Every year, nearly three million people make the trek to the Mojave Desert to visit Joshua Tree, California. Joshua Tree is more than just a tiny town; it is a community living on the edge of a magical desert, operating in tune with the nature of this world and the next. When considering the wide range of things to do in Joshua Tree, it is worth noting that this place has a reputation for grounding and self-discovery for a reason. For those looking to lean in and deepen their wellness practices, here are a few options to consider when planning your next stay.
Connect with Nature
Reconnecting with the natural world is perhaps the best thing to do in Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree National Park is the most popular place to do so. A National Monument since 1936, it became a National Park in 1994, making it one of the country's newer parks. With nearly 800,000 acres of boulders, peaks, and the trees it is named for, there is plenty of land to take space for yourself, including favourite destinations like the Cholla Cactus Garden and Jumbo Rocks. If you are driving in from Interstate 10, consider heading north through the park from the south entrance, thirty minutes east of Indio. It is a fine way to see the whole park at a leisurely pace, and the road delivers you right into the heart of downtown Joshua Tree. Pioneertown Mountain Preserve and the Desert View Conservation Area are other hiking areas with exceptional desert scenery.
Expand the Mind
The Mojave Desert is a sanctuary for musicians, thinkers and artists alike. When looking for things to do in Joshua Tree, consider one of the many ways to delve into your creativity. Locally run yoga studios Cedar & Sage and Untamed are excellent places to expand your practice, with offerings ranging from heated vinyasa flow to fundamentals of meditation. For those interested in the local art scene, ceramic studios such as ZZIEE Ceramics and Sage Ceramics offer both wheel and handbuilding classes that teach you to work with the earth. Galleries such as La Matadora and 29 Palms Art Gallery feature a wonderful selection of local work. The Joshua Tree Retreat Center is another renowned institution with a near-constant run of classes, exhibits and events focused on the mind and creativity, including breathwork classes, Qi Gong, and community sound baths.
Nourish the Body
The Mojave Desert is a restorative place for both body and spirit. At Mojave Desert Skin Shield we offer a selection of intentional holistic treatments designed to nourish from the inside out. All are held at our Wellbeing Space in Pioneertown, California, and they are an excellent option for the wellness-minded visitor. For individuals, our Bespoke Facial Healing Session is a 100 minute treatment using our house-developed skincare blends. Groups of up to 10 may book a Self Care Journey to experience together, which includes a self-guided facial treatment, a sound therapy session, and a Tao Tea sitting. Close friends or family may enjoy the Journey Treatment for Two, a shared session of nourishing, resting and refuelling together. Whatever path you choose, we consider it an honour to work with visitors during their time in the Mojave.
