On the Rocks: Joshua Tree + Slab City

A travel guide to a long weekend in the Southern California Desert

Apr 08, 2025

To me, visiting the desert is like being on another planet. It brings me so much peace but is so wild and alive. If you’ve got just one long weekend in the Southern California desert, here’s how I’d make it count.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is absolutely one of my favorite National Parks (but ask me again after I visit a new one). Whether you’re into climbing, hiking, or just baking in the sun, it’s nature’s ultimate playground. Here are my recommendations from someone who loves type one fun (aka not always a brutal hike), a good drink + snack at the end of the day, and will always stop to take the photo.

Eating + Drinking

Joshua Tree Saloon Bar and Grill
A classic Western bar where you can grab a burger, beer and play some pool.
Mas-o-Menos
The cutest little coffee shop with a photo booth.
Pappy & Harriet’s
Live music, delicious food, and great drinks in a cool Western bar. It gets very busy in the evenings - I’d plan to get there early. You can also buy tickets online for the live music!

Shopping

The Station
Gift shop heaven. If you’re looking for unique desert souvenirs, this is the place.
Vintage Shopping
The Joshua Tree area has so many cool vintage shops, you could spend a whole afternoon shopping.

Hikes and Trails

Arch Rocks Loop
This trail is gorgeous and has great spots for photos. This is also where heart rock is located. It’s an easy 2.9 miles.
Skull Rock
Genuinely looks like a skull. Nature is crazy. It’s usually pretty busy, but it’s fun to stop by quickly.
Barker Dam
The most classic Joshua Tree hike to me. 1.3 miles, but we usually go off-trail to scramble on the rocks (or bask in the sun).
Hidden Valley
Another easy, breezy, beautiful one-mile hike.
Ryan Mountain
For a great view of the park, hike up Ryan Mountain. It’s slightly less crowded and a bit challenging, but only 2.9 miles.

Drive from Joshua Tree to Slab City

If you’re coming from the North end of the park, I’d recommend driving all the way through towards the South and stopping to see the Cholla Cactus Garden on the way. I’d then take Box Canyon Road down past the Salton Sea. Along the way, there are tons of hikes to explore, and you can wild camp in the canyon if that fits in the itinerary. It’s gorgeous and is one of my favorite spots in the area.

Slab City & Salvation Mountain

The Most Unique Place I’ve Ever Been

Slab City is incredibly weird in the best possible way. It’s known as the “last free place,” and it’s really so special. You have to go meet Dot at the House of Dots, check out East Jesus camp, and explore the skatepark and library. The artists here turn trash into treasure, and the locals are incredibly welcoming. Some of the art pieces here were brought in from Burning Man, and they are insane. The camps are eccentric and full of heart, and talking to the people there was the highlight of the entire experience, so come in a chatty mood with an open mind. It will change your perspective on life.

*note, not all the camps are open to the public

Before you leave, be sure to visit the Slab City Art Gift Shop inside a tent on your way out to support local artists. Jimmi is the sweetest soul, and he hand makes most (or all?) of the pieces in there. There’s also a dog shelter here and a bar. If you’re lucky, you might get invited to the Slab City prom.

Salvation Mountain is just outside of Slab City and has been on my bucket list for years. You’ve probably seen it in films or even GTA 5, but seeing it in person is insane. This incredible piece of art was created by Leonard Knight, a longtime Slab City resident. Right now, you can still follow the yellow brick road up onto the structure, which makes the whole experience feel even more amazing. It’s something everyone should see.