Joshua Tree National Park: A Dog Friendly Version

We visited Joshua Tree National Park for the first time in March 2022 and I then went back without Axel two more times. Joshua Tree is in the desert, so it’s all rocks, cactuses and Joshua Trees. Some people visit once and are happy to not go back, but I have enjoyed my time and found a little more to do each time, so I continue to go back. The towns around the park, Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree, are a little quirky and have their own hidden gems.

The rule for pets is that they can be on unpaved roads and 100 ft from roads, campgrounds, and picnic areas. They even have a whole list of unpaved roads and climbing areas that you can take your dog with you on their site!

Entrance Fee is $30 and is good for 7 days or a Joshua Tree Annual Pass is $55. America the Beautiful Pass is accepted. I suggest at least two full days of visiting with your pup.

**Keys Ranch Dirt Road**

Park in the Echo T lot and start walking down this about 2 mile road. You’ll pass rock climbers along the way as Keys Ranch is a popular climbing area- also a great spot to just stop to relax and watch the climbers.

**Skull Rock**

One of the most popular stop in Joshua Tree and it’s dog friendly! Skull Rock is visible from the main road and a perfect photo spot. I even double checked with a Park Ranger walking nearby that it was okay for us to go over for a photo and he said, “yes! It’s within 100ft from the road”, so off we went!

**Bighorn Pass**

If you’re picking one dirt road to hike on this is it! Down this road was the most dense I saw the Joshua Trees in the whole park. At 5.4 miles there’s plenty of exploring to do- it’s also not busy so you get your own person Joshua Tree experience.

**Cholla Cactus Garden**

This is THE SPOT for sunset. Although the actual cactus garden isn’t dog friendly the cholla cactuses start much before the garden, which means you can just pull off the side of the road and walk (less than 100 ft) into the cactuses to get your own private Cholla Cactus Garden experience. Watch where you walk and be very careful around the Cholla Catcuses, they are also called Jumping Cholla because with the smallest brush they will detach from the main cactus and stick to you. We didn’t have any issues, just watch your surroundings and the ground you're walking on.

**Park Boulevard**

This is your sign to just pull off on the side of the road and check out the cool rock formations! Park Boulevard has some really cool massive rocks that are less than 100ft from the road, there plenty of space to pull off on the shoulder and go exploring!

**Geology Tour Road**

18 miles to walk right here! This is a one way, 18 mile dirt road that most people drive. You’ll have to move over for cars passing by, but this is the place if your looking for a long hiking to tire out you pup and stretch their legs after some time in the car.

Where to Stay: Ramsey 29 Airbnb in Twentynine Palms. A motel that has been redone into a dreamy Airbnb. I’ve stayed here all three times I’ve visited Joshua Tree. It’s dog friendly, quiet and has a delicious restaurant, Kitchen in the Desert, walking distance behind it.

Where to Eat: Kitchen in the Desert. 1000x yes. Fresh, in season food, great cocktails, and immaculate vibes- this is truly a hidden treasure. I stumbled upon it only because of where I was staying. I think most people stay in Joshua Tree, not Twentynine Palms, so this one goes unsaid in most posts about Joshua Tree. They serve breakfast (Brunch on Sundays) and then close until dinner time. They do take walk-ins but I recommend a reservation. They have a large outdoor covered seating that is dog friendly too! Perfect for a warm summer night.

If you are on the Joshua Tree side, I would definitely check out Joshua Tree Coffee Company for some morning coffee. They had an outdoor tent set up for ordering and a plenty of outdoor seating making it an easy dog friendly spot! Its quite a hike to get in/out of the park from some of the main attractions so I suggest bringing lunch and enjoying it at one of the many picnic areas and save eating out for the beginning and end of your day.