If you’re planning a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park, you’re in for an amazing adventure. Known for its stunning rock formations and unique desert landscape, this national park is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. In this ultimate road trip guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about driving from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park, including the distance, drive hours, stops, and the best driving route.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park Drive
The drive from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park is approximately 163.9 miles (263.7 km) and takes around 2 hours and 53 minutes, depending on the route you take and the traffic conditions. To get there, you’ll need to head north on I-15 N, which will take you all the way to the north entrance of the park.
San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park Distance
The distance between San Diego and Joshua Tree National Park is approximately 163.9 miles (263.7 km). However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate and your actual travel time may vary depending on traffic and the route you take.
However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate and your actual travel time may vary depending on traffic and the route you take.
What is the time difference between San Diego and Joshua Tree National Park?
San Diego and Joshua Tree National Park are both located in the Pacific Time Zone, so there is no time difference between the two.
The Cheapest Way to Get from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park
If you’re on a budget, the cheapest way to get from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park is to drive your own car or rent a car. There are several rental car companies available in San Diego, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park Drive – Rent A Car In San Diego
Here are some rental car companies available in San Diego:
- Alamo: starts at $52 per day
- Avis: starts at $54 per day
- Budget: starts at $47 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $55 per day
- Hertz: starts at $55 per day
- National: starts at $52 per day
Gas prices will vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $73 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $4.895 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks to save money on food and beverages.
San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park – Driving Stops Along The Way
While the drive from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park is relatively short, there are several interesting stops you can make along the way to break up the drive and see some unique sights.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park:
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, covering over 600,000 acres of desert terrain. Located in eastern San Diego County, the park features diverse habitats and stunning geological formations, including badlands, canyons, and the unique slot canyons. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, stargazing, and wildlife viewing, as well as visiting the park’s various cultural and historical sites.
Salvation Mountain:
Salvation Mountain is a vibrant, colorful art installation located in the California desert near the Salton Sea. It was created by Leonard Knight, a local artist, as a tribute to his faith and message of love and acceptance. The mountain is made of adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of brightly colored paint, and is adorned with Bible verses and religious imagery. The site has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of outsider art.
Cabazon Dinosaurs:
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a roadside attraction located in Cabazon, California, featuring two enormous, lifelike dinosaur sculptures. The larger of the two, a 150-foot-long brontosaurus, was originally built in the 1960s as a way to attract customers to a nearby restaurant. Today, the dinosaurs are open to the public and offer a unique photo opportunity and a chance to explore a dinosaur museum inside the belly of the T-Rex.
Palm Springs:
Palm Springs is a city located in the Sonoran Desert in Southern California, known for its hot springs, spas, golf courses, and upscale resorts. The city has a rich history as a playground for the rich and famous, with many mid-century modern buildings and homes, and a vibrant art and culture scene. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding are also popular in the surrounding mountains and canyons.
Best Driving Route from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park
There are a few different routes you can take from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park, but the most direct and popular route is to take Interstate 8 east to State Route 86, which will take you straight to the north entrance of the park. Along the way, you can make stops at any of the aforementioned attractions or simply enjoy the scenic drive through the desert landscape.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, a road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent adventure that should be on the bucket list of every nature lover and outdoor enthusiast. With a distance of approximately 163.9 miles (263.7 km) and a driving time of around 2.5 to 3 hours, it’s a relatively short journey that can be easily completed in a day. However, with several interesting stops along the way, you can break up the drive and see some unique sights, such as the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Salvation Mountain, and Cabazon Dinosaurs. Whether you choose to drive or fly, this road trip promises to be a memorable experience that showcases the stunning beauty of Southern California.