Discover California by Jeep: the best off-road tours and the most interesting things to see in Joshua Tree Park

There’s nothing better than exploring California with a jeep or an off-road vehicle, entering magical and evocative places. There are quite a few Californian parks where you can do this, but Joshua Tree Park is definitely one of the most famous.

Off-road trails in California

In this article, we will focus on the opportunities offered by Joshua Tree Park to anyone wishing to experience a jeep adventure immersed in a unique landscape.

Naturally, there is no shortage of precautions to keep in mind, as well as a good preparation of everything necessary to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Driving through Joshua Tree Park with an off-road vehicle: the best itineraries

Joshua Tree Park offers truly unique sceneries to those who travel through it.

There are several possible paths. We have collected the most famous in a list.

  • Lost Horse Loop: 6.5 mile loop, near Twentynine Palms. This is a very popular path, so you will certainly meet other people during your adventure. The best times to explore it are from October to April.
  • Berdoo Canyon Road: 15.5 mile route near Twentynine Palms. It is a very popular route for bird watching and general hiking. The route is open all year round and is nice to visit at any time.
  • Geology Tour Road: 18 mile route, near Twentynine Palms, open all year round. Particularly suitable for those who love panoramic tours, immersed as it is in a suggestive desert landscape.
  • Old Dale Road 1: 26.3 mile route open all year round and particularly popular with off-road enthusiasts.
  • Pinkham Canyon Road: 19.2 mile, year-round trail, begins near the Cottonwood Visitor Center.
  • Brooklyn Mine Road: 11 route. This is the right route for those who love to admire the ruins of ancient mines.
  • Old Dale Road: This 22 mile trail also begins near the Cottonwood Visitor Center.
  • Black Eagle Mine Road: 23.3 mile route that unwinds in the southern area of ​​the Park. But be careful: the road surface is very bumpy.
  • Lower and Upper Covington Flat Road: 19.2 mile route which consists of a dirt road that enters the Park crossing the desert and is ideal for those who love scenic routes
  • Desert Queen Mine Road: 2.4 mile route that winds along the Queen Mine Road without ever following it. Considered simple and easily approachable, it is very popular.

Those listed above are just some of the possible itineraries within the park. They can really delight fans of the genre. The park, however, also deserves respect and preparation to be tackled.

Regardless of the route you choose, to avoid making crossing the park a nightmare, we have gathered below a series of important information that will certainly be useful to you.

The climate in the park

During the summer, the temperatures are very high, the sunlight intense and the humidity very low. Bring plenty of drinking water with you to replace sweat losses.

Drinking water, in fact, is only available in some places on the edge of the park.

Of course, also bring food with you, especially salty snacks.

To protect yourself from the intense sun, wear loose, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.

The fauna of the park

Keep your distance from wild animals that you will meet on your way: they could become aggressive or carry diseases. Always observe wild animals from a safe distance and from inside your vehicle. Don’t get too close to photograph them and don’t feed them.

As you drive in the park

The roads in Joshua Tree Park are narrow and winding, with soft, sandy banks. Drive carefully and respect the speed limits, also to protect animal species.

If you are stopping to look at the wildlife or the scenery, use the lay-bys or car parks. Do not stop in the lane. Don’t forget that the desert environment is more fragile than it may seem. Off-road vehicles create ruts, alter delicate drainage patterns, compact the soil and leave scars. Always drive following the directions. Avoid canyons and swamps during thunderstorms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be careful of the water flowing over the bumps in the road.

General precautions

Always carry a map and compass with you. Check the weather forecast before setting off, but bear in mind that weather conditions can change suddenly in the desert. Bring a first aid kit with you. Above all, be aware of your skills and knowledge and if you are a beginner, start with one of the shortest and easiest routes. There are many old mining sites within the park. If you decide to visit them, use extreme caution and never enter the tunnels or mine shafts.

What to do in an emergency

Cell phone coverage is very limited inside the park. If you are in a location with coverage, you can dial 911 or call 909-383-5651 in an emergency.

Emergency telephones, however, are located at various points, for example, at the Indian Coven Ranger Station or the Intersection Rock parking lot, as well as at the Cottonwood Visitor Center.

Visiting Joshua Tree Park in winter: can you do it?

Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing. If you decide to venture into the park in winter, make sure to always bring plenty of clothing with you and wear lots of layers.