Wow! We had such an amazing time in partially Dog-Friendly Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley! We HIGHLY recommend you visit too BUT only during the MOST Dog Friendly months (details below). Once you reserve an amazing Dog-Friendly AirBnb, VRBO or Glamping spot, pack up lots of extra water for the drive (don’t forget your Scoobylife water bottle with filter), bring your favorite snacks, food and groceries and head out to Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley for some zen!
What Is So Special about Joshua Tree?
“It is an important part of the Mojave Desert ecosystem, providing habitat for numerous birds, mammals, insects and lizards. Joshua tree forests tell a story of survival, resilience, and beauty borne through perseverance. They are the silhouette that reminds those of us who live here that we are home”. (National Park Service)
The BEST times for exploring Joshua Tree and other cool Dog-Friendly areas nearby in Yucca Valley are in So Cal “Winter” months – typIcally November through possibly April (keep an eye on the weather reports). Early Morning (Sunrise is Amazing!) and just before Sunset are not only gorgeous but the heat and sun is less intense at these times for you and your pup.
Be sure to include the blue and golden hours around Sunrise and Sunset too you won’t be sorry! Or, if you in a remote vacation rental, it’s also fun to enjoy Sunrise and Sunset on your property while you relax! We recommend that you loosely plan your vacation days to include all the scenarios so you can enjoy the variety!
Oh, and we can’t forget the Night Skies! If you love stargazing, astrophotography, the Milky Way and Shooting Stars, Joshua Tree is a MUST on your travel wishlist! Joshua Tree was designated a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association in 2017.
What Does It Mean If Something Is an International Dark Sky Park?
According to DarkSky.org, an IDA International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) “is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment”.
When Can You See the Milky Way in Joshua Tree?
The Milky Way and stars put on an amazing show in Joshua Tree! Be sure to use your camera AND your phone so you can take time lapses or star trails as well! If you want to take Milky Way photos you need to plan your trip around a New Moon (dark moon). You can check the moon chart of your area at TimeandDate.com.
Also check out Stargazing tips from Joshua Tree Visitor Center before you plan your trip so you can get the best photos!
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Pro Tip: If you have an iphone, download the Night Cap Camera App (there’s a small fee) – Mom shocked our astrophotography friends with her star trail photos! You’ll need a sturdy, short tripod with a ball head so you can tilt your iphone to get the center of the star trail! Our Favorite setup is our Switchpod or sturdy short tripod with a ball head plus the Manfroto Universal Cell Phone Clamp! You will be able to take horizontal and veritcal photos with this setup! We take our Switchpod and Clamp set EVERYWHERE!
Weather for Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree
Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree are HOT in the Summer! The Sun, air and ground are unbearable for dogs to be out during the day and some nights (check the weather report). Unfortunately dogs die annually from heat exhaustion due to the elements and very poor planning by their families. Please visit Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree during the “cooler” months from November through April for your pup’s safety.
Dog Friendly Tips for Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley
Always Have an Over-Abundance of Water with you and in your car!
The air is dry, dehyrating and temperatures can shoot up quickly.
Stay Out of the Mid Day Sun!
Pack Layers!
It can get extremely chilly at night, windy and chilly during the day and even hot! Windbreakers, hats and gloves are a nice extra for your bag. Don’t forget your dog coats and blankies too! We were shivering in the super cold wind one afternoon at sunset!
The Best Dog Friendly Adventures in Yucca Valley
Pioneer Town, Yucca Valley
Outside of Exploring Joshua Tree (in the car and on foot in the dog approved areas), the most interesting adventure we took was a stroll through Pioneer Town – which is Dog Friendly! Pioneer Town is a Living Ghost Town which originated as an old movie set that was developed in the 1940s to resemble the wild west of the 1800s. Several Westerns and TV shows were filmed at Pioneer Town! Today, people dressed in historical clothing reenact life in an old mining town. There’s a few interesting small shops and parking is free! Pioneer Town is HOT and mostly full sun so, go during the cooler times of the day!
