We are visiting Palm Springs and plan to spend a day at Joshua Tree National Park. We are in our 50's, like to hike and generally just explore. Are there some "don't miss" sites to see? Any great hikes? I don't know much about the area, but I've heard it's a great place to see. Thanks for any tips!

Meant to tell you, we are visiting the first week of March!

www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

Also:

www.ohranger.com/joshua-tree
www.hikespeak.com/ca-desert/joshua-tree/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...alifornia.html

Visited Joshua Tree NP on a day trip from Palm Springs this past Jan. There are two entrances to the park. The manager of our motel was able to give us detailed info regarding routing. I suggest that you check in PS regarding driving options.

My best advice is to allow time at the visitor center to check with the park rangers - there you can get all the maps and suggestions for hikes/sightseeing that you will need. They will also have current weather conditions. We had to change some hiking plans due to high winds. Not a problem as there is much to see and do there. It's fascinating and gorgeous!

Hidden Valley is a nice walk. The lookout Keys View is pretty. If you've seen chollas before you can skip the cactus garden. I missed the palm oases at the east end of the park. It's a long way out the east entrance, maybe doing a loop between the upper two entrances makes the most sense for a day trip.