Add These 2 Joshua Tree Sunrise Spots To Your List

So you’re looking for the best Joshua Tree sunrise spots?! I can’t blame you; Joshua Tree sunrises are magical. Every single sunrise that we saw on our visit was breathtaking. You’ll want to catch at least one or two while you’re visiting Joshua Tree National Park.

sunrise at the cholla cactus garden in joshua tree national park

Joshua Tree is a massive park, so it can be overwhelming to figure out where to go. But you’ve come to the right place because I’m going to give you the two best Joshua Tree sunrise spots!

No hiking required!

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JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK AT A GLANCE

Before diving in, here are a few highlights for planning a trip to Joshua Tree National Park.

Getting There: The closest major airport to Joshua Tree is Los Angeles International. Find affordable flights here.
Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle or FREE with an America the Beautiful Pass
Where to Stay: Camp in the park or stay right outside the park in the town of Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms.
How to Get Around: You’ll need to rent a personal vehicle to get around Joshua Tree.
Best Time to Visit: October – May
How Long to Visit: 3-5 days (Here’s what to do if you only have 1 day)

Table of Contents

Add These 2 Joshua Tree Sunrise Spots To Your List

watching the sunrise at the cholla cactus garden in joshua tree national park

sunrise at keys view in joshua tree national park

1. Cholla Cactus Garden: Best Joshua Tree Sunrise Spot

sunrise at cholla cactus garden in joshua tree national park

The Joshua Tree Cholla Cactus Garden is a 10-acre swath of desert dominated by clusters of chocolate and golden teddybear cholla. Teddybear cholla is an attractive species of cactus that thrives in southwest America and northwestern Mexico. I say attractive because these spiky balls are definitely “Instagram-worthy.”

The Cholla Cactus Garden is technically a trail, but its entire loop is just 0.2 miles, so I consider it more of a casual stroll.

The absolute best time to wander through the Cholla Cactus Garden is at sunrise. We saw it mid-day, too, but it just wasn’t the same. You won’t want to miss the amazing lighting that the sunrise showers onto the chollas.

You’ll probably find yourself snapping endless photos like we did!

How to Get to the Cholla Cactus Garden

The Cholla Cactus Garden is located off Pinto Basin Road in the center of Joshua Tree National Park.

From the South Cottonwood Entrance, drive for about 26 miles on Pinto Basin Road. The Cholla Cactus Garden and parking area will be on your left. You can’t miss it! The garden is so close to the street that you’ll be able to spy the sea of fuzzy yellow arms from the road.

watching the sunrise on the cholla cactus garden trail in joshua tree national park

Tips For Visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden at Sunrise

Arrive at least thirty minutes (or more) before sunrise. The parking lot only holds about 20 vehicles, so it fills up quickly!
Bring your breakfast and hot drinks to the trail/parking lot. We fired up our Jetboil to brew tea and coffee while we waited for the sky to light up.
Don’t forget your headlamp! The trail and parking area will be dark before the sun fills the garden.
Pack/wear layers. It’ll likely be chilly before the sun rises. As the sun fills the area, the temperature will rise.

2. Keys View: Best Joshua Tree Sunrise Spot

Keys View is a semi-remote overlook in Joshua Tree that boasts panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and the infamous San Andreas Fault. You can watch the sunrise from the parking area, but for the best view, take the short, steep paved walkway to the overlook.

We visited this spot mid-day and at sunrise, and once again, sunrise won. It was absolutely breathtaking watching the peak-framed valley fill with light. The colors we saw brushed across the sky and draped over the mountain peaks were well worth the early rise and detour.

How to Get to Keys View

Keys View is a little out of the way, but it’s worth it to get up early and make the drive to the overlook. Trust me!

To get to Keys View from the town of Joshua Tree, drive about 16 miles down Park Boulevard. Turn right onto Keys View Road. The overlook will be 5 miles from Park Boulevard, at the very end of the road. The road deadends at the parking area, so you’ll know when you’re there.

BONUS: Pets are allowed on the pavement that leads from the parking lot to the overlook!

Tips For Visiting Keys View at Sunrise

Even though the Keys View parking lot is much bigger than the Cholla Cactus Garden’s lot, it still fills up quickly for sunrise. Plan on arriving at least thirty minutes before sunrise.
Bring your breakfast and hot drinks to the overlook or parking lot. We cooked our breakfast and drank our coffee/tea while we waited for the sun to rise.
Don’t forget your headlamp! The short paved trail and parking area will be dark before the sun fills the valley.
Pack/wear layers. It’ll likely be chilly before the sun rises. As the sun fills the area, the temperature will rise.