The best things to do in Joshua Tree

This three-mile hike, with an elevation gain of more than 1,000 feet, is totally worth the trek. Once you're at the top (at an elevation of 5,450 feet), you'll have spectacular views in every direction: Lost Horse, Queen and Pleasant valleys, the Pinto Basin, Mount San Jacinto, and endless rock formations. It's one of the best views in the park, and a great way to spend a cool morning or winter afternoon.

The two main attractions on the Pinto Basin Road are plant species just as Dr. Seuss-like as the Joshua Tree. First, the Cholla Cactus Garden, a prickly oasis of menacing-looking, silver-tinged chollas. Be sure to stay on the path, these suckers are sharp! Next, the Ocotillo Patch, where towering bunches of stalks make for great photo opportunities, especially post-rainfall when tiny crimson flowers bloom on each from top to bottom.

Currently, bicycling in Joshua Tree is restricted to roads that are open to all vehicles. Beware that most of the roads don't have much of a shoulder, so remain vigilant when cars approach. You can still enjoy great views and serious exercise on the park's backcountry roads, just remember to wear a helmet and bring plenty of water. There are no designated bike lanes within the park. 

You may need to camp overnight for this one, unless you don't mind hanging around until well after dark. It's absolutely worth it either way—these are some of the clearest and starriest skies for miles. Shooting stars streak by every few minutes, and each season has its greatest hits, like Orion's Belt showing off in the winter or the Perseid Meteor Shower in mid-August. If you're looking to see the Milky Way smeared across the sky, plan for a moonless summer night.

The basin behind Barker Dam fills up with water after a particularly rainy season, creating an unlikely (and welcome) desert sight: a lake. The one-mile looped hike is great for bird watching and a general change of scenery.

Seeing tiny flowers spring to life in colorful bursts that cover swaths of desert is one of the most magical experiences in the park. You'll have to plan your trip wisely, however, and keep an eye on the reports—weather can change things quickly. For the most part though, wildflowers begin blooming in the lower elevations of the Pinto Basin and along the park's southern boundary as early as February, and at higher elevations in March and April. Desert regions above 5,000 feet may have plants blooming as late as June.

Both Ryan and Black Rock campgrounds have accommodations for equestrian guests. The Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan provides 253 miles of equestrian trails and trail corridors that traverse open lands, canyon bottoms, and dry washes. Most riding trails are open year-round and are clearly marked. There's just one catch: you’ll need to bring your own horse.

The ruins of the Keys' family ranch include rusted car frames in the yard and a ranch house with an original well intact. Listed as a National Historic Register Site, the ranch is only open to the public for guided tours. Each tour lasts 90 minutes and includes a half-mile walk around the site. Tours are $10 per person and are totally worth it if you're into wild west history.

This may sound like a grandma's game, but birding is a great way to see serene, little-traveled parts of the park—in addition to some beautiful birds. And there are plenty to be seen: the roadrunner, phainopepla, mockingbird, verdin, cactus wren, rock wren, mourning dove, Le Conte’s thrasher, and Gambel’s quail can all be spotted in the park throughout the year. The migratory white-crowned sparrow, dark-eyed junco, sage sparrow, cedar waxwing, American robin, and hermit thrush are winter birds that remain in the park through March, when they switch places with summer nesting species such as Bendire’s thrasher, ash-throated flycatcher, western kingbird, Scott’s oriole, northern oriole, and western bluebird. If you're lucky, you might glimpse hawks, falcons, or even groups of 200 or more turkey vultures during spring migration.

Joshua Tree is a world-class destination for bouldering and rock climbing. It's famous for its traditional-style crack, slab, and steep-face monzogranite climbing. With more than 400 climbing formations and 8,000 climbing routes, there are challenging climbs here for all ability levels. If you're new to the sport, guides and gear are easily found through a quick internet search or a stop at Nomad Ventures, an adventure store just outside the park with a friendly, helpful staff.