (6 miles round trip). It is a 3 miles round trip hike through Gold Canyon to Red Cathedral, a popular stopping point.
- Mosaic Canyon– 3.3 miles, 958 feet, Moderate– Mosaic Canyon is a fun canyon hike with some scrambling. The scrambling does not begin until 1.3 miles into the hike, so you can also go through only part of the canyon and see the “mosaic” rock the canyon is named for. The road to the trailhead is steep and gravel and not recommended for low-clearance vehicles.
- Natural Bridge– 1.4 miles, 449 feet, Easy– Natural Bridge is a short canyon hike to a naturally formed bridge. This trailhead also has a gravel road you will need some clearance to get down.
- Dante’s View– 1.0 mile, 223 feet, Easy– Dante’s View is over 5000 feet above sea level and has one of the best views in the park. The road to here is long, and it is 45 minutes from Furnace Creek. It is cooler up here than in the rest of the park due to the elevation.
Other Things to Do in Death Valley
If you have multiple days to spend in Death Valley, there is much more to explore inside the park, especially with 4WD!
- Explore with 4WD– Much of Death Valley requires high clearance and 4×4 drive to reach. Spots like Racetrack Playa (the moving stones), Eureka Dunes, and Saline Valley Dunes are only accessible with 4WD. These areas are very remote, so don’t go unless you are prepared and have experience on very rough terrain.
- Mountain Biking– Unlike many National Parks, mountain biking is allowed in Death Valley and several trails allow it.
- Stargazing– Like Joshua Tree, Death Valley is an equally great, if not better, spot for stargazing. You can see the stars from almost anywhere in the park!
Day 5: Death Valley to Los Angeles
- Death Valley to Los Angeles Distance: 306 miles
- Drive Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Driving back to Los Angeles from Death Valley can take 5 hours or longer depending on traffic.
To leave Death Valley, take CA-190 and CA-127 down to I-15, which you can take most of the way back to Los Angeles. Alternatively, you may be routed out of the Northwest area of the park to CA-190 West, and then on a series of smaller roads to Red Rock Canyon State Park before getting on CA-14 South to Los Angeles.
Tips for Planning a Joshua Tree, Death Valley Road Trip
- Watch the weather forecast and plan on hiking in the morning and evenings to avoid the peak heat of the day.
- Download your maps and trails ahead of time or print them off. There is not much service in the National Parks.
- Stay updated to park conditions! Each National Park’s website has up-to-date information on trail closings, park facilities, and health and weather warnings.
- Make your reservations ahead of time! These National Parks are popular tourist destinations, so expect accommodations to book early, especially during peak season of Spring and Fall. Most campsites take reservations 6 months in advance.
- Leave No Trace! This is essential when hiking in any wilderness area, but it is especially important in National Parks, which are some of the most heavily trafficked hikes in the United States. Wandering off-trail can also harm delicate desert landscapes that can take many years to grow back. Carving or vandalizing rock is becoming increasingly common, and should not be done under any circumstance. Behavior like this leads to increasing restrictions on national land and damages the landscape in ways that cannot be undone, destroying centuries-old formations.
- Go to your most anticipated trails in the morning to ensure parking. Even in a large park like Death Valley, we still found many trailheads to be full around midday
How Many Days for Joshua Tree?
Most of Joshua Tree can be explored in one day. With a well planned one day itinerary you can hit most of the best trails in Joshua Tree and drive through much of the park.
How Many Days in Death Valley?
Death Valley National Park can not be explored fully in just one day. With one day in Death Valley, you can see a lot of the easy-to-access spots, although two or three days will give you more time and allow you to feel less rushed. The itinerary above will let you see the highlights, especially if you add in a short hike or two the day you get to Death Valley and the morning before you leave.
To fully experience Death Valley you will need a 4WD vehicle and many days to reach all of the hard-to-access spots.
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