The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, California 92260, United States

Phone: 760-636-7000 | Check in: 4 p.m. | Check out: 10 a.m.

73°F / 23°C

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Things to do | Joshua Tree National Park

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Whether you come to backpack, bike, bird watch, mountain climb, hike or stroll and admire the wildlife on a guided nature walk, there is no shortage of unique and incredible natural wonders to behold at Joshua Tree National Park.

Open year-round and welcoming 1.4 million visitors per year, it has become the ultimate desert destination for outdoor adventure. The park is 794,000 acres of protected land in the Mojave and Colorado deserts. While visiting, you can expect to see many unique plants and animals, including the famous Joshua tree. Spiky and twisted works of art, these fascinating trees can date up to 1,000 years old. Also finding refuge in the area are endangered bighorn sheep. These agile animals have no problem scaling the ancient rock formations throughout the park.

Community Recommends

9 Recommendations

Please note, these recommendations are the subjective opinion of the Vistana Community Members and not of Vistana^™ Signature Experiences, Inc.


Vistana Community Member "Amazing Rock croppings" — 03/16/2018 "Amazing Rock croppings" 03/16/2018 We spent the day driving through the park from one end to another and it was incredible! The desert changes right before your eyes. The plants, trees and flowers are amazing. You can scramble over huge boulders which appear out of nowhere. Definitely a must see and do when you are in Palm Desert.
Vistana Community Member "A Walk On The Wild Side" — 03/16/2018 "A Walk On The Wild Side" 03/16/2018 I recommend very highly a visit to Joshua Tree National Monument. Take any hike in the park and you will be treated to magnificent desert landscapes. Hike on sandy trails past gigantic boulder outcroppings, stunning and strange stands of joshua trees, and if your lucky the simple beauty of a wildflower.
Vistana Community Member "Joshua Tree National Park" — 03/14/2018 "Joshua Tree National Park" 03/14/2018 Head to the North entrance and work your way through it. Bring a picnic lunch, as there are many wonderful places to stop. We loved every bit of it!
Vistana Community Member "Climb on" — 03/14/2018 "Climb on" 03/14/2018 Besides Yosemite Valley, JT has some of the best climbing in California. Hiking and lots of history, make it a fun day.
Vistana Community Member "Plan a day and be amazed" — 03/11/2018 "Plan a day and be amazed" 03/11/2018 Roughly an hour from Palm Desert, visitors must see this gem. I have been three times and will always visit and hike when in the area. This year I did Ryan Mountain. Moderate to strenuous hike depending on your fitness level but excellent trail up to a panoramic view of the Park. There are many easy hikes and easy to access climbing rocks for exploring within the Park.
Vistana Community Member "Joshua Tree National Park was on our bucket list" — 03/07/2018 "Joshua Tree National Park was on our bucket list" 03/07/2018 We enjoyed several trails. The stark nature of this park contrasts with other national parks we have been to. It was awe inspiring to see huge groves of Joshua Trees!
Vistana Community Member "sisters2" — 02/19/2018 "sisters2" 02/19/2018 Joshua Tree NP is a great day trip! We like a variety of short hikes, with easy to medium terrain. This is a place we have returned to visit several times.
Vistana Community Member "Try to Go" — 02/11/2018 "Try to Go" 02/11/2018 Joshua Tree is a favorite for us whenever we travel to Palm Springs. It has something for everyone whether you are a casual day hiker or prefer longer more challenging hikes, bouldering or rock climbing. The more interesting sections are at the northern entrance near Twenty Nine Palms if you are limited in time. It makes a nice day trip from Palm Springs.
Vistana Community Member "Beauty in Boulders" — 02/08/2018 "Beauty in Boulders" 02/08/2018 Spend the day in this amazing park where gigantic cropping of boulders appear out of nowhere in the desert. You can drive from one end of the park to the other stopping at the many sites to do short hikes around the various cropping or scramble up the many boulders. It is an amazing place!