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Joshua Tree · Field guide

Find your desert

Hikes, wildflowers, ghost towns, makers, music and where to eat: everything we know about Joshua Tree and the Morongo Basin, written by the people who run JT Trading Post.

84 field notes 6 guidesUpdated

What's Happening in the High Desert This OctoberLatest field note

Day Trips & Adventure

What's Happening in the High Desert This October

October is the desert's best month, and this year it's packed. The Gem and Mineral Show, the Orchid Festival, three weekends of HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours, the Joshua Tree Music Festival, the...

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Day Trips & Adventure

All 21

Day Trips & Adventure

What's Happening in the High Desert This October

October is the desert's best month, and this year it's packed. The Gem and Mineral Show, the Orchid Festival, three weekends of HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours, the Joshua Tree Music Festiva...

5 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree: A Beginner's Guide

Joshua Tree has been a climber's paradise since the 1950s — and it's one of the most beginner-friendly outdoor climbing destinations in the world. Here's where to start, what to expect fr...

3 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

The Perseid Meteor Shower Is Peaking This Week

The 2026 Perseid meteor shower peaks the night of August 12th into the 13th — and this year, conditions are as close to perfect as they get. A new moon means zero lunar interference, up t...

6 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

What to Do in the High Desert: June 2026

June in the high desert is quieter, warmer, and worth it. From the Joshua Tree Farmers Market and JT Trading Post Outdoor Market every weekend, to live music at Pappy & Harriet's, XOXO Pa...

5 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

Joshua Tree in Summer: A Survival Guide

Summer in Joshua Tree hits 100°F — but it's still worth it. Here's how to hike smart, cool off in town, and catch the desert's most spectacular sunsets.

4 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

The Best Souvenirs from Joshua Tree

Most souvenirs end up forgotten. Not these. Joshua Tree has a creative community unlike most places, and JT Trading Post carries the best of it — locally made apparel, Opal Atlas pins and...

3 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

What to Do in Joshua Tree During Festival Season

Festival season brings thousands to the desert — but the real trip is 45 minutes up the 62. Discover Joshua Tree National Park, shop local finds at JT Trading Post, and stay for a sunset ...

2 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

Best Hikes and Day Trips in Joshua Tree Right Now

The best hikes and day trips in and around Joshua Tree National Park — from iconic trails like Hidden Valley and Skull Rock to remote backcountry routes most visitors never find. A guide ...

4 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

Spring Has Arrived: Your Guide to Joshua Tree in March

Spring is one of the best times to visit Joshua Tree — golden light, comfortable temperatures, and desert wildflowers in bloom. Your guide to hiking, shopping local vendors, and making th...

4 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

What’s Happening in Joshua Tree This Week

From gallery openings and live music to local markets and outdoor events, the Joshua Tree creative community is always active. Your guide to the best things happening in and around Joshua...

4 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

Pine City: Joshua Tree's Most Underrated Trail

Pine City is Joshua Tree National Park's most underrated backcountry trail — quiet, remote, and rarely crowded. A complete guide to hiking one of the park's most overlooked and rewarding ...

4 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

Why Joshua Tree Is Worth Shopping, Not Just Hiking

Joshua Tree is one of California's best-kept shopping destinations. Discover local boutiques, artisan vendors, and handmade goods worth the detour — including JT Trading Post at 61716 Twe...

2 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

JT Trading Post: Your Perfect Festival Season Detour Guide

Heading to Coachella or Stagecoach? Discover JT Trading Post, your ultimate festival season pit stop in Joshua Tree. Just an hour from the festival grounds, find festival essentials, uniq...

6 min read

Day Trips & Adventure

CaptureJoshuaTree:PhotographyWalksInTheNationalPark

Discover the best photography spots in Joshua Tree National Park — dramatic rock formations, golden-hour desert light, and iconic Joshua trees. A guide to capturing the park's most photog...

3 min read

Desert Style & More

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Desert Style & More

Your Guide to Manifestation, Grounding & Desert Magic

A fresh batch of crystals has arrived at JT Trading Post — from grounding Black Tourmaline to abundance-drawing Citrine. Pair them with our new 111 Candle and build a little more ritual i...

6 min read

Desert Style & More

The Labor Day Weekend Sale Is Here — 25% Off

The long weekend calls for easy pieces and good deals. Shop our Labor Day Weekend collection — desert tees, caps, Free People finds, and more — all 25% off online and in-store while it la...

3 min read

Desert Style & More

Inside the Men's Collection at JT Trading Post

JT Trading Post goes deeper than the front racks. Discover a full men's section — everyday basics, cool-night layers, Western graphic tees, and elevated CUTS styles — plus a standing 20% ...

3 min read

Desert Style & More

The Best Joshua Tree Souvenirs to Bring Home

Skip the generic gift shop. JT Trading Post's Joshua Tree Souvenirs collection features locally made apparel, hand-poured ceramics, enamel pins, stickers, and art from 47+ local makers — ...

4 min read

Desert Style & More

Little Explorers Welcome: Inside the JTTP Kids Collection

From organic onesies to geode-cracking kits, the JTTP Kids Collection is built for real desert days. Discover adventure-ready clothing and screen-free toys for babies through big kids — a...

3 min read

Desert Style & More

Our Summer Picks Are Here — And They're Good

Summer in the desert calls for the right gear. Shop our hand-picked Summer Picks collection — desert-ready clothing, Vacation sun care, locally made goods, gourmet pantry staples, and out...

3 min read

Desert Style & More

What to Wear While Wandering the Market

The JT Trading Post outdoor market runs every Saturday and Sunday — and the outfit matters. A breathable base, a layer for the morning chill, boots for uneven ground, a JTTP hat for the s...

3 min read

Desert Style & More

What to Wear Hiking in Joshua Tree: A Real Style Guide

Joshua Tree hiking isn’t just technical gear — it’s high desert, it’s photogenic, and you want to look good doing it. Here’s what actually works: breathable tees, protective bottoms, a la...

3 min read

Desert Style & More

How to Dress for the Desert: An Outdoor Style Guide

The desert has its own dress code — and it'll teach you fast. From layering for wild temperature swings to finding that worn-in style that just works, here's how to dress for a day (and n...

2 min read

Community News + More

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Community News + More

Meet the Makers: Home Good Essentials

Part of our ongoing maker series — spotlighting the vendors whose work makes everyday life a little better. From handcrafted walnut boards and a locally made card game to small-batch dese...

6 min read

Community News + More

The Market's Back — And October's Going to Be Something

The outdoor market is back, the courtyard's been rebuilt, and October is shaping up to be the biggest month we've had. Every Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM — come find your people and ...

3 min read

Community News + More

Meet the Makers: Desert Fashion & Vintage

Some clothing is made to be new. The pieces in this round of Meet the Makers are made to have a past — worn-in denim, one-of-a-kind vintage finds, graphic tees with something to say, and ...

3 min read

Community News + More

Meet the Makers: Western Style, Desert-Inspired

Five vendors. One desert spirit. Meet the makers bringing rugged Western goods, boho style, and one-of-a-kind Joshua Tree keepsakes to JT Trading Post — and the stories behind what they m...

3 min read

Community News + More

Meet the Makers: Desert Apothecary & Wellness

Meet the desert wellness makers behind JT Trading Post — Mojave Moon Apothecary, Orchid + Ash, Plant Social, and Good Buds. Handcrafted goods rooted in the high desert, available in store...

3 min read

Community News + More

Meet the Makers: The Artists Behind JT Trading Post

Meet the local artists behind JT Trading Post — from Amber Morgan's high desert prints and Doug Beale's Kreaturetown characters to Linda Shrader's Joshua Tree sculptures and Tayler Strazi...

3 min read

Community News + More

Memorial Day in the Mojave: A Day to Remember

Memorial Day means something particular in the High Desert. With one of the largest Marine bases in the world next door, this community has always known the cost of service. Here's how to...

4 min read

Community News + More

Where to Eat in the High Desert, Part 2:

Part one covered the main towns. Part two goes further — into Pioneertown's honky tonk BBQ, Flamingo Heights' LA-worthy dining, and Morongo Valley's hidden gems most visitors drive right ...

4 min read

Community News + More

Where to Eat in the High Desert: Our Favorite Local Spots

The high desert eats well. From sourdough pizza in Joshua Tree to farm-to-table dining at a 1928 desert oasis, here are our favorite local restaurants across Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, an...

5 min read

Community News + More

AWeekendInJoshuaTree:LocalFavorites&DesertFinds

Planning a weekend in Joshua Tree? Get the inside scoop on local favorites and desert finds from those who call this magical place home. Your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of th...

1 min read

Community News + More

DecemberInTheHighDesert

December in Joshua Tree has its own quiet magic — cold nights, brilliant stars, and a creative community that lights up the season. Your guide to the best the high desert has to offer in ...

2 min read

Community News + More

Desert-Made Goodness: The 2025 Olive Oil Harvest

The 2025 olive oil harvest has arrived at JT Trading Post. Fresh, locally made Joshua Tree olive oil pressed by local hands. Available in-store and online at jttradingpost.com while suppl...

1 min read

Community News + More

OrvillePeckBringsHisSoundToPioneertown

Orville Peck takes the stage at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown — one of the Mojave Desert's most legendary music venues. A guide to one of the desert's most unforgettable live music e...

1 min read

Community News + More

FeelTheRhythmOfTheDesert:SoundAndSandMusicSeries

The Sound and Sand Music Series brings free live music to JT Trading Post in Joshua Tree, CA — a weekly outdoor event where local musicians perform alongside artisan vendors in the high d...

1 min read

Community News + More

Discover the Magic of Joshua Tree in November

November is one of the best times to visit Joshua Tree. Mild temperatures, clear skies, and fewer crowds make it ideal for hiking, stargazing, and shopping local vendors at JT Trading Post.

3 min read

Community News + More

Uncover the Hidden Gems at JT Trading Post: A Local's Guide

Your insider guide to JT Trading Post in Joshua Tree, CA — featuring 47+ local vendors, handmade goods, desert-inspired gifts, and a rotating outdoor marketplace. Here is what to know bef...

2 min read

Secrets of The Mojave

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Secrets of The Mojave

10 Things You Didn't Know About Joshua Tree

Think you know Joshua Tree? From ancient boulders to rock star legends, dark sky designations to a yucca that isn't actually a tree — here are ten surprising facts about one of California...

5 min read

Secrets of The Mojave

Joshua Tree in Bloom: Why Spring 2026 Is One for the Books

When conditions align, Joshua Tree erupts into a wildflower super bloom that transforms the Mojave. Learn what triggers a desert bloom, where to see wildflowers in the park, and how to pl...

3 min read

Secrets of The Mojave

Two Species, One Fate: The Joshua Tree and the Yucca Moth

The Joshua tree and the yucca moth share one of nature's most remarkable co-evolutionary partnerships — a relationship that defines the Mojave Desert. Learn how it works and what threaten...

3 min read

Desert Dust Recipes

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Desert Dust Recipes

Poached Dates with Olive Oil and Desert Dust Sprinkle

A simple, stunning desert appetizer — medjool dates poached in warm spices, drizzled with local Joshua Tree olive oil, and finished with Desert Dust from JT Trading Post. Four ingredients...

1 min read

Desert Dust Recipes

BBQ Desert Dusted Tri-Tip

The ultimate BBQ tri-tip recipe seasoned with Desert Dust from JT Trading Post. Low and slow smoke, high heat finish, and a Mojave-inspired seasoning blend that makes this your new backya...

2 min read

Desert Dust Recipes

Air Fryer Salmon Bites w Honey Mustard Aioli

Crispy air fryer salmon bites with a tangy honey mustard aioli — a fast weeknight dinner that punches above its effort. Seasoned with Desert Dust from JT Trading Post in Joshua Tree, CA.

1 min read

Desert Dust Recipes

Taco-Seasoned Loaded Potatoes

Crispy loaded potatoes seasoned with Desert Dust from JT Trading Post — a crowd-pleasing side dish or main that comes together fast. Bold Mojave flavor in every bite.

3 min read

Desert Dust Recipes

Savory Desert-Dusted Chicken Skewers with Red Onion

Savory grilled chicken skewers seasoned with Desert Dust from JT Trading Post and charred red onion. A quick, flavorful desert-inspired recipe that brings the taste of Joshua Tree to your...

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

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Vendor Spotlight

Meet:AlyssaSides|PlantSocial

Meet Alyssa Sides, founder of Plant Social — houseplants, botanica skincare, and nature-inspired goods from one of JT Trading Post's founding vendors in Joshua Tree, CA.

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:StevenPrzybylowski|WhiteLabelVinyl

Meet Steven Przybylowski, the curator behind White Label Vinyl — a carefully selected collection of vintage records and classic DVDs. Browse his corner at JT Trading Post in Joshua Tree, CA.

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:AmberMorgan

Meet Amber Morgan, an illustrator and muralist creating in the high desert. Inspired by the landscapes of the American West, her grounded desert art is available at JT Trading Post in Jos...

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:NashAndKimFinley|TheNomadicPeople

Meet Nash and Kim Finley, the couple behind The Nomadic People — a travel-inspired brand rooted in movement and the high desert. Find their work at JT Trading Post in Joshua Tree, CA.

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:PaulRazo|RedRaven

Meet Paul Razo, the creator behind Red Raven — a curated collection of timeless, Western-inspired goods rooted in the spirit of the high desert. Find his pieces at JT Trading Post in Josh...

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:DougBeale|Kreaturetown

Meet Doug Beale, the desert artist behind Kreaturetown — a whimsical brand of stickers, postcards, and hand-cut paper art full of character. Find his work at JT Trading Post in Joshua Tre...

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

MeetLindaShrader

Meet Linda Shrader, a Joshua Tree artist whose desert landscapes and hand-painted sculptures let you take home a piece of the Mojave. Her Joshua Tree Forever pieces are available at JT Tr...

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:TaylerStraziuso|StrayCeramics

Meet Tayler Straziuso, the Joshua Tree ceramicist behind Stray Ceramics. Each handmade piece carries the texture and weight of the desert — functional art made with intention. Available a...

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:DanaAndRich|VeryVery

Meet Dana and Rich, the 29 Palms locals behind Very Very — a desert-rooted brand capturing the rugged beauty and laid-back spirit of the high desert. Shop their work at JT Trading Post in...

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:StellaAdena|RanchoRelaxo

Meet Stella Adena, the creative mind behind Rancho Relaxo. Explore her unique desert-inspired creations and learn what makes her work a perfect fit for the Joshua Tree community.

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:KristinaBaranowski|Orchid+Ash

Meet Kristina Baranowski, the talented artist behind Orchid + Ash. Explore her unique creations and discover how the desert landscape inspires her beautiful handcrafted work.

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet:FeliciaBarth|VenusOfTheDesert

Step into the world of Felicia Barth, the Venus of the Desert. Discover how this talented artist brings the magic and mystery of Joshua Tree to life through her unique creative vision and...

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet: Marlene Dunlevy | Opal Atlas

Meet Marlene Dunlevy, the creative force behind Opal Atlas. Based in Joshua Tree, California, Marlene crafts beautiful souvenirs that celebrate the magic of the high desert and Joshua Tre...

1 min read

Vendor Spotlight

Meet: Heather Basile | Mojave Moon Apothecary

Meet Heather Basile, founder of Mojave Moon Apothecary — a Twentynine Palms herbalist brand blending sacred Mojave botanicals into teas, tinctures, and skincare. Find her work at JT Tradi...

1 min read

JT Trading Post

Stop by the Trading Post

40+ local makers under one roof, a weekend courtyard market, and people who are happy to point you to their favorite trail. Ask us anything.

  • 61716 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
  • Open 7 days a week
  • Directions