Joshua Tree National Park sits between two state parks that could hardly be more different from it — or from each other. One lifts you from palm desert to alpine forest in ten minutes; the other is the largest state park in California, a desert so big Joshua Tree would fit inside it twice.
Mount San Jacinto State Park — about 1 hour away via Palm Springs
The signature move at Mount San Jacinto State Park is the arrival: the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway climbs nearly 6,000 feet from the desert floor into granite high country of pine and fir. In summer it’s a 30-degree escape from the heat below; in winter, visitors snowshoe with a view of palm trees shimmering far beneath. Wilderness trails continue to the 10,834-foot summit of San Jacinto Peak.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — about 1.5–2 hours away
South of the Coachella Valley, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park — badlands, slot canyons, palm oases, the famous metal sky-art sculptures of Borrego Springs, and some of the state’s darkest night skies. After a wet winter, its wildflower super blooms draw crowds that rival any national park; the rest of the year you can have entire canyons to yourself.
Planning your trip
Both parks combine naturally with a Joshua Tree trip via the Palm Springs area. Browse all California state parks for more options, or compare the best state parks for camping nationwide. Confirm current fees, hours, and conditions on the official park pages before you go (verified June 2026).
