Joshua Tree National Park’s unique trees are just the beginning of its peaceful and otherworldly beauty. This national park is treasured by anyone living in the southwest, and is often visited by city dwellers from L.A., Phoenix and Las Vegas for a nature escape. Visitors will find that the idyllic campgrounds, hiking trails and world-class rock climbing are a perfect trifecta for a weekend of adventure. If you go, take plenty of water, sunscreen, and a good hat to keep the sun off.

To prepare for your trip, make sure to carry a map, extra water and a hat. Check out Banner and Oak’s ladies hats or the limited edition Joshua Tree Olive hat for your desert adventure. Make sure to bring your favorite sunglasses and wear sunscreen, too. This area is wide open and there are few opportunities to find sheltering shade.

5 Things To Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is huge, and has several entrances. Wherever you enter, be sure to get a map from the Visitor Center.

1. Camping

We highly recommend pitching a tent or parking your RV in the park. On clear nights, the sky is full of stars. Eight campgrounds are nestled in various locations around the park, and they often fill up from October through May. If you prefer solitude, we recommend choosing a smaller site.

2. A Guided Tour

You don’t travel to Barcelona without seeing La Sagrada Familia. In the same vane, rock climbing in Joshua Tree is an absolute must. We recommend trying rock climbing in the park. This can be fun, easy and an adventure activity for everyone in the family, especially with the help of an expert guide. Joshua Tree is a mecca for climbing and perfect for both experts and newbies.

3. Hike in the Trees

We recommend a hike along the Hi-View trail. The trail winds to the top of a ridge where hikers get an exceptional, panoramic view of the park. Visitors can also expect to find a plethora of Joshua trees along the trail, experiencing the flora that make this park so famous.

4. Four-Wheel It

Joshua Tree is vast, and so are its dirt roads. The park website offers a list of fantastic off-road adventures, from the 13.4 mile network of Queen Valley Roads to the more extended 23 mile Black Eagle Mine road tour.

5. Bring Your Bike

If you love to ride, Joshua Tree is the perfect place. You’ll need your own mount, and plenty of water, but if you ride, this is one of the best places for endless open country. If mountain biking is more your style, the roads offer opportunity for long rides with plenty of solitude. The park even includes 3 designated biking campsites at Ryan Campground.

Whichever adventure you choose, remember that America’s National Park System is being used more and more as our population grows. During peak seasons, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead for permits, lodging and passes of all kinds.