For those of you fantasizing about getting away right now, there are few places as remote as the high desert California. Best of all, driving from LA to Joshua Tree is incredibly easy, especially during off-peak drive time. While many places are shut down due to Coronavirus, we decided to still write about a recent road trip — you know, before the widespread closures. Things will eventually begin to open up. And when it does, Joshua Tree is a perfect spot away from pretty much everyone.
Mailboxes lined up along the desert highway. Mail trucks can’t make it on the dirt roads.
So whether you’re tired of the city grind — or imagining that next trip far away from humanity — check out our weekend recommendations to get away from it all in the desert.
How long is the drive from LA to Joshua Tree?
Wide and scenic highways lead from LA to Joshua Tree.
Driving from LA to Joshua Tree takes just around 2 to 2.5 hours one way by car. It’s completely doable to make this a day trip from LA if you don’t mind a lot of driving. Joshua Tree National Park and other surrounding parks offer incredible hikes and scenery. But of course, if you have the time, spending a weekend out here is preferable. There aren’t many hotel options beyond your standard generic chains. But there are many stylish and comfortable options in the desert available on Airbnb. We’ll lay out our top picks below.
Weekend in the High Desert California: Stylish Comfort in Airbnb
Our spacious Airbnb in the high desert California.
I have to admit — I was a little hesitant about booking on Airbnb. A few years back, Kevin and I made a reservation on Airbnb for a place in San Francisco. We followed the instructions on how to reach our room in the house…opened the door and found a couple asleep in the bed! Being as calm as I am, I screamed and slammed the door shut. While slightly disturbing, it makes a great story. Silver lining, right? Fast forward nearly a decade later, and we finally made the plunge and booked two different Airbnb experiences back to back. So much for baby steps, right? But let me tell you, it’s the way to go in the high desert. There are so many stylish options — perfect if you are a family or traveling with a furry pet.
Our dog Doug certainly approves of the Airbnb (even though he looks like he’s keeled over).
For a weekend away, we suggest staying in Morongo Valley — located midway between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. It’s remote — I mean, you won’t likely see a soul. But we loved that it’s a short drive to all the restaurants and shopping in Palm Springs and the hikes and nature of Joshua Tree.
Grilling outside in nature at Morongo Star Ranch.
So it’s up to you if you want to be around people, or hole up away from society. We pretty much spent most of our time enjoying the views and quietness at Morongo Star Ranch (with rates starting at $165 a night).
Kevin is hard at work – we may be off the grid, but we have good wifi.
The view from the kitchen at Morongo Star Ranch.
Making some sticky buns and all the comfort foods in the desert.
Enjoying some time to read while Doug begs for food.
Another Airbnb to consider is Sun Ray Ranch, also located in Morongo Valley. Clearly, we got over our fear of Airbnb as we booked this spot the very next weekend. This beautiful little cabin sits on 2 acres of desert landscape with mountain views. But what we loved the most were all the amenities — including outdoor games, a fire pit and hot tub to gaze up at the stars at night.
Doug gives Sun Ray Ranch 2 paws up on his approval.
Clearly, I’m enjoying the outside dart board . Notice, I didn’t get a bullseye, but simply hit the board!
Warming up by the fireplace while making s’mores – pretty much the main reason we spent 20 minutes trying to get the fire going. Kevin, weren’t you a Boy Scout?
One of the best parts about escaping society is just staying inside. And beyond watching Netflix, going for walks and sleeping, we made elaborate meals. Pretty much, this never happens at home. And I broke out the fondue pot, so you know it got real!
Kevin hasn’t ever said no to melted cheese.
Sun Ray Ranch is perfect for a family or couple’s getaway. And best of all? Rates start as low as $150 a night.
Hiking in the High Desert California: Breaking up All the Netflix and Chilling
The hills are alive… Kevin feels like he’s an extra in the Sound of Music while hiking through Whitewater Preserve.
Okay, so after all the sticky buns, cheeseburgers and melted cheese fondue, we were feeling a little guilty. Luckily, Morongo Valley is perfectly situated between plenty of fantastic hiking trails. You’re just a few miles away from Joshua Tree National Park, which we highly recommend. But if you’re looking to get away from it all, you might want to consider Whitewater Preserve, located about 20 minutes away from Morongo Valley.
Cactus flowers in bloom along the trail in Whitewater Preserve.
There are several trails to choose from, but we highly recommend Canyon View Loop Trail (3.75 miles, taking about 2 hours), which connects with the famed Pacific Crest Trail to Red Dome Rock. The switchbacks wind down the canyon and you’ll feel the burn — especially when you have to make your way back up!
Enjoying the flat part of our hike to the Red Dome Rock in the Whitewater Preserve.
The other hike we highly recommend to burn off those sticky buns is the Pioneertown Mountain Preserve. You’ll pass through quirky Pioneertown — the backdrop to many famed Westerns from the 1950s. Today, the historic movie set is mostly abandoned except for a few shops and hipsters who moved in and call it home. The Pioneertown Mountain Preserve, located a few miles north of the Pioneertown movie set, is a great way to get out into the desert especially if you have a pet. They allow dogs on leashes. But let’s just say that our dog, Doug, preferred that Kevin and I did most of the walking.
Oh Doug. You have us wrapped around your paws…clearly.
We recommend hiking along the mostly flat Pipes Canyon Trail to the eerie Olsen Ruins. You’ll feel worlds away from the city — crossing streams, wandering through the grasslands and exploring the abandoned ruins. In total, the trip is just under 4 miles so completely doable if you’re a family, looking for a quick and easy walk…or have a lazy dog like us.
Kevin enjoys the well-maintained pathway along Pipes Canyon Trail.
We made it to Olsen Ruins! Even if Doug the dog could care less.
And there you have it. After a full day of hiking, we were ready to head back home (and sit in the car). The drive back to LA will fly by — as you pass the countless wind mills churning along the highway. I mean, Kevin took nothing short of 25 pictures. Clearly, he was impressed.
Looking for other travel ideas in LA? Be sure to check out our full coverage for your next LA adventure. Have a few extra days out in the desert? Consider spending a full day exploring the wild west film set of Pioneertown. Or venturing into Palm Springs to see where Elvis went on his honeymoon hideaway.
Inside Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway in Palm Springs
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