4 Day Joshua Tree – Salton Sea – Anza Borrego Itinerary
Four days, three places I’ve never seen before, and my heart was so full. I took four days to explore Joshua Tree National Park, Salton Sea, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. What I really loved about this itinerary I made was that every day came with completely different scenery. Going into the trip I was most excited about Joshua Tree, convinced it’d be my favorite, but Salton Sea came out on top. It was unlike anything I’d seen before, especially Bombay Beach. If you end up visiting, hitting that spot is an absolute must!
Joshua Tree National Park
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Salton Sea
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Joshua Tree National Park
The Station (Joshua Tree souvenir shop), Barker Dam Hike, Key’s View, Hall of Horrors Hike, Skull Rock, Split Rock, Arch Rock Trail, Cholla Cactus Garden Trail Check in: Mecca Beach Campground
Salton Sea
Salton Sea Visitor Center, Dos Palmas Preserve Hike, Bombay Beach, East Jesus Landmark Art Installation in the Desert, Salvation Mountain, (unsuccessfully attempt to find New Mud Pots, Old Mud Pots, Red Island Volcano) Check in: Agua Caliente Campground
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Font’s Point, The Slot Hike.
Day 1
Driving day/Joshua Tree
I left bright and early to get to my airbnb, (it was a little over a five hour drive), stopping for some groceries on the way. We stayed at the White Cactus House Airbnb which had this amazing tranquil, boho, desert oasis vibe to it. (More info and pictures to come in an upcoming article featuring some of my favorite unique airbnbs). It was one of those moments where you open the door and you’re just overcome with awe.
I was turning every corner, yelling for my friend to come see this and that, leaving him to unpack the car while I happily wandered around the house.
My favorite was the backyard. There was a swing tied up in the tree, a stock tank pool (circular metal pool), a fire pit, hammock, bags (or cornhole if you’re not from the midwest), and all these rocks scattered around the desert sand, creating beautiful designs. Since we didn’t have much daylight left and our Airbnb was all the way near the north tip of Joshua Tree we decided to do the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail. It’s a little over three miles total, and you wouldn’t even know this little oasis existed. Tucked away along the mountain walls is this little drop where palm trees fill up this circular area.
Unfortunately, it was too windy for us to have a fire, but we came back, made ourselves some pasta, and got a good night’s rest for our adventures tomorrow.
Day 2
Joshua Tree National Park
Before heading into the park we stopped at The Station. It’s not your traditional souvenir shop, it’s got its whole own vibe to it. I picked out this cute orange tote bag that says Joshua Tree (of course I had to get something). Outside the store they have a few antique cars, a motorcycle, and other little mix matched accessories that make it stand out. You also can’t miss it with its giant cowboy hovering over the shop.
After shopping around we made our way from the West Entrance Station to the Cottonwood Visitors Center. Our first hike was Barker Dam. I was excited because the photos online showed this stunning, clear, blue water reflecting the canyons around it. However, it was completely dried up, with absolutely no water in sight. It was pretty shocking to see that the entirety of this dam just ceased to exist.
The hike was still pretty regardless, so I’d still recommend checking it out. We then took a little detour on Lost Horse Mine Road, (we thought it was a scenic drive, but it was only a couple miles before we had to turn around). Next was Key’s View. This was the most populated place that we stopped at, but there’s a reason for that. The views are absolutely breathtaking. One of those moments where you feel so small in the world, overcome with the vastness of this Earth we live on. (We didn’t see it at sunset, but I’ve heard that’s the best, most recommended time to go see this spot).
Next we did the Hall of Horrors Hike. I’m not sure if we exactly followed or completed the official trail, but with so many trails leading every which way we just decided to explore. I did try to squeeze myself through one of the thin canyon walls, having my friend record (thought i’d look like one of those travel influencers), but that didn’t go as planned. Now it’s one of my favorite videos to watch for a laugh at myself. If you haven’t guessed, I got stuck.
Next we hit Skull Rock and Split Rock before heading over to Arch Rock Trail. At the time of day we hit Arch Rock Trail I was able to capture some silhouettes I’m really proud of and can’t wait to share with you guys! Our last hike of the day was through the Cholla Cactus Garden.
I’m sure Key’s View is truly striking at sunset, but seeing the sun shine through the Cholla Cactuses as the sun started its descent in the sky, added this glowing luminescent to them, making the tips shine this beautiful golden white.
Afterwards, we checked into our campsite at Mecca Beach Campground (completely vacant, we were the only campers and our firepit was full of trash, bathrooms locked, porta potties produced this putrid smell, probably because there was no liquid in them, so I would recommend checking out some different nearby, camping options).
Day 3
Salton Sea
I’d have to say day three was my favorite of the trip (even despite the smell that follows you as you make your way along Salton Sea). Stop one was the Salton Sea Visitors Center (We got ourselves some maps, and a pin for me to add to my collection). Next we hiked the Dos Palmas Preserve (once again, barely any water in sight), but it was beautiful. It felt like walking through a tropical forest, palm trees lining the whole inner part of the trail.
Up next was Bombay Beach, my favorite stop throughout the whole trip. I’ve always loved urban exploring, but depending on where you are it can be dangerous. This area was filled with many other tourists, so I felt very safe. There were these abandoned buildings, and then, of course the beach. It’s full of all these unique photo ops, random ship wrecks, little tiki huts, swings, etc. (A story will be out soon about the history of this place, how everything got there and why).
After exploring Bombay Beach for about an hour, we got back in the car and drove about 20 miles to Salvation Mountain, another striking sight to see. This random mountain is just coated in paints of every color, creating this remarkable, bright, dedication to the residents faith.
Then, only a little bit over a mile away was the East Jesus Landmark Art Installation in the Desert, located in Slab City. I’m not really sure what the correct words would be to describe this art. It was definitely thought provoking, while a bit eerie and disturbing at the same time. Old, creepy doll heads integrated into many works of art. The pictures below will show you exactly what I mean.
Once we were done there we tried to find the New Mud Pots, Old Mud Pots, and Red Island Volcanoes, but we had no success. I had known that they were hard to find/get to, but I wasn’t expecting it to be that difficult.
(I believe that this is the Red Island Volcanoes)
Day 4
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza Boreggo was much more massive than I expected. I feel like if you’re into hiking and camping I would definitely recommend this, but not so much as a day trip. We spent hours in the park and only hit two of the main spots. We hiked both the Slot trail and made our way to Font’s Point. Then it was time to head home. Keep in mind that both of these spots require four-wheel drive to get to.
