We've been to this National Park before, but it was our first chance to try some of the hikes, and…read morethey were really beautiful. If you just do the drive, you might not really see everything this park has to offer, so it's worth doing the hikes, even if only the easier ones. We did the Hidden Valley hike, which is only around a 1 mile loop. It can get pretty crowded though and the parking gets filled fast, so it's better to go early. We also went on the Barker Dam hike, which is also just a bit over a mile. This one was my favorite of the two and you get to climb some nice rocks on this hike. We did the other typical stuff like see skull rock, but didn't do this hike, and saw keys view, which is also really nice, but if you do go, it's definitely worth to do some hiking since it makes the experience of this park so much better.

Honestly, the park itself is a 5 star experience. The views are unreal -- the kind of place that…read moremakes you stop and just take it in. I went on a Monday thinking it would be calm, but it was still pretty busy. Parking was tough in a lot of spots, which definitely slowed things down. I did the Arch Rock Trail and checked out Heart Rock on the same route -- both were gorgeous and totally worth it. Then I tried heading to Skull Rock, but parking was basically impossible unless I parked far and walked close to 50 minutes. On top of that, there was a line of like 30 people just to take a picture. I skipped it, but even driving by, it was still impactful. Hidden Valley Trail ended up being another highlight -- super scenic and probably my favorite overall. Weather was "okay" -- around 90°, but going early in the morning made it manageable. Both trails are kid-friendly, probably 4 and up, but there are some slippery areas so you still have to be careful. I went with my wife and 4 yr old kid and did very well. I held his hand for some parts. We did everything in about 3.5 hours -- driving, hiking, finding parking, bathroom stops, and walking farther than expected because spots were full. The park itself is a 5 but the surrounding areas like Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree just don't offer much in terms of food options or social life. After an amazing nature experience, it kind of falls flat when you're looking for something to do or somewhere great to eat. If I could, I would give the surrounding area a 2 out of 5. So yeah -- the park is 5 stars, but the overall experience I would give it a 3.

Amazing, we'll kept, clean park with a huge covered playground. Perfect for a toddler!read more

Nice park with a great dog park area. People were friendly and the park is well maintained.read more

Hiked Barker Dam Trail in January 2026 and it ended up being one of my favorite spots in Joshua…read moreTree National Park. The dam was filled with water (which apparently isn't always the case), and I had most of the trail completely to myself. Peaceful, scenic, and classic Joshua Tree views the entire way. Easy hike, big payoff, and felt like discovering a hidden gem. Loved it.

Easy and idea spot for light hiking just after you park your car. Trail leads to some key spots in…read morethe park including the the remnants of the Barker Dam that once served the area. Surrounding area are steep cliffs and bluffs offering some really epic views. Be sure to keep an close eye out for infamous Big Horn Sheep that often adorn the sides of the canyons on top of rocks and steep terrain.

Clean, quiet, nice little path and looks like they're expanding! Great place to let your dog get…read moretheir wiggles out before or in the middle of camping at JT.

I'm new to the area is it really nice large dog park I've met a lot of nice people out here. but…read more,No lights @ night? And why is there so many grass fields that the animals can't go on just half of one of them? Just curious

At the north edge of Joshua Tree National Park, the Oasis of Mara doesn't try to impress you. It…read morejust is. And somehow, that lands deeper. What makes it special isn't just the pocket of life in the middle of all that desert, it's how thoughtfully it's been preserved and shared. The paved loop trail is an open invitation, designed so almost anyone can experience it, which matters. Beauty shouldn't be gatekept by steep inclines and perfect knees. When we visited, most of the loop was closed for repairs. The kind of moment where you think, "well, that's that." But then, plot twist, kindness showed up. A staff member took the time to talk with my husband and, seeing his mobility challenges, gave him permission to walk the full trail. That small act? It meant everything. We didn't just see the oasis, we experienced it. And what an experience it was. A slow, easy walk, the kind your body thanks you for. Quiet learning along the way. A desert iguana making a cameo like it had somewhere important to be. The soft, unmistakable call of a quail echoing through the stillness. No big show, just little moments stacking up into something meaningful. It's peaceful, beautiful, and layered with history you can feel even if you don't read a single sign. The kind of place that doesn't demand your attention but earns it anyway. Go. Walk it slowly. Let it sink in. It's one of those places that leaves a quiet mark and somehow stays with you longer than the louder stops.

Nothing very pretty. Plants looked burnt and neglected! One area was closed off for repair…read more Random info with history signs but not with cohesive storytelling. So sad that the Maaryam and other tribes were driven off this land. And worse that the water was depleted by 1940 so it had to be pumped in mechanically. Yuck- all around. The brush in the park looked much healthier than this. The only thing nice was that I could walk my dog in.

The park regularly hosts summer concerts. Bands play everything from jazz to classic rock--and…read moreadmission is always free, family-friendly, and laid-back. Bring blankets, chairs, and coolers: leave alcohol and pets at home. I love watchinhg the little kids showing off their dance moves right in front of the stage. Yucca Valley partners with nonprofit orgs like Reach Out Morongo Basin to address homelessness--this includes food distribution and outreach initiatives. Additionally, church groups, athletic teams, and local artists reach out and share their skills on a regular basis. Unlike other parks in this town there are rooms where events, meetings, and shows can be held. Community Resource events using Park Center spaces often offer services such as mobile legal aid, defense programs, and low cost pet vaccination. Not too long ago my daughter got a chance to hold a number of unique animals. I different time the labrary held a reading challenge and I won a brand new tablet. Park offers major events like Grubstake Days, job fairs, Memorial Day observances, and cultural festivals. Perhaps one of the biggest events is the 4th of July festival. It is a real pleasure to see people from every walk of life to come together an celebrate both being an American and thewir local community.

I gave this park a three because there are Times I come and nasty ass adults are smoking and if it…read morebothers me it must the kids. During after school hrs you have your troubled teen's out doing what they do near the younger kids not much of a fan. Otherwise I enjoy the park my daughter rides her bike and scooter here. We come to watch the sports games. I will say I was disappointed during Halloween time that had a candy give away that lasted all about two mins out side and it was cold. I do enjoy going to the museum and the library is right next door.

Friendly Hills Park offers great views above old town Joshua Tree. Parking is street only…read more Porta-potty. No Dogs allowed. A few BBQ Grills and picknick tables. Swings. AstroTurf. Playground with slides, bridges, mini-rock wall. For a pocket park it's pretty nice and the views are amazing.

+ Nice place to visit Jesus statues and recall his history…read more + Peaceful, quiet ambience. + Free to enter. + Ample parking. Almost no one there. - Couldn't find drinking water or restrooms.

This park right here if you are into Christ, you will love this. It's very peaceful. Make sure you…read moresee everything and read the size you will feel the spirit I will go again

Beautiful park. Lots to climb and play on…read more My granddaughter always loves to go there!

Nice clean park with small agility zones, water, and grass. Perfect place to take your dogs…read morebecause they have a big dog section and small dog section. It's next to a regular park too.