Just you and me in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is a vast protected area in southern California. It's characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, which is higher and cooler.
It was our first time in Joshua Tree! We had plans to get away to Palm Springs with our friends who grew up going to the desert. We had time before dinner so we got dress and headed out to Joshua Tree to go check it out. It was gorgeous and since I always have my camera with me, I wanted to get some shots in to remember this moment in time. We ended up shooting right before dusk at Skull Rock. With its two sunken eyes and skull shaped rock, the aptly named Skull Rock sits just off the main Joshua Tree road. Since Mike just had knee surgery I figured it would be best to get photos of the two of us on flat ground. Once we got in our shots (literally we had 15mins before the sun went down) I kicked off my heels and climbed through Skull Rock. Yes barefoot and in a dress climbing up a rock at dusk - smart move I know but I would do anything for killer shots!!! The area, tends to be crowded for most of the day and there are shadows during the typically quieter sunrise hours. However we managed to grab some shots without any hikers at sunset and had the rock to ourselves! It was a spur of the moment decision to jump in the car and take a ride and I’m so glad that we did!
How to get to Skull Rock
Skull Rock is located along Park Boulevard, one of the main roads which runs through Joshua Tree. The North Entrance (Twentynine Palms) and the West Entrance (Joshua Tree town) are the most convenient for visiting many of the Joshua Tree National Park highlights. These are our top 3 places to stay in Joshua Tree and are perfect for couples, small groups and families:
M&L Desert Cottage: this beautiful 2 bedroom cottage is just 6 minutes drive from the north entrance to Joshua Tree. The cottage has been completely remodeled and is the definition of desert chic. The interior is gorgeous and there is a fire pit, BBQ and hammocks on the patio for stargazing and al fresco dining. – check prices now!
Location: North Entrance/Twentynine Palms. We love this entrance as it’s both close to many highlights of Joshua Tree National Park and is also a much quieter gate to enter the park by. M&L Desert Cottage is a 20 minute drive from Joshua Tree Town.
Castle House Estate: with the accommodation options including guard towers, yurt tents, a tiny container house (the perfect chance to experience tiny home living!) and a vintage RV, Castle House Estate perfectly encompasses the unique Joshua Tree vibe. It’s the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor living and the accommodation is beautifully presented and incredibly unique. The hardest part is choosing which accommodation to reserve – check prices now!
Location: West Entrance/Joshua Tree. Castle House Estate is a 10 minute drive from Joshua Tree Town and is 20 minutes north of the park entrance.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Twentynine Palms – clean and well equipped, the Fairfield Inn is one of our go to hotels when we’re exploring the park and want somewhere clean and quiet to rest up. The hotel has a small pool out back, free breakfast, laundry facilities and there’s a grocery store just across the road for supplies – check prices now!
Location: North Entrance/Twentynine Palms. We opt for the convenience of the Fairfield Inn when we have early starts and late evenings in the park.
