Located in Southern California, Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park are places that provide scenery like no other! In this guide, I’ll share this perfect itinerary for a 5 Day Joshua Tree and Death Valley Road Trip. Don’t worry about figuring out where to go, where to stay, and what to see, this guide will have you covered!
I will also share my first-hand experiences with each destination and provide insider tips to make sure your Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road trip turns out amazing!
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How do I use this 5 Day Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip Itinerary
Whether you want to replicate this journey in its entirety, or just get some inspiration on what to see in the two parks, this guide will have you covered!
For Death Valley, I will cover how to spend one day inside the park. Feel free to expand or shorten this itinerary based on the length of your stay.
For Joshua Tree, this guide covers the best spots to visit within a day. Again, if you have more time, make sure to check out more of the park! If you have less than a day, you can always cross out whichever spots you want to fit your timeline.
However you choose to use this itinerary, make sure to comment if it provided any help, or leave any questions that you may have for your next adventure!
Day 1: Drive to Death Valley
Driving to Death Valley National Park!
Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip From LA
Route: Via I-15 N → CA-127 N → CA-190 W
Distance: ~275 miles
Drive Time: ~4.5–5 hours
The most direct route from Los Angeles to Death Valley is via I-15 North toward Barstow, then exiting onto CA-127 North at Baker before turning left onto CA-190 West, which leads into the park.
An alternative scenic route is to take US-395 North at Kramer Junction, then follow CA-190 East into Death Valley. This route is slightly longer but offers a chance to explore Alabama Hills and Lone Pine, both known for their stunning desert landscapes and Old West film history.
Along the way, Barstow and Baker serve as key pit stops for gas and food, with Baker being famous for its world’s tallest thermometer.
Death Valley From and Joshua Tree Road Trip from Las Vegas
Route: Via NV-160 W → Bell Vista Rd → CA-190 W
Distance: ~120 miles
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Driving from Las Vegas to Death Valley is much shorter.
The most efficient route follows NV-160 West toward Pahrump, then turns left onto Bell Vista Road, which connects to CA-190 West leading into the park.
An alternative option is to take US-95 South to Beatty and enter via CA-374 West, which is a great choice if you want to visit Rhyolite Ghost Town, an abandoned gold rush town with eerie ruins.
Key stops along the way include Pahrump, the last major town for fuel and supplies, and the historic Amargosa Opera House, known for its unexpected artistic legacy in the desert.
Day 2: Death Valley Top Spots
Ubehebe’s Crater
Rim of the Ubehebe Crater
Location: North end of Park near Grapevine Canyon
Time Spent Here: One hour
Hours: Open year-round
Start the morning by driving up to Ubehebe’s Crater. I recommend starting the day early, particularly around sunrise to maximize your time within the park.
To get there, head north on Scotty’s Castle Road for around 45 minutes until reaching the crater at the end.
This crater is 600 feet deep and more than half a mile across. It originated from a steam and gas explosion from magma rising up from deep in the Earth.
The best way to view it is by taking the loop hike all the way around the crater. It is a 1.8-mile hike with around 400 feet of elevation gain and will take around one hour to complete.
If you are daring, you can also walk down to the center of the crater, but be prepared for a steep white back up to the top!
Learn More: For more California National Parks, check out my Epic Tioga Road Yosemite Day Trip: Your Complete Guide
Harmony Borax Works
Old wagon at Harmony Borax Works during our Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip
Location: Along Highway 190 near Furnace Creek
Time Spent Here: 30 minutes
Hours: Open year-round
Once you finish admiring the beauty of Scotty’s Castle, head down Scotty’s Castle Road toward Harmony Borax Works.
This drive requires you to turn back onto Highway 190 and will take around 45 minutes to get to. Make sure to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.
To begin this stop, park in the designated parking area and walk the Interpretive trail toward the exhibits seen up ahead on the trail.
During the trail, the signs along the way depict and describe the fascinating history of this old factory that used to operate in Death Valley National Park.
The exhibits feature wagon carts used to carry Borax as well as an old Borax processing machine.
Learn More: For more National Park Guides, check out 6 Totally Amazing Things to do in Zion National Park
Devil’s Golf Course
Carefully making my way across the spiky rocks in Devil’s Golf Course
Location: off Highway 190 near Furnace Creek near Badwater Basin
Time Spent Here: 20 minutes
Hours: Open year-round
Down the road from Harmony Borax Works will be the intersection For visiting Devil’s Golf Course. After passing Furnace Creek, take a right off Highway 190 and head around 20 miles south toward Badwater Basin. On the left will be the sign for Devil’s golf course.
Here you’ll be able to see the unique salt formations along the Badwater basin. It is a large area of rock, eroded by wind and rain into unique spires.
The area received its name After a 1934 Death Valley guidebook said “Only the devil could play golf” on this type of terrain.
Pro Tip: The only way to access Devil’s Golf Course is by driving down an unpaved gravel Road For about one to 2 miles. I was able to complete this drive just fine in a Honda Civic, which is about the exact opposite of an off-road vehicle. Just note that the road may be bumpy and contain large pieces of loose gravel. If you don’t feel like taking your vehicle down this road, head south to Badwater Basin, where you can view the salt flats from a more accessible point.
Badwater Basin
Looking across the infinite landscape of the Salt Flats during our Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip
Location: Just south of Devils golf course
Time Spent Here: 30 minutes
Hours: Open year-round
After visiting Devil’s Golf Course, make your way to Badwater Basin. Further down the road, around 8 miles south of Devil’s Golf Course Is the pull-off to Badwater.
Here you’ll be able to step onto the salt flats, which are much smoother than the previous stop. If you want, you can hike as far as the eye can see into the valley.
The salt flats are a unique part of Death Valley National Park and create a very stunning view when seen among the surrounding tall peaks.
There are also restrooms located at this stop in case anyone needs a bathroom break.
Artists Drive
Hiking up to see Artists Palette. So many vibrant colors!
Location: Just north of Devils golf course
Time Spent Here: One hour
Hours: Open year-round
To get to Artists Drive, head back toward Highway 190 and drive around 11 miles north until reaching the pull-off on the right.
Unlike Badwater and Devil’s Golf Courses, Artist’s Drive is a one-way scenic loop that takes you along a winding road right next to colorful mounds of oxidized minerals.
Because of the beauty and the vibrant colors given by these rocks, Artists Drive is one of the most photographed places in Death Valley National Park.
Make sure to park and hike toward Artist’s Palette to get up close and personal with these colorful rocks!
Golden Canyon Trail
Gorgeous views at the end of the Golden Canyon Trail
Location: North of Artist’s Drive
Time Spent Here: 2 to 3 hours
Hours: Open year-round
Next, Head around 4 miles north down the road to Golden Canyon Trail. This hike is definitely one you don’t want to miss!
The hike is a 2.9-mile out-and-back trail and is considered a moderate or challenging route. It usually takes around one and a half hours to complete.
Also, this hike is a very popular one, so be prepared to see many other people hiking this trail.
If hiking in the summer, I recommend saving this trail until later in the afternoon, as there isn’t much shade on the trail. In the winter, this trail can be high at all times of day.
Make sure to hike straight back toward the red, sandstone-looking rocks until reaching a small cave-like area. Make your way through the narrow inlet until you reach a steep hill that will take you to the viewpoint for this trail.
Learn More: For more National Park content, check out 13 Breathtaking Stops in Bryce Canyon: Complete National Park Guide
Sunset at Dante’s View
Overlooking Dante’s View, One Day in Death Valley National Park
Location: Off Highway 190 toward the east boundary of the park
Time Spent Here: One hour (sunset)
Hours: Open Year-round
Finally, the last stop of the day. Luckily, Dante’s view can be accessed just by driving.
To get there, drive back to the highway from Golden Canyon until reaching the intersection for Highway 190.
Take a right and head 10 miles down the highway until reaching The turn for Dante’s view. The sign will be on the right-hand side and the drive to the viewpoint will be an 8-mile uphill road.
Give yourself at least 45 minutes to get from Golden Canyon to Dantes view to ensure you see the full sunset.
Dante’s View overlooks the Badwater Basin and is directly adjacent to Wildrose, Rogers, Bennett, and Telescope Peak, which are some of the highest in the park.
Dante was one of my absolute favorite places in the park and this is a must-visit for anyone coming to Death Valley National Park.
Day 3 : Drive from Death Valley to Joshua Tree
Getting to Joshua Tree from Death Valley
Distance: ~230–250 miles
Drive Time: ~4.5 to 5.5 hours
When driving on your Death Valley to Joshua Tree Road Trip, make sure to check out these two stops:
- Baker – Great for gas/snacks; home to the world’s tallest thermometer.
- Amboy Crater (near Route 66) – A scenic detour to a dormant volcano.
Where to Camp in Joshua Tree
Our campsite at Jumbo Rocks Campground on our Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip
During our road trip, we stayed at the Jumbo Rocks Campground. This was a great spot and provided us with convenient access to most spots in the park.
I highly recommend grabbing a campsite in Jumbo Rocks if choosing to camp within the park.
Some other great campsites that are close to the center of the park include:
- Hidden Valley Campground
- Ryan Campground
Where to Stay outside of Joshua Tree
If you want to stay outside of the park with a little more amenities than a campsite, try the Joshua Tree Inn. This historic Spanish inn is known for its musical heritage as is only 5 miles from the entrance of the park!
Remember to always treat the park with care and follow the Leave No Trace Principle.
Day 4: Highlights of Joshua Tree
Find the map of Joshua Tree Here .
Cholla Cactus Garden
Sunrise at Cholla Cactus Garden during our Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip
Location: East side of park toward Cottonwood Visitor Center
Time Spent Here: 1-2 Hours
Hours: Open Year-round
Start off the morning by heading to the Cholla Cactus Garden. It’s one of Joshua Tree’s most famous spots, and that is for a reason!
If you wake up early enough, you can catch the mystical morning glow on these short, prickly cactus that make for an epic photo.
There is also a 0.25 mile boardwalk-style trail that goes through the garden.
2025 Notice: Cholla Cactus Garden Trail will be closed daily from December 2024 – April 2025 to improve the conditions of the loop trail.
Skull Rock Trail
Early morning picture of Skull Rock during our Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip
Location: Near Jumbo Rocks Campground
Time Spent Here: 30 min (1-2 hours if hiking)
Hours: Open Year-round
After taking in the sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden, head west toward the Skull Rock.
The name of the rock takes after its shape which is said to resemble a human skull. This rock has formed over thousands of years and has eroded from water to form two holes which depict the “eyes” of the skull!
For more hiking, the Skull Rock Loop is a 1.7 mile loop that can be started from the trailhead on either side of the skull and goes behind the Skull Rock.
Pro Tip: Skull Rock gets extremely crowded at almost every season of the year. Get there early to avoid the crowds and people climbing all over this rock for a photo!
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Views along the Hidden Valley Nature Trail during our Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip
Location: Adjacent to Hidden Valley Campground
Time Spent Here: 1-2 Hours
Hours: Open Year-round
Next, head to the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. This 1 mile loop hike is great for anyone wanting to get more familiar with the surrounding ecosystem and wanting to learn more about about the park!
I found this trail to be one of my favorite as it offered a very gentle hike with many unique viewpoints and placards that created a great blend of beautiful landscapes with interesting park facts!
Along this trail, there is also the opportunity to see hidden petroglyphs carved inside rocks from the native settlers of Joshua Tree. Around 0.75 miles into the trail, look for a sign pointing toward the petroglyphs and follow this for a chance to see the unique inscriptions.
Keys View to Inspiration Point
A Joshua Tree at the top of Keys View
Location: Southwest end of the park.
Time Spent Here: 1-2 hours
Hours: Open year-round
The Keys View provides one of the best viewpoints in Joshua Tree National Park and overlooks miles of the surrounding Coachella Valley.
When the visibility is good, you could even see Signal Mountain in Mexico which is about 90 miles south of Joshua Tree National Park.
The best time to visit Keys View is during sunset where you’ll be able to see the bright orange, red, and yellow hues casted over the wide stretch of valley.
Day 5: Return Home
Breakfast at JT Country Kitchen
Grab breakfast at JT’s Country Kitchen
Location: Just outside of Joshua Tree National Park
Time Spent Here: 1.5 hours
Hours: 7am – 3pm
A road trip to Joshua Tree isn’t complete without breakfast at JT Country Kitchen. This classic American diner has a very small-town feel with its small, cozy interior, and serves great breakfast burritos!
Make sure to also try the loaded hashbrowns!
We visited JT Country Kitchen early in the morning and found that reservations were not needed.
More Information
Where to Eat During this 5 Day Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip Itinerary?
Places to Eat in Death Valley
- The Last Kind Words Saloon (Furnace Creek) – Old Western-style steakhouse with hearty meals.
- The Inn Dining Room (Furnace Creek) – Upscale dining with views of the valley, featuring seasonal dishes.
- Badwater Saloon (Stovepipe Wells) – Classic bar and grill with burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks.
Best Places to Eat during this 5 Day Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip Itinerary
- Joshua Tree Saloon – Classic American bar and grill with burgers, beers, and live music.
- La Copine (Flamingo Heights) – A local favorite serving fresh, organic brunch and lunch.
- Natural Sisters Café – A vegetarian-friendly café with smoothies, salads, and healthy options.
- Pie for the People! – Famous New York-style pizza in the middle of the desert.
Best Time to use this 5 Day Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip Itinerary
Summer
Death Valley: Extremely hot and dangerous
- Highs: 110–130°F (43–54°C)
- Lows: 80–100°F (27–38°C)
- Avoid outdoor activities after 10 AM; risk of heatstroke
Joshua Tree: Very hot, but cooler than Death Valley
- Highs: 95–110°F (35–43°C)
- Lows: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
- Hiking is only recommended early in the morning or at sunset
Fall
Death Valley: Cooling down but still warm
- Highs: 80–100°F (27–38°C) in October, 65–80°F (18–27°C) in November
- Lows: 55–70°F (13–21°C)
Joshua Tree: Pleasant and ideal for hiking
- Highs: 75–90°F (24–32°C) in October, 60–75°F (16–24°C) in November
- Lows: 40–55°F (4–13°C)
Winter
Death Valley: Cool to mild
- Highs: 60–75°F (16–24°C)
- Lows: 35–50°F (2–10°C)
- Occasional rain, snow in surrounding mountains
Joshua Tree: Chilly, especially at night
- Highs: 50–65°F (10–18°C)
- Lows: 30–40°F (-1 to 4°C)
- Snow is rare but possible in higher elevations
Spring
- Death Valley: Warm to hot
- Highs: 80–100°F (27–38°C)
- Lows: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
- Best time for wildflowers (March/April after rainy winters)
- Joshua Tree: Mild and comfortable
- Highs: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Lows: 40–55°F (4–13°C)
- Ideal for hiking and rock climbing
Best time to visit both parks! Spring has warm days and cool nights, with blooming desert flowers.
How much is the Entry Fee for Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park?
The entrance fee for Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park is $30 for a private vehicle, $25 for a motorcycle, or $15per person without a vehicle.
The park is open 24 hours a day, every day. The visitor center is open daily except for major holidays. Check the NPS website for current information.
Pro Tip: make sure to grab the America the Beautiful Pass if visiting other national parks in Utah. This pass can be bought for $80 and acts as a valid entry pass to any National Park for one year.
Death Valley and Joshua Tree are two Southern California National Parks that offer some very unique beauty not seen in any other part of the state!
This 5 Day Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip Itinerary covers the best way to experience these two parks in one trip!
Make sure to leave a comment if you enjoyed this guide or if it provided any help to you. I’m always open for any suggestions and would love to hear your experience with these parks and what you liked the most!
Be sure to share this guide with a friend to make the most of your next Death Valley and Joshua Tree Road Trip!