Joshua Tree National Park isn’t just one landscape, as I once imagined — it is many.
Cactus Everywhere
Around every bend, the arid region seemed to change its personality. One moment we were in a desert basin surrounded by fluffy-looking cacti, each one glowing softly in the sunlight. The stillness of the desert felt lonely and quiet.
Joshua Tree National Park Rock Formations
Then we found ourselves standing among enormous rock formations — giant, rounded boulders stacked as if carefully sculpted. Some looked like a heart, a skull, an archway, even a face or a cow. Just think, God created all of this and left it here for us to enjoy.
Joshua Trees of All Sizes
Next came a forest of Joshua trees standing tall like “real” trees. (We learned they are part of the yucca family.) Each one was uniquely designed — some with wild, erratic limbs stretching in every direction, others thick and bushy, and a few crowned with delicate white blooms. No two looked alike.
Panoramic Views
Finally, climbing to nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, we reached a sweeping panoramic overlook. From there we could identify the San Andreas Fault, the Coachella Valley, and distant California peaks stretching across the horizon. The view was expansive — and humbling.
Rooms in the Desert
With every turn, climb, and descent, it felt like stepping into a different space — a different room — carefully prepared and waiting to be experienced.
As we moved from one landscape to another, I found myself remembering something Jesus said long ago:
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3 NASV
God prepared desert rooms with this much creativity and beauty. Imagine the place He is preparing for us. Heaven will be an amazing!
What “room” in your journey might God be inviting you to step into today?
Everywhere I go, I enjoy camping with Jesus — on the road and in life.
Enjoy your journey, and feel free to reach out.
Tips for the Journey to Joshua Tree National Park
RV Park
We stayed at Thousand Trails Palm Springs in Palm Desert, California. This park was conveniently located for exploring Joshua Tree National Park.
The facilities were neat and clean. Restrooms, showers, and laundry areas were well maintained, and we appreciated receiving daily emails with activity schedules and reminders. The swimming pool is open year-round.
This is an older park, and large RVs may find maneuvering tight. Sites are close together, and parking space for additional vehicles is limited — something to keep in mind if you are traveling with a large fifth-wheel like we are. We came here because we wanted to spend time at Joshua Tree National Park. The RV Park was just a place to lay our head, and it worked out great for us.
Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is best visited in the winter or spring months. The park is open 24/7. Summer temperatures in the desert can be extreme.
- Bring plenty of water.
- Pack snacks or a picnic lunch — there are no restaurants inside the park.
- There are no service stations or water refilling stations available inside the park.
- Arrive early. Popular rock formations and trailheads fill quickly, and parking can become difficult.
- Many short, accessible hikes allow you to explore more scenery without long treks.
Explore more National Park journeys: Visit our National Parks collection here.