I think two full days is a good length to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Any less and you won't be able to see the main attractions. With three days, you likely won't see much more, but you'll be able to be a bit more leisurely.
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One day in Joshua Tree is a bit short, but you can pack a lot in despite that. Four days will give you plenty of time to explore both inside and outside the park. 2 days in Joshua Tree is a great duration for a weekend trip, and you can enjoy even more if you have a full 3 days in Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day and may be visited at any time of the year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only.
Joshua Tree is only about an hour outside of Palm Springs, and is more than worth the trip. We recommend starting at the West entrance into the park, and continuing through the South entrance, before heading back to Palm Springs.
Hypothermia can be a hazard even at temperatures above freezing. Always carry extra layers of clothing during the cooler months. The short days of winter lead some hikers to miscalculate how much time they need to complete a hike. Around the winter solstice, plan to be back at the trailhead by 4 pm.
Weekdays experience far fewer visitors in the park but more town stores may be closed. If viewing desert wildflowers and hiking in solitude are high on your list, then visiting Joshua Tree during the middle of the week is your best bet.
Avoid arriving at the park between 10 am and 2 pm and leave well before or after sunset to avoid crowds. Holidays and weekends are the busiest times to visit so consider adjusting your schedule for a more relaxed visit. Be mindful of where you stay and enter the park.
The Joshua Tree north entrance is a good option if you want to plan your day in Joshua Tree National Park as a loop. This is a great way to experience many of the park's main attractions without doing much back-tracking.
There is no lodging available within Joshua Tree National Park. However, there are many places to stay in nearby communities. Please contact area chambers of commerce for information. There are no restaurants or grocery stores inside Joshua Tree National Park, but nearby communities provide these services.
Hidden Valley: If you only visit one place in Joshua Tree National Park, make sure you make that place Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley is a gorgeous valley surrounded by rocks of all sizes and loads of Joshua Trees. It makes a great picnic spot or an area to wander, snap pics and climb on boulders.