Written by Adeline J. Wells
Every year, nearly three million individuals 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 that lives 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 important to note that this place is an inspiration 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 one of the best things 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 nation’s newer national 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 and connect with the nature around you, including favorite destinations of the Cholla Cactus Garden and Jumbo Rocks. If you are driving to Joshua Tree from Interstate 10, consider driving through the park headed north from the south entrance, located thirty minutes east of Indio. A great way to see the whole of the park at a leisurely pace, the road will spit you out right in the heart of downtown Joshua Tree. The Pioneertown Mountain Preserve, and the Desert View Conservation Area are other hiking areas with exceptional desert scenes.
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, whose offerings range from Heated Vinyasa Flow to Fundamentals of Meditation. For those interested in the local art scene, local ceramic studios such as ZZIEE Ceramics and Sage Ceramics offer both wheel and handbuilding pottery classes that teach individuals how to work with the earth. Galleries such as La Matadora and 29 Palms Art Gallery feature a wonderful selection of local art. The Joshua Tree Retreat Center is another renowned institution that nearly always has different classes, exhibits, or events going on that focus on expanding the mind and creativity; examples include Mental Physics Breathwork classes, Qi Gong, and community sound baths.
Nourish the Body
The Mojave Desert is a restorative place for both the body and spirit. At Mojave Desert Skin Shield, we offer a selection of intentional holistic treatments designed to nourish the being from the inside and out. All held at our Wellbeing Space in Pioneertown, California, these treatments are an excellent option of things to do in Joshua Tree for the wellness-minded person. For individuals, our Bespoke Fascial Healing Session is a 100 minute session to nourish the skin with our healing, 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, as well as a Tao Tea sitting. Close friends or family may enjoy the Mojave Desert Skin Shield Journey Treatment for Two; a powerful communion that includes nourishing, resting, and refueling the body together. Whatever path you choose, we consider it an honor to work with and treat visitors during their time in the Mojave Desert.
