Joshua Tree is one of the most well-known National Parks in the United States and for a good reason. There are Joshua trees, unique rock formations, and the opportunity to explore one national park that borders two deserts–the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.
Sometimes it can seem like light pollution and highways have taken over Southern California, but the state’s national parks give hikers the opportunity to enjoy awe-inspiring soul-soothing nature.
And if you really want to get the most out of that, then you need a good sunrise hike in the desert. There’s nothing like watching the world turn into a golden paradise to remind you that the world has a lot of good left in it.
There are actually quite a few places in Joshua Tree National Park where you can catch a sunrise that you’ll never forget. Fortunately, they are not all hard, difficult hikes, either. If you’re looking for a challenge, you might need to add some walking time on top of some of these. Of course, there are also difficult options on here. If you want a real challenge, don’t skip Ryan Mountain Trail.
We’ll start off with Barker Dam Trail, an easy walk that offers so much value. Then we’ll dive into some more of your options. Keep in mind that whatever option you choose, it can’t be stressed enough that waking up for a sunrise in the desert is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Don’t let yourself hit the snooze button and miss out on this idea. It’s worth it.
Barker Dam Trail: The Best Sunrise Spot In Joshua Tree National Park
Who said that seeing one of the most memorable sun rises in your entire life has to be a difficult hike? Barker Dam Trail gets underestimated because it’s an easy hike. It’s a short walk that will probably take you about 25 minutes if you not stopping to watch the sunrise. This easy hike is approximately a one-mile loop.
This sunrise hike spot is located near Twentynine Palms in Southern California. In this short loop, you will see the unique rock formations that Joshua Tree is known for. Remember that when you leave for a sunrise hike, you’ll be doing so in the dark. This is one of the things that makes Barker Dam a great place to catch the sunrise: the short walk is easier in the dark, and the path isn’t too bad but do still make sure that you bring a flashlight for the walk out.
This spot used to be a water tank for cattle ranchers. Today, it is one of those rare places where you can see water in the desert. It’s that water that becomes such a standout experience.
As you watch the sunrise in the early morning, you’ll see the beautiful colors reflected in the water at the dam.
Hikers can find solitude in this serene location as they witness the desert landscape come alive with color and light.
Avid photographers will want to have their cameras ready and pointed at the water. If you can, though, try to take a moment to really soak up this experience.
To be honest, a desert sunrise from just about anywhere is always going to be amazing. Adding in the splendor of the Joshua Trees, which are so unique to this experience, with the unique rock formations, and then the water’s reflection is just… perfection.
Know Before You Go: Barker Dam Sunrise Tips
- As mentioned above, a flashlight for the walk out can be helpful on this hike.
- Before it’s such a short walk, you really only need to arrive at the start of the trail 20 minutes before sunrise to catch this early morning delight.
- Most importantly, be aware that this is the desert, and that means water dries up easily and quickly. Drought is a common occurrence in Southern California. You can contact Joshua Tree’s park rangers ahead of time to ask if there is currently water at the dam before you go, especially if you’re really looking forward to that with this one. You might pick another hike on this list if the dam is dry at the time of your trip.
Ryan Mountain Trail: More Difficult Than You Might Think
Ryan Mountain Trail is one of the best hikes for enthusiasts who really want a challenge. In some ways, the sunrise is the best time to do this trail because the desert will be cooler, and that will make it a touch easier.
This out-and-back trail is three miles long. It is steep right from the beginning. There is an elevation gain of 1,062 feet. This hike generally takes people two hours to do.
If that doesn’t scare you off, then you’ll want to check this one out. This is one of the best places to see the sun paint the sky. Talk about a desert awakening; this is an experience. At the high point, you’ll get panoramic views of the entire national park and Coachella Valley.
Know Before You Go: Ryan Mountain Trail Sunrise Tips
- In general, this hike is fairly popular. People mostly hike Ryan Mountain Trail from October to May. If you’re going in the height of the summer, the early morning is a great time to make it happen. Try and make sure you have plans for getting somewhere cooler before the afternoon heat settles in if you’re visiting in the peak of the summer months, where the heat can get quite dangerous.
- This Ryan Mountain hike is steep right from the beginning. Wear serious, sturdy hiking boots.
- Wear a headlamp on this trail. You’ll need it if you’re going to see the sunrise because you will need to start the trail at least an hour before the sunrise if you’re going to make it. It might be best to play it safe and head out an hour and a half before the time. This means you’ll be hiking in the dark of night. In the desert, where sand and rocks make the ground underneath your feet a little precarious and up a steep incline. On this note, it’s recommended that you hike with a small first aid kit to at least cover up any scrapes if you fall.
- Wear light layers. When you leave in the dark of night, it will be pretty chilly in the desert. After the sunrise, you’ll be getting fairly warm. If you stay out there into the high point of the day, you will be very, very hot.
- Even when you set out in the early morning, it’s a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen, and extra water when you go on a strenuous hike in the desert.
Keys View: For The Best Sunrise Without A Hike
Would you like to see an amazing sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park? Would you like to do it without really having to walk at all? Keys View is the spot for you. There’s a nearby, small parking lot. When it is time for the sun to set, that parking lot will be difficult to find a spot in. This is one of the most popular sunset spots in the park. It’s easy, convenient, and everything lights up beautifully.
But, for sunrise? You will be one of the few people out there. And yet, you’re going to see Coachella Valley light up beautifully. This is basically the highest point you can get to in the park without having to hike. As the sun makes its ascent, the valley is gradually bathed in warmth and light, revealing layers of rugged mountain ranges and vast expanses of desert, creating a truly unforgettable sunrise vista. On a clear day, you can see Palm Springs and the Salton Sea from here.
This is the easiest and best view you’re going to get.
Know Before You Go: Keys View Tips
- This viewpoint is actually accessible, which isn’t always the case in national parks. The trail is very brief, and it is paved.
- If you are going to come here for sunset, you need to arrive at least an hour before sunset because the parking lot is a packed nightmare.
- For sunrise, try to get there 20 to 30 minutes early. There probably won’t be people, but if this is important to you, sitting in the car for ten minutes might be worth it.
- Even though you won’t be outside for too long, do bring warm clothes. Remember that before the sun rises in the desert, it does get quite cold.
Hidden Valley: A Nice Easy Hike
This short hike gets talked about a fair amount as an easy one that has a lot of rock formations. The trail itself is brief, but people spend more time here climbing the rocks. You won’t often see it mentioned as a sunrise spot. It doesn’t have a ton of elevation gain or anything notable like that. However, there’s something special about seeing the rock formations light up on this trail for the sunrise. While Keys View, Ryan Mountain Trail, and Barker Dam may be more notable, this is a unique little spot that you might want to consider.
Hidden Valley, nestled amidst colossal rock formations, is a hidden gem within Joshua Tree National Park. While it is a popular spot for climbers and hikers throughout the day, experiencing the sunrise here provides a unique perspective.
The 1-mile loop trail encircles the valley, allowing hikers to explore the surreal rock formations, discover hidden nooks, and appreciate the quietude of the early morning hours. As the sun peeks over the horizon, it casts its gentle glow on the granite walls.
Know Before You Go: Hidden Valley
This is a fairly easy one. Your standard rules apply: bring a flashlight or a headlamp, wear decent footwear, and wear layers if you’re headed into the desert when it’s still cold before sunrise.
Cholla Cactus Garden: Okay, Seriously Though, Don’t Miss This One
The Cholla Cactus Garden is a unique and magical place that becomes even more enchanting at sunrise.
We’re headed south into the Colorado Desert area of Joshua Tree for this one. This is not a difficult hike. Similar to Keys View, this is a 0.3-mile loop. This far south, we are entering a very different space. The rest of the park is known for rock formations and Joshua Trees. You won’t find that here. You’ll find a home to a dense concentration of cholla cacti, creating a surreal landscape.
As the sun rises, its rays cast long shadows across the desert floor, accentuating the cacti’s spiny silhouettes. The golden light bouncing off their thorny exteriors creates a mesmerizing spectacle, making the Cholla Cactus Garden a must-visit spot for sunrise seekers.
This is not like the other sunrise spots on this list. So, if you have time for it, it’s a great idea to do one of the other sunrise spots here and this one as well. If you combine a hike like Barker Dam Trail one day and then Cholla Cactus Garden the next, you’ll have two very different experiences that were both worthwhile. Your understanding of what a Southern California sunrise can be will be well-rounded.
With that said, if you can’t catch this spot for sunrise, you still need to come here at some point during your trip. It’s out of the way, but it’s unforgettable. This is a place you have to see at some point during your visit to the park. Even if you don’t come here for sunrise, it’s essential that you check out this spot.
Know Before You Go: Cholla Cactus Garden Sunrise Tips
- The walk is short, but the drive is not. Depending on where you’re staying, you can expect it to take about an hour to get down south to this part of the park. Plan accordingly for the time involved in getting here.
- As you’re walking around, be aware of the cacti. Do your best not to walk into the cacti. Not only will they poke you, but you can hurt the plants, and we don’t like to do that in national parks.
- Coming to Cholla Cactus Garden at any time is a good idea, but if you can’t catch the sunrise, the sunset is still great. Plan to give yourself some time to find a spot to watch because this is one of the more popular sunset spots in the park.
- While you’ll still have a great view, it’s worth mentioning that the other spots on this list are at a higher elevation than Cholla Cactus Garden. You’ll be seeing the landscape from a lower vantage point here.
A Few Helpful Tips For Catching a Sunrise In Joshua Tree
You’re all geared up to pick your favorite spot and embrace the desert’s golden awakening!
Above, you’ll find some tips and warnings to keep in mind for your chosen spot. Real quick, here are a few extra things you might want to keep in mind to help you make the most of your experience catching the sunrise in Joshua Tree.
- Careful Planning -To catch the mesmerizing colors of a Joshua Tree sunrise, careful planning is essential. Check the sunrise time for the date of your visit and allow ample time to reach your chosen location within the park. If capturing this moment is important to you, arriving 30 minutes before sunrise ensures you have enough time to set up your equipment and find a vantage point. Keep in mind that for Ryan Mountain Trail, you might need to plan extra time if you haven’t scouted the spot out yet since the steep incline may take you longer than you expect.
- Weather Conditions -Weather conditions can greatly influence the quality of a sunrise. Check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies and minimal cloud cover. However, keep in mind that a few scattered clouds can add drama and depth. “Partly cloudy” is a great view for a desert sunrise.
- Photography Equipment -If pictures are important to you, consider bringing a sturdy tripod. There are selfie sticks that can also be turned into tripods and are fairly affordable. Stabilizing your camera can help you get a great desert sunrise shot. If anything is shaky, you’ll have a hard time seeing the crisp colors and contrast of the rocks and cacti in the desert.
- The Golden Hour -Don’t forget about the golden hour. The period shortly before and after sunrise, known as the golden hour, bathes the landscape in warm, soft light, creating a magical atmosphere. Make the most of this gentle light by adjusting your camera settings and capturing the subtle details and textures of the desert environment. Experiment with different exposures and bracketing to capture the full dynamic range of the scene. And, consider bringing a snack and simply sitting and staring at all this natural wonder. That’s what you came out here for, right?
- Take Time to Appreciate the Beauty -While capturing the perfect photograph is undoubtedly exciting, don’t forget to immerse yourself fully in the experience. Take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty unfolding before you. Witness the changing colors of the sky, feel the gentle breeze against your skin, and listen to the whispers of the desert. Sometimes, the most memorable moments are those etched in our hearts rather than on camera. You’ll remember a lot more than just what you saw. You’ll remember what experiencing this felt like. Those are the things that will be hard to explain because they’re really something you have to experience for yourself.
Also, see:
Best Hiking Trails in Southern California – Krebs Creek
Some of the Best hiking Trails in Northern California – Krebs Creek
