Flight Attendant 48 Hour Layover // LAX // Summertime in Joshua Tree and Palm Springs

A Surreal Desert Escape: Road Tripping from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree

Southern California is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure, especially when you have access to a car. From the sun-kissed shores of Malibu and Santa Barbara to the towering cliffs of Big Sur and the serene valleys of Coachella and Napa, there’s no shortage of breathtaking destinations. However, as someone who struggles with driving on the left side in the UK, navigating LA’s highways can be a bit intimidating. That said, when another crew member volunteers to go behind the wheel, I’m all in for a road trip—just leave me out of the driver’s seat!

For those looking for an escape from the city, a day trip to the desert is a fantastic option. Car rentals in LA are generally affordable, with options starting at $75 from Avis. Pick up your rental around 9 am and set out for Joshua Tree National Park, with a quick stop in Palm Springs. The drive is about 132 miles and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The Quirky Road to Joshua Tree

As you make your way out of the city, don’t miss the chance to stop at the quirky Cabazon Dinosaurs, located just west of Palm Springs. These enormous, colorful dinosaur sculptures—Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex—stand out against the desert backdrop. You may even recognize them from films like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and The Wizard. Grab a refreshing iced latte and take a stroll around these whimsical giants, perfect for a fun photo opportunity.

From there, gear up for the drive deep into the Mojave Desert. The arid landscape transitions into a stunning array of rugged rock formations, giant boulders, and, of course, the iconic Joshua Trees. The scenery is so captivating that the journey feels shorter than it is.

Joshua Tree National Park: History and Adventure

Joshua Tree National Park has been a protected national treasure since 1994, spanning two distinct desert ecosystems: the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. This massive park, covering 800,000 acres, is a unique blend of these two deserts’ striking landscapes. The Mojave Desert is higher and cooler, home to the highest concentration of the park’s namesake, the Joshua Trees. Meanwhile, the Colorado Desert is famous for its cacti, including the fuzzy teddy-bear Cholla Cactus.

The Joshua Trees themselves are a strange sight in the desert, with their spiny, twisted limbs that look like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. Part of the Agave family (yes, the same one used to make tequila!), these quirky plants are an essential part of the desert ecosystem, providing shelter for birds, mammals, insects, and even lizards. Native to the Mojave Desert, they were first recognized by the Cahuilla people, who used them for various practical purposes. Later, Mormon settlers crossing the Colorado River named the trees after the biblical figure Joshua.

Despite their tough appearance, Joshua Trees are actually quite fragile. It’s important not to touch, lean on, or hang from them—preserve their beauty for future visitors!