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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.

86 field notes 6 guidesUpdated

Fall So Hard: The JT Trading Post Fall Collection Is HereLatest field note

Desert Style & More

Fall So Hard: The JT Trading Post Fall Collection Is Here

Cool mornings, cozy layers, and slow desert evenings. Discover the Fall So Hard collection at JT Trading Post, with Joshua Tree sweatshirts, seasonal candles, cocktail and mocktail kits, bread-baking essentials, and lavender teas for...

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New to the desert? Start here

Field notes we send friends before their first trip.

  1. 01 Life in the High Desert: A Guide to Our Community & What to Look Forward To
  2. 02 Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree: A Beginner's Guide
  3. 03 What to Wear Hiking in Joshua Tree: A Real Style Guide
  4. 04 Where to Eat in the High Desert: Our Favorite Local Spots
  5. 05 Where to Eat in the High Desert, Part 2:

Browse by place, season & interest

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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

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

Desert Style & More

All 14

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

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

Community News + More

All 21

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

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

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

December In The High Desert

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

Orville Peck Brings His Sound To Pioneertown

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

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

Secrets of The Mojave

All 9

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

Desert Dust Recipes

All 7

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

Vendor Spotlight

All 14

Vendor Spotlight

Meet: Alyssa Sides | Plant Social

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: Steven Przybylowski | White Label Vinyl

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: Amber Morgan

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: Nash And Kim Finley | The Nomadic People

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: Paul Razo | Red Raven

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: Doug Beale | 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

Meet Linda Shrader

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: Tayler Straziuso | Stray Ceramics

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: Dana And Rich | Very Very

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: Stella Adena | Rancho Relaxo

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: Felicia Barth | Venus Of The Desert

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