Just a couple hours East of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park became home to one of my favorite adventures with one of my favorite people. Joshua Tree isn’t far from Palm Springs where Coachella is held each year, serving as the perfect desert oasis for our girls weekend in the desert. For 2 girls looking to spend time together, stay active, and explore a new area, this was the perfect destination. We had such a good time that I couldn’t help but share our perfect recipe.
Day 1
From Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is about 2 and a half hours away. If you leave around 9 and stop for lunch, you’ll get there around 2. Since you have been sitting in the car all morning, you’re heading straight to the park to stretch your legs.
The pass for the park is $30 and allows you to enter and exit the park freely for 7 days. To get moving you’re going to start with the Skull Rock Trail. This 1.7 mile loop will take you through the massive rocks and introduce you to the magnificence of Joshua Tree. When choosing your shoes, keep in mind the hikes in the park are very sandy. Next, drive over to the Cholla Cactus Garden where you can do a quick stroll through the garden. You could also save this stop for later as it’s known for being a great place to watch the sunset.
When you’re done exploring in the park, head to wherever you are staying to check in. This is the time to sit down and relax for a little, take a shower, and get ready for dinner. For dinner, you’re going to go to the Red Dog Saloon in Pioneertown. Pioneertown felt to us like “not a real place”. It actually was created as a movie set, but now stands as a functioning town. The Red Dog has a full bar and a handful of fantastic food offerings. We loved the spicy margaritas, tacos, and street corn. Enjoy your food outside while the sun sets or sit inside and enjoy the music. On the way back home, stop at Walmart to grab some snacks, breakfast foods, and beer. When you get home, choose a movie and curl up with a snack and a drink.
Day 2
The full day of the girls weekend in the desert begins with a slow morning and breakfast at home. A big breakfast, some stretching, and a coffee will all be beneficial in preparing for the hike. Around 10 or 11 when you’re ready to get moving, pack a bag with a couple snacks and some water.
Head to the park to the Panorama Loop Trailhead to begin your hike up to Warren Peak. The Panorama Loop is about 6.6 miles long and has over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. If you like a challenge, extend your hike to climb up to Warren Peak. The last stretch getting up was the hardest part, but we earned the most incredible views to enjoy our snacks. Whenever you’re ready, the hard part is over and you can begin your trek back down. In about 3 hours and 15 minutes we hiked 8.36 miles with 1,740 feet of elevation gain.
When you get home take a quick shower and be ready to head back out- I’m sure you’ll be hungry. Dinner tonight will be at Sky High Pie. They have beer on tap, pizza, wings, subs, and ice cream. Obviously I recommend getting 2 pizzas and splitting them- the only way to do pizza with a friend. Refuel and relax after the big hike- you earned it! Definitely don’t leave without grabbing some soft serve ice cream.
Back at home, pop some popcorn and enjoy another movie. We watched “The Lost City” and Hannah Berner’s comedy special “We Ride at Dawn” and highly recommend both. After your movie, grab a blanket and find a good place to look at the stars. Our Airbnb had a pergola, which was described as being the perfect spot for stargazing and yoga. Out in the desert the stars are truly spectacular. You can’t ask for much more than being able to sit out and marvel at them with your best friend.
Day 3
Enjoy another slow morning at home before you check out of your accommodation. If you’re feeling a little sore like I was after the hike do some yoga or take a cold shower. Enjoy your last breakfast at home before you go for one last walk in the park.
The last little adventure of your girls weekend in the desert will be to see Heart Rock. The walk from the parking area to Heart Rock is only about 15 minutes, but there are massive rocks everywhere to climb on and around. Though there are signs pointing you to heart rock, you might not be sure that you’ve found it since it doesn’t look like a heart from all angles. When you are looking at it straight- on, you’ll know. After you’ve walked around and explored the rocks, it’s time to head back to Los Angeles.
Before you say goodbye to your best friend, you have to enjoy one last meal together at In ‘N Out. I think you have to get an animal style burger with animal style fries and a chocolate shake- but everyone has their own favorite.
From the hikes we did, to the food we ate, to the movies we watched- this truly felt like the perfect trip. The best part was being together, ad Joshua Tree let us do that in a beautiful place. I hope you’re able to plan your own perfect weekend in the desert, and have just as much fun- if not more!
