There’s no getting around it. The spring and summer get HOT at Joshua Tree National Park. However, it’s also the best time to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

After years of living, hosting, and exploring this area, I’ve learned how to properly prepare to enjoy Joshua Tree from April to September. If you’re visiting during fall or winter, read this guide instead. Here's what to pack if you're spending time at Joshua Tree National Park during the spring and summer!

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen and water are two things you can never have enough of in the desert. We recommend a lotion or a stick. The desert can be windy, so spray is not the best option. If you’re prone to sunburn, we also recommend a cooling gel. Our favorites are Sun Bum and Sunburnt. They are the only products we’ve used that feels okay to put on and prevent peeling - a life-changer for those who are on the fairer side.

2. Chapstick With SPF

The desert can be windy. When you throw heat and sun into the mix, your lips will be begging for moisture. Make sure to pack lip protection with SPF. We like chapstick in a squeeze tube because the sticks will melt.

3. Hat

Fashion hats are great for photos and around town. When hitting the park, opt for something wicking, lightweight, and that will withstand a breeze. If you plan to spend most of your time on the trails, a bucket or brim hat will be best.

4. CoolNet UV+ Buff

If you haven’t noticed yet, skin protection is the assignment when vacationing in Joshua Tree, especially in the summer. This type of Buff will keep the rays off your face and neck. You can also douse it in cold water before wearing for a reprieve from the heat. Remember, there is no air conditioning to escape to while in the park.

5. Polarized Non-Metal Sunglasses

This is something I never thought about before moving to the desert. The desert is very bright and the sun reflects off the light-colored rock. We can’t live without polarized sunglasses. The sun will also heat up thin metal rims quickly and burn your face so plastic or another non-metal material is optimal.

6. Protective Layers

Many people think you should shed layers when it’s hot. Although this may be great for posting a thirst trap to your Instagram or TikTok, it’s not the best way to actually stay cool IRL. A loose lightweight long sleeve shirt and a pair of pants that will keep your skin protected is the best way to dress to stay cool. Wear as little clothing as you want to the park, just make sure to have additional layers on hand in the event you get overheated or start to burn. We find that river trip gear translates nicely for what to wear to Joshua Tree National Park in the summer.

7. Light Hiking Shoes, Sandals, Socks

For easy flat trails, we like hiking sandals, like these Chacos, that will allow your feet to breathe, stay dry and withstand the terrain. We prefer the toe-loop version to add more stabilization for rock hopping. Tevas or flip flops are not substitutes for Chacos. If you step on a rogue cactus spine in flip flops or basic Tevas, it will go through the bottom of your shoe into your foot. For more protection or foot comfort, trail runners, approach shoes, or light hiking shoes are suitable for any trail found on the park map and rock scrambling. Our favorite light trail shoes are Altras for my wide feet.

Footwear is definitely an area where you can overdo it in the desert in the summer.  Avoid heavy hiking boots, waterproof boots, or heavy socks. Your feet will end up hot, sweaty, and blistered which could ruin your plans for the weekend. We also recommend keeping your old trainers at home. They won’t have enough traction for the sandy declines no matter how short the trail. 

Our favorite socks for summer hiking in Joshua Tree National Park are Darn Tough medium or light weight hiking socks. After you hike in these, you’ll never wear anything else. Opt for at least ankle-high socks to prevent cacti pricks on bare skin and to keep your feet clean from the desert dust.

8. Slip on Sandals

After a day in the park, you’ll want a comfortable pair of shoes to relax in. Our go to are Birkenstocks. Even for lounge shoes, you’ll want a thicker sole if you’re staying at a location landscaped with cacti. Cactus spines will go straight through a flip flop.

9. Portable Handheld Misting Fan

Not just for Disneyland.

10. Cooler Full of Food & Drinks

If you do plan to spend a full day in the park, make sure to bring plenty of food and drinks. Joshua Tree National Park is huge and there are no water or food services. If hunger strikes when you are deep in the park, you could be a good hour or more from snacks. With the temperature easily surpassing 100°F in the summer, it’s important to pack food that will not melt or put melt-prone items in a cooler.

11. More Water Than You Think You Need

Stow the largest Hydroflask you own in your car for extra cold water throughout the day. I use the 64 oz option. For hiking, we always carry a hydration backpack with a minimum of 2 liters of water even for a short trail. You never know when you might want to explore a little more and you don’t want hydration or carrying a water bottle to hold you back.

We don’t recommend hand-carrying bottles because it’s likely you may do some rock scrambling. If left unattended, your water may be attacked by bees, animals, or other humans. With the extreme heat and low humidity, it’s very easy to become dehydrated and disoriented. We also keep an extra 5 gallons of water in the car for emergencies. The bottom line is that it is dangerous to wander around Joshua Tree National Park without water, especially in the summer.

With that being said, it is possible to drink too much water. That’s why it’s important to have salty snacks and electrolytes on hand. For more safety information on hiking in the park during summer, check out the NPS website.

12. Modified First Aid Kit

Rocks are hard and walking around with a bloody knee is not fun. Pack a basic first-aid kit for your adventure day. We like to add hydration salts in case of heat exhaustion or water intoxication, tweezers for the inevitable cactus prick, sting relief wipes because the park is a hot spot for bees in the summer, and QuikClot for a bad scrape.

This may sound like the season to avoid at Joshua Tree National Park, but in our opinion, it’s great for a few reasons. You can stay out all night watching the stars without freezing. If you’re an early riser, you can still catch great weather for hiking. There are fewer people visiting this time of year, which means fewer lines for everything. You can see the cacti and Joshua Trees in bloom. As long as you prepare and make sure to stay at an Airbnb with actual air conditioning, you will survive and enjoy your trip to Joshua Tree during the spring and summer.

Check out our fall and winter packing list here >

Let us know in the comments what you would add to the list.

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