# Joshua trees, salt lake and palm oases: by camper through the deserts of Southern California

> From Palm Springs through Joshua Tree and on to the Salton Sea and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: a desert loop between granite boulders, metal sculptures…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-069-joshua-tree-anza-borrego/

**At a glance:** 5-day round trip of about 514 km (319 mi) with 14 stops, starting and ending in Palm Springs. About 5 h 42 min of driving in total. From Palm Springs through Joshua Tree and on to the Salton Sea and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: a desert loop between granite boulders, metal sculptures and palms.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 514 km (319 mi) |
| Driving | 5 h 42 min |
| Suggested days | 5 |
| Stops | 14 |
| Route | Palm Springs → Palm Springs |
| States | CA |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From Palm Springs through Joshua Tree and on to the Salton Sea and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: a desert loop between granite boulders, metal sculptures and palms.*

## The spirit of the route

Southern California’s deserts are not one landscape but three. In Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet: Joshua trees with their twisted arms stand among granite boulders that look as if someone had stacked them, and in the evening the sky behind the silhouettes turns pink. At the Salton Sea lies a salt lake below sea level, with flocks of birds, rusting wrecks and a smell you do not forget. Anza-Borrego, California’s largest State Park, closes the loop with palm oases, bighorn sheep and huge metal sculptures showing lizards and dragons among the cacti. The route is ideal for campers because sites are cheap and spacious; between May and September it is not recommended because of heat above 40 °C. Best time: October to April.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park (West Entrance) (approx. 85 km)

- **The drive:** From Palm Springs, take Hwy 111 and Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) north, past wind turbines and through Yucca Valley to Joshua Tree; for Pioneertown, a detour leads via Pioneertown Road. The road is wide and well built, speed 55–65 mph, with climbs to 1,000 to 1,200 m. Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours; with stops, half a day.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Pioneertown: a 1940s western set built for films, now home to shops, restaurants and concerts; the approach is winding, and parking for motorhomes is limited.
  - Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree National Park: a short circular trail (about 1 mile) through a valley enclosed by rocks, formerly a hideout for cattle rustlers; small car park.
  - Keys View: a viewpoint at 1,580 m above the Coachella Valley with a view of the San Andreas Fault, the Salton Sea and Mount San Jacinto; paved access.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Black Rock Campground (Joshua Tree National Park, near Yucca Valley, reserve via Recreation.gov, with water, flush toilets and dump station) and Jumbo Rocks (among granite rocks, reservation required, without water). Cottonwood (with water and dump station) and Indian Cove (without water, vehicles up to about 25 ft) are further sites requiring reservation; Hidden Valley and White Tank are first come, first served and for vehicles up to about 25 ft. Check length limits, opening times and reservation rules on nps.gov; often fully booked in peak season. In Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms there are private RV parks with electric hook-up and waste disposal.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Joshua Tree National Park, free camping is prohibited; backcountry camping only with a permit and on foot. On BLM land outside the park (for example north and east of Twentynine Palms), dispersed camping at already used spots is mostly allowed for up to 14 days; check rules and access with the BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office. Tracks are sandy.
- **Insider tip for campers:** There are no filling stations in the park and water only at visitor centres; fill up and fill containers in Yucca Valley or Joshua Tree. In peak season (October to May), the west entrance fills up as early as morning, so arrive early. The surcharge for visitors without US residence (since 2026) applied at the start of the year only in eleven heavily visited parks, not here; check current rules on nps.gov.

### Stage 2: Joshua Tree National Park to Salton Sea (North Shore) (approx. 130 km)

- **The drive:** Through the park via Park Boulevard and Pinto Basin Road south to the Cottonwood Visitor Center, then to Interstate 10 and on Hwy 111 to Mecca and the North Shore of the Salton Sea. The route leads from over 1,000 m down below sea level: the surface of the Salton Sea lies around 70 m below. Pure driving time is about 2 hours; with stops, a whole day. In summer it is extremely hot there.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Cholla Cactus Garden: dense groups of “teddy bear” cholla cacti that glow in the backlight; circular trail about 0.25 miles, keep your distance, as the spines stick to skin and clothing.
  - Cottonwood Spring Oasis: palms and a watering hole at the edge of the park, with trails and the history of the Cahuilla; access via short paths.
  - Salton Sea State Recreation Area: visitor centre with exhibition, birdwatching and walking trails along the shore; the air can smell of sulphur or algae, and dust and wind are frequent.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Mecca Beach Campground and Headquarters Campground (Salton Sea State Recreation Area, reserve via ReserveCalifornia; with water, showers and partly hook-ups; check vehicle lengths, opening times and status beforehand). Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park lies on the southern edge. In Mecca and Indio there are private RV parks with electric hook-up and waste disposal.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, overnight stays are allowed only at designated sites. On BLM land west and south of the lake, dispersed camping at already used spots is mostly possible; note dust and heat. Nearby Slab City (Niland) is an unofficial site on state land without services; use at your own risk, and check the rules and security situation beforehand.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fill up and shop in Indio or Mecca; at the lake there are only a few shops. Because of air quality, dust and heat, check the weather and warnings, especially in summer. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars; in winter, numerous migratory birds are at the lake.

### Stage 3: Salton Sea to Borrego Springs (approx. 200 km)

- **The drive:** From the North Shore, take Hwy 111 south along the east shore through Bombay Beach to Niland, then via Hwy 111 and Hwy 78 west via Brawley and Ocotillo Wells to Borrego Springs. A shorter alternative leads along the west shore via Hwy 86 and Hwy S22 (Salton City), but omits Bombay Beach and Niland. The route is flat and wide, then climbs into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park; the road is paved, speed 55 mph near towns, with stretches of desert wind. Pure driving time is about 3 hours; with stops, a whole day.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain (Niland): places of art and memory; Bombay Beach shows abandoned houses by the lake, Salvation Mountain a hill painted with colour and messages. Stay on the paths and respect residents.
  - Galleta Meadows sculptures in Borrego Springs: over 130 metal sculptures by Ricardo Breceda (lizards, dragons, mammoths) on land around the town; free and freely accessible, parking at the roadside.
  - Borrego Palm Canyon Trail: a circular trail of about 3 miles to a palm oasis with streams; in winter and spring, bighorn sheep may be seen; take water.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Borrego Palm Canyon Campground (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, reserve via ReserveCalifornia; sites with water and showers, partly with hook-ups; check vehicle lengths and status beforehand). Tamarisk Grove Campground is smaller and a little further west. In Borrego Springs there are private RV parks with electric hook-up and waste disposal.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, camping on many unpaved roads is allowed without a permit, at most one vehicle length from the road (not in designated protected areas); check the park’s rules beforehand, vehicles may drive only on existing tracks, ground fires are prohibited, and fires only in metal containers. Tracks are sandy, and four-wheel drive is often necessary.
- **Insider tip for campers:** In Borrego Springs there is a small supermarket and filling stations; fill up beforehand. The park is a Dark Sky Community, with a dark sky at night; telescopes are popular. In spring (February to April), wildflowers can bloom after winter rain; check the bloom reports on the park website.

### Stage 4: Borrego Springs to Julian (approx. 70 km)

- **The drive:** From Borrego Springs, take Hwy S22 west, then Hwy 78 over the Banner Grade (steep climb and descent) to the mountain village of Julian at around 1,300 m. The road is winding with gradients; combinations and heavy motorhomes must use the engine brake and check vehicle length beforehand. Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours. In winter, there can be snow in Julian.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Font’s Point: a viewpoint over the Borrego badlands; the access is via a sand track of several miles and is not suitable for motorhomes.
  - Julian: a former gold-mining town with apple orchards, baked goods and shops; car parks in the town centre are cramped for motorhomes, so stop on the edge of town.
  - Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (south of Julian): pine and oak forests, hiking trails and viewpoints; observe the rules in the park.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Paso Picacho Campground (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, reserve via ReserveCalifornia; check vehicle lengths and status beforehand). In Julian there are a few private sites. Alternatively, Cleveland National Forest with more basic sites.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Cleveland National Forest, dispersed camping is restricted; check rules and fire levels beforehand with the Forest Service. In Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, free camping is prohibited. On BLM land further east near Scissors Crossing, dispersed camping at already used spots is mostly allowed.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fill with fresh water in Borrego Springs or Julian; in the mountains there are only a few sources. Julian is overrun at weekends, so arrive early in the morning. At night in winter, temperatures can drop below freezing.

### Stage 5: Julian to Palm Springs (approx. 170 km)

- **The drive:** From Julian, take Hwy 79 north through Warner Springs, then Hwy 371 to Anza, then Hwy 74 (Palms to Pines Highway) down to Palm Desert and on to Palm Springs. The section over the mountains is winding and has descents; combinations should use the engine brake and low gears and check vehicle length and road status beforehand. Pure driving time is about 3 hours; with stops, a whole day.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument: viewpoints and hiking trails on Hwy 74, with a change from pine forest to desert vegetation; car parks small.
  - Indian Canyons near Palm Springs: palm canyons of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (Andreas, Murray, Palm Canyon); an entrance fee is charged, so check opening times and rules beforehand.
  - Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: a cable car from the desert floor to the mountain station in the San Jacinto Mountains; check operating times and prices beforehand, parking for motorhomes limited.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Pinyon Flat Campground (San Bernardino National Forest, on Hwy 74, at around 1,200 m, basic facilities without electricity; no reservation possible, first come, first served only; check vehicle lengths). Lake Cahuilla County Park (La Quinta; Riverside County Parks, sites with hook-ups; check reservations and season beforehand). Private RV parks in Palm Desert and Palm Springs.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On BLM land and in parts of San Bernardino National Forest, dispersed camping at already used spots is mostly allowed; check fire levels and rules beforehand. In towns and on car parks, sleeping in the vehicle is not allowed.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Empty and fill up before returning the vehicle in Palm Springs; rental firms often require a final clean. In summer it is 40 °C in Palm Springs, and the tramway mountain station is markedly cooler. Palm Springs has multi-storey car parks with height limits.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Free camping: in Joshua Tree National Park and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, staying overnight outside designated sites is prohibited. In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, camping on many unpaved roads at already used spots is allowed, under the park’s rules (at most one vehicle length from the road, only on existing tracks, ground fires prohibited, fires only in metal containers, no permit needed). Checks are carried out by rangers and the sheriff.
- On BLM land in Southern California, dispersed camping at already used spots is mostly allowed for up to 14 days, away from water and settlements. A California Campfire Permit is needed for fires and stoves outside campgrounds, and bans apply in high fire danger.
- Wildlife: rattlesnakes, scorpions, bighorn sheep, coyotes. Desert tortoises are protected; do not touch them. Do not damage or remove Joshua trees and cholla. In spring, bees and wildflowers can attract many visitors.
- Apps and sites: Recreation.gov, ReserveCalifornia, iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt; nps.gov, parks.ca.gov, Caltrans QuickMap for road conditions. Mobile reception fails in the desert; download offline maps.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Waste disposal: dump stations in Joshua Tree National Park (Black Rock and Cottonwood, check status), in the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, in Borrego Springs and Palm Springs; sanidumps.com lists locations.
- Drinking water: tap water in towns is drinkable; in the park only at visitor centres and designated points. At least 4 litres per person per day, and plan for 20-litre containers.
- Fuel: filling stations in Palm Springs, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Indio, Mecca, Borrego Springs, Julian, Anza; none in Joshua Tree National Park. Fill up completely before driving through the park.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Palm Springs, Yucca Valley, Indio and Borrego Springs; propane at filling stations and dealers. European gas cylinders need an adapter.
- Power: most national park sites have no hook-ups; in summer, air conditioning only with a generator, whose operation is restricted in hours.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in mph: on Hwy 62 and Hwy 111 mostly 55–65, in the park 25–45; combinations in California a maximum of 55 mph (CVC 22406). Slow vehicles must use turnouts under CVC 21656.
- Fees: admission to Joshua Tree National Park is charged; the surcharge for visitors without US residence (since 2026) applied at the start of the year only in eleven heavily visited parks, not here; check current rules on nps.gov. The America the Beautiful Pass is valid in the national park, not in State Parks. Day-use fees in Anza-Borrego are mostly low.
- Lengths and heights: Banner Grade (Hwy 78), Hwy 74 and access roads to viewpoints have gradients and bends; check vehicle length. Legal maximum height 14 ft (4.27 m); multi-storey car parks in Palm Springs have limits of around 2 m.
- Season: best time October to April; in summer over 40 °C and thunderstorms. Wildflower bloom February to April depending on rain. Flash floods close tracks.
- Reservations: campgrounds in the NPS via Recreation.gov (up to six months ahead; Hidden Valley, White Tank and Pinyon Flat without reservation), State Parks via ReserveCalifornia; book early in peak season (November to April).
- Emergency: 911; mobile reception fails in the desert. In the event of a vehicle breakdown, stay with the vehicle and do not walk in the heat.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Water containers (at least 40 l in total): in Joshua Tree National Park there is water at only a few points.
- Sun protection, hat and binoculars: the sun is extreme, and binoculars are worthwhile for bighorn sheep and birds at the Salton Sea.
- Gloves and tweezers: cholla cacti stick to skin and clothing.
- Torch with red light and star chart: Anza-Borrego is a Dark Sky Community.
- Warm clothing for nights in winter: temperatures drop below 5 °C even in the desert.
- Offline maps and printed reservations: mobile reception fails in the desert.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Palm Springs** (CA)
2. **Pioneertown** (CA)
3. **Joshua Tree** (CA)
4. **Keys View** (CA)
5. **Cottonwood Spring** (CA)
6. **Mecca** (CA)
7. **Salton Sea North Shore** (CA)
8. **Bombay Beach** (CA)
9. **Niland** (CA)
10. **Borrego Springs** (CA)
11. **Julian** (CA)
12. **Anza** (CA)
13. **Palm Desert** (CA)
14. **Palm Springs** (CA)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually September–May. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Joshua trees, salt lake and palm oases: by camper through the deserts of Southern California?**
5-day round trip of about 514 km (319 mi) with 14 stops, starting and ending in Palm Springs. About 5 h 42 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Joshua trees, salt lake and palm oases: by camper through the deserts of Southern California?**
We suggest 5 days: about 5 h 42 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Joshua trees, salt lake and palm oases: by camper through the deserts of Southern California start and end?**
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Palm Springs.

**Which states does Joshua trees, salt lake and palm oases: by camper through the deserts of Southern California pass through?**
California.

**Where can you camp along Joshua trees, salt lake and palm oases: by camper through the deserts of Southern California?**
OpenStreetMap lists 312 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Mount San Jacinto State Park Idyllwild Campground, Oasis Palms RV Resort and Thousand Trails.

**When is the best time for Joshua trees, salt lake and palm oases: by camper through the deserts of Southern California?**
The most pleasant months are usually September–May. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)