What to do in Joshua Tree while house and pet sitting

No trip to Southern California is complete without a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. This magnificent park covers over 790,000 acres of awe-inspiring wilderness and includes two famous deserts, the Mojave and the Colorado. If you’re lucky enough to be house sitting in this area, there are so many things to see in Joshua Tree.

We’ll take a look at the must-see Joshua Tree attractions, and point you in the direction of some great Southern Californian cooking. The desert doesn’t feel like the most obvious place to take the dog for a walk; however, with some careful planning and research, there are some great trails that you and your four-pawed companion can enjoy together.

Joshua Tree attractions

The sheer scale of the National Park can feel daunting, so it’s best tackled attraction at a time. Here are some of the best things to do in Joshua Tree.

1. Cholla Cactus Garden: the densely packed white chollas are one of the stand-out sights of the National Park. Try to catch them in the late afternoon when the sunlight makes them glow.

2. Ryan Ranch Trail: take a step back in time to 1900s’ Joshua Tree, with a tour of this fascinating old ranch and homestead. The tours run in the cooler months (typically October to May), and you’ll need to book in advance.

3. Cottonwood Spring: this oasis has a rare, permanent spring. With its shady trees and source of water, Cottonwood attracts many birds, including hummingbirds. This is a wonderful place to come to cool down a touch on a warmer day.

4. Hidden Valley: this is perhaps the most popular part of the park, as it’s easily accessible and offers straightforward hiking. Look out for the Great Burrito!

Free things to do in Joshua Tree

If you’re traveling on a budget and wondering what to do in Joshua Tree, the answer is plenty! However, there is an entry fee into the National Park, so even if the activities themselves are free, you’ll still need to pay. If you’re in the area for a while, the annual pass will save you money.

1. Rock Climbing: there are over 8,000 climbing and bouldering routes in the National Park, and scrambling around the rocks is one of the most popular Joshua Tree activities.

2. Stargazing: this has to be one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree. The skies here are darker than you can imagine and you’ll have never seen the stars looking like this before. Stay away from moonlit nights for the best experience, when the Milky Way forms a glowing stripe across the sky.

3. Keys View: drive up to this lookout point, which has an elevation of over 5,000 feet. As you can imagine, the views are spectacular. You can even see as far as Mexico on a clear day. At this height, it’s also a bit cooler.

4. Barker Dam Nature Trail: there’s a one-mile loop trail at Barker Dam, which takes in some awesome scenery. The water attracts birds, so it’s a good place to look out for the local fauna.

Fun things to do in Joshua Tree

There are plenty of fun and unusual things to do in Joshua Tree. If you’re looking for unique experiences, try some of these (and don’t forget your camera).

1. Horseback riding: it’s like something out of a Western, as you and your faithful steed heading across the desert. There are various ranches around the park that offer horseback riding and trails, and it’s such an evocative way to experience Joshua Tree.

2. Cap Rock Trail: this short trail takes you around some of the most spectacular rock formations in Joshua Tree. Definitely a great route for photographers.

3. Skull Rock: this famous rock is easy to spot: it’s close to the road and really does look like a giant, bleached skull. If you want a selfie while you’re in Joshua Tree, this really is the place to come.

4. 49 Palms Oasis Trail: there’s an easy-to-follow path through this fan palm oasis. Look out for bighorn sheep that come to drink at the spring, and admire the views that you get from this elevated trail.

What to do in Joshua Tree with pets?

There are some great walks for you and your dog in Joshua Tree, but there are two main things to take into account: the Park regulations and the safety of the dog in this extreme environment.

Like other National Parks, there are strict rules about which paths dogs can and can’t go on, so you’ll need to check before you and your pooch head out. Dogs are allowed on most of the dirt roads, provided they’re on a leash (just watch out for vehicles that can also use these tracks).

Only walk your dog in Joshua Tree between November and March, when it’s cool enough for canines. The hotter months are way too warm for dogs to cope with. Make sure that you have plenty of water and a portable dog bowl. Keep fairly close to your vehicle and don’t be too ambitious with your route.

1. Geology Tour Road: this is a recommended route for dogs. There’s plenty of parking and restrooms, and the flat track is surrounded by Joshua trees.

2. Queen Valley Road: this is an old miners’ road that has some beautiful wildflowers at some times of the year. It’s a quiet and peaceful walk for you and your dog.

3. Picnic areas: the great news is that your pet is welcome at the Park’s picnic areas. Pack their favorite treats and set out for lunch together.

4. The Joshua Tree Saloon: there’s a nice, shaded patio outside this saloon, which is open all day and is just the spot for refreshment after your walk.

5. Pappy & Harriet’s: this famous Pioneertown restaurant also has an outside area that’s perfect for canine visitors.

Best restaurants in Joshua Tree: Food and drink

There are some really great places to grab some food in and around the National Park. If you’re just visiting Joshua Tree National Park for just one day, make sure you dine in at least one of these fabulous eateries. If you’re here for a while, try them all!

Best restaurants in Joshua Tree for lunch 

It’s so important to keep your energy levels up if you’re out for the day in Joshua Park! Here are some of the best places to stop for some refreshment. 

1. Crossroads Cafe: located on Highway 62, this is a great place to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Ask for a plate of Mike’s Mess for the full Crossroads experience.

2. Roadrunner Grab & Go: this handy place is located at the Park’s Visitor Center. Come here for snacks such as wraps for breakfast or lunch.

3. Morongo Valley Cafe: a great place for brunch, with the bonus of a dog-friendly patio. Load up on their hearty comfort food before heading out on the trails.

4. Frontier Cafe: located in Yucca Valley, this cafe specializes in healthy, fresh ingredients, sourced locally. It’s a good choice for vegans.

5. Natural Sisters Cafe: stop here for organic and vegan food and a great choice of refreshing smoothies.

Best restaurants in Joshua Tree for dinner

After a day at the Park, you need a full refuel. Here are some of the best restaurants in Joshua Tree and district.

1. Pappy & Harriet’s: yes, we know we’ve already mentioned it, but this Wild West / biking bar and restaurant is a really iconic place. Look out for evenings when the outdoor grill’s going and there’s a live band playing.

2. Sam’s Indian Food & Pizza: this family-run restaurant and takeout is family run and serves delicious spicy food. By pizza, they mean Indian pizza, which is certainly worth a try.

3. La Copine: if you fancy a bit of fine dining, this is the place to come. There’s a great choice of gorgeous, French-inspired food.

4. Pie for the People: another local legend, this Yucca Valley pizzeria has a really eclectic choice of toppings. After a long walk, nowhere else will do.

5. The Rib Co: they serve fabulous food and wine at this popular place on Twentynine Palms Highway.

We hope this has given you a helpful peek inside the Park! There are so many things to do in Joshua Tree National Park that it’s definitely worth planning a few days out there. 

Just remember, if you’re taking the dog with you, keep to the Park rules, and visit only during the cooler season (November until May). You and your furry friend will have a wonderful time exploring this stunning desert landscape together.

House and pet sitting in Joshua Tree

If Joshua Tree sounds like a great place to house and pet sit, take a look at our Find a House Sit page. We have homes and pet owners in Southern California, just waiting to meet you.

If you’re new to our pack, find out more about life as a TrustedHousesitters’ pet sitter. It’s also worth reading the latest from our friendly and helpful Community Forum, who can share lots of tips about the wonderful world of house and pet sitting.