california – Wandering the Gap

Last year, I embarked on a brief but epic journey through the Southwest with my cousin-in-law, Jessi. We explored Phoenix for a day before hitting the road for Joshua Tree National Park. It was my first time visiting Arizona and California, and the experience was unforgettable! Here’s what we did during our 72-hour Phoenix to Joshua Tree road trip:

Day 1: Phoenix

I landed bright and early in Phoenix and we immediately hit the ground running. Jessi, the incredibly talented owner of Jessi Casara Photography, was location-scouting for an Adventure Couple Session, so we first headed to South Mountain Park and Preserve. I immediately fell in love with the picturesque desert landscape—especially the cacti.

Phoenix to Joshua Tree road trip, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

After taking a scenic drive through the preserve, we headed into downtown Phoenix and walked around a bit. The temperature reached 107° so we took a break from the heat to enjoy some tacos and margaritas before setting off for the Apache Wash Trailhead in the Sonoran Preserve. Golden hour was setting in at this point, enhancing the area’s rugged beauty.

Jessi and I then grabbed some drinks at Front Pourch Brewing and made our way to Piestewa Peak Park for sunset. The park had amazing views of the Phoenix skyline and the colors of the sky were spectacular.

After a long day of sightseeing, we refreshed at our Airbnb and hit the town for drinks at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour. The bar is cozy and plush, with a huge selection of unique cocktails. Check out this drink topped with an edible wafer that was printed with a funny cat image!

Day 2: Phoenix to Joshua Tree

The next morning, it was time to say goodbye to Phoenix and make our way to California. It’s only a three-hour drive and the scenery along the way was stunning. We made it to Joshua Tree National Park early in the afternoon and were ready to explore!

Psst, check out Jessi’s guide to spending 24 Hours in Joshua Tree for more photos and details of our trip.

Our campsite was in the Jumbo Rocks Campground, conveniently located near some of the park’s coolest spots. After setting up camp, Jessi and I made the short hike to Skull Rock. The formation was really busy so we didn’t stay for long, but it was super cool (and easy to see how it got its name).

As the sun began to set, we headed to the Cholla Cactus Garden. This is a beautiful area to walk around, but there were TONS of gnats flying around. Also, be sure to watch your step so you don’t get stuck by the cacti of varying sizes.

Once it was dark, we returned to camp and stayed up late to stargaze. I’ve never seen so many shooting stars as I did that night! It was one of my favorite experiences from our trip and definitely worth losing some sleep over.

Day 3: Joshua Tree to Los Angeles

On the third and final (for me) day of the trip, we got up early to go on a morning hike. Our destination was Arch Rock, an iconic sunrise spot. The trail there was relatively easy and short at only around a mile long, weaving through many interesting boulders and Joshua Tree plants that the park is famous for.

A few other people were hanging out at Arch Rock when we arrived, and everyone was really friendly which made things even more fun. Jessi even shot a spontaneous Mini Session with an adorable couple who watched the sunrise with us!

Afterward, it was time to make our way to Los Angeles so I could catch a flight home. On our way out of the park, we stopped for breakfast burritos at Castaneda’s Mexican Food in Twentynine Palms. They were huge and SO delicious topped with the restaurant’s homemade salsa.

I’m so grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime trip—hopefully I can return and spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park!

From Washington to South Dakota and everywhere in between, these are the 10 best national parks I’ve visited (so far). Over the years, I’ve seen 16 of the 63 national parks located throughout the United States. I’d love to visit them all someday, and I try to explore at least one new national park every year.

Regardless of how many national parks you’ve visited, I hope this inspires you to plan a trip of your own!

10. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado was a pleasant surprise. My husband and I visited during a road trip and had no expectations—we were blown away by the dramatic scenery. While I didn’t have much time to explore Black Canyon, I was in awe of the views from each overlook we stopped at.

I recommend visiting Black Canyon if you’re in the area, as it makes a great itinerary add-on. However, I don’t think centering an entire trip around the park is worth it unless you plan to do some serious hiking.

9. Badlands

Badlands National Park holds a special place in my heart, as I have family in South Dakota and first visited the area as a kid. I consider South Dakota a criminally underrated travel destination, and the Badlands are a must-visit.

Expect to see wildlife like bighorn sheep and bison, unique rock formations, and centuries of history while exploring the park. Don’t forget to visit the nearby town of Wall, a quirky location that’s famous worldwide.

8. Rocky Mountain

You can’t go to Colorado without seeing Rocky Mountain National Park. There are many beautiful hikes ranging from easy to strenuous, and the mountains are stunning year-round.

In the summer, you can swim in alpine lakes, while winter is the perfect time snowshoe or cross-country ski. Rocky Mountain is an excellent vacation spot for adventurers of all ages.

7. Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is another one that took me by surprise. I only spent 24 hours in the park, but it was an unforgettable experience. The rocky landscape looks otherworldly, and I loved seeing all the cacti and desert plants. My favorite thing about camping in Joshua Tree was staying up late to watch the night sky—I’ve never seen so many shooting stars in my life!

6. Olympic

Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse parks I’ve been to. It has everything from coastlines to glaciers and rainforests. The scenery here is lush and captivating—you could spend days exploring without seeing the same thing twice. Make your way out to the Olympic Peninsula next time you’re in Washington.

5. Arches

You’re probably familiar with Arches National Park for its iconic Delicate Arch formation. It’s definitely a bucket list-worthy sight, but the park offers so much more.

Regardless if you’re exploring on foot or by car, you’ll be awestruck by the colorful rocks and desert views around every corner. Of Utah’s five national parks, Arches is one you can’t overlook.

4. Grand Teton

Seeing Grand Teton National Park in person feels like stepping back in time to the 1800s. The jagged peaks, rushing rivers, and rugged forests are so stunning, you’ll never want to leave. Grand Teton boasts some of the country’s most picturesque scenery and feels like a true wilderness area.

3. Canyonlands

Get off the beaten path to explore the best that Canyonlands National Park offers. This park ranks so highly for me because my husband and I embarked on a spontaneous journey along an unpaved, 4WD road while there. The canyon views were like nothing I’ve ever seen, and we had the best time escaping the chaos of the park’s main paved roads.

2. Yellowstone

You probably aren’t surprised to see Yellowstone National Park in second place. Yellowstone is an incredibly famous park, and for good reason. The geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife areas throughout it offer something new with every visit. This is another park I only had one day to explore but would 100% return to.

1. Mount Rainier

Of all the parks I’ve visited, Mount Rainier National Park is the best, in my opinion. Seeing Mount Rainier in person for the first time was a dream come true, and I fall in love all over again every time I return.

Something about the mountain’s imposing beauty sparks my sense of adventure, and the surrounding glaciers, meadows, and forests feel like a fairytale. If you only have time for one hike in the park, make it the Skyline Trail (Naches Peak Loop Trail is another favorite).

What do you think of my national parks ranking? Let me know which one I should visit next down below!

Wandering the Gap

Tag: california

Phoenix to Joshua Tree Road Trip: 72 Hours in the Southwest