The Yucca Valley center point is approximately 1 mile west of Downtown Yucca Valley and 11 miles north of Downtown Desert Hot Springs.
As a high-elevation desert community, Yucca Valley experiences a cold desert climate. This unique climate can lead to some unusual weather and environmental considerations. Winter can bring snowfall, while the rainy season can lead to flash flooding. The drier months can see occasional wildfires. Winters can reach the high 60s but dip into the 30s at night. Throughout the year, it's not unusual to see a drop of 30 to 40 degrees from day to night. Summers can be blisteringly hot, peaking in the low 100s and upper 90s.
As with any visit to a desert area, it's important to dress according to the season and pack extra water, sunscreen, layers, and backup supplies in case of emergency if you plan to head outside of Yucca Valley into the Mojave for recreation or exploration. Be sure to check the weather in advance to aid your planning.
Yucca Valley's changeable seasons mean that you can enjoy endless recreational variety whenever you visit. In winter, you can enjoy winter sports in Big Bear. Spring is prime wildflower season, summer is the best time to see the Milky Way in the desert night sky, and fall is perfect for climbing.
The discounted rates you'll find at Super 8 by Wyndham Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree National Park Area may just astonish you, particularly when you consider that this hotel already boasts very low rates. Somehow, this hotel manages to offer long stay discounts and reduced rates to seniors, AAA members, military, and government service members, yet never compromises quality. All guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access and a free daily continental breakfast service. Microwaves are available in room by request.
The Best Western Joshua Tree Hotel and Suites is Yucca Valley's standout value hotel. Guests give this property high marks for its comprehensive amenities, including a fitness center, outdoor pool, and free breakfast service, as well as its pet-friendly policy. The spacious, well-appointed rooms come with a lounge chair and ottoman for reading and relaxing, safes, desks, and LCD televisions.
Every box is checked here, from the private bathrooms stocked with complimentary toiletries to the free wireless internet access, business center, and 24-hour front desk. On-site parking is free, and when you stay at the Best Western Joshua Tree, you'll be just about 10 miles from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park is huge. This sprawling park spans more than 790,000 acres, so it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to know where to start. There are a few key sites you won't want to miss. Wherever you go in the park, you'll be likely to spot the iconic Joshua Tree, a yucca varietal that grows to tree size and is distinguished by its spiky leaf clusters.
Heading east from Yucca Valley, enter the park on the west side and stop at Intersection Rock and Arch Rock first. From here, you can embark on several trails and catch other neighboring landmarks like Old Woman Rock, a favorite spot for climbers. Hidden Valley lies across Park Boulevard and offers an excellent climb through the rocks, as well as picnic tables for dining, some boulders, and some of Joshua Tree's famed ancient trees.
Keys View offers one of the highest elevations in the park. At the corner of Keys View Road and Park Boulevard, you'll find the gravity-defying Cap Rock. Don't miss the Jumbo Rocks Area, where you'll find Skull Rock right off the road.
From the east side, drive down to Arch Rock, an iconic spot for picture taking and climbing in and around the surrounding winding trails. The Cholla Cactus Garden is also located on Highway 10 on the east side and makes the perfect spot to settle down and wait for one of Joshua Tree's legendary sunsets.
After a day of hiking, biking, and activity at the park, spend some time in downtown Joshua Tree at Highway 62 and Park Boulevard to enjoy live music, local dining, and entertainment. Few know that Joshua Tree is a creative haven where numerous artists and musicians ply their trade. The Joshua Tree Farmers Market, located off Highway 62 and held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., is well worth checking out as merchants are only allowed to sell locally made or locally grown items.
From Joshua Tree, it's just a short drive back to Yucca Valley. Given its convenience and affordability, it's easy to see why so many people choose to stay in Yucca Valley for a weekend nature retreat or active vacation destination to Joshua Tree National Park.
Below are reviews of the city of Yucca Valley, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
We had a great meal at Larry & Milts for breakfast. We also look forward to coming back and visiting some antique stores as our time on this trip was to visit Joshua Tree National Park (which is great!).
Joshua Tree and Pioneer Town!
Quiet
Good restaurants nearby.
We used to live there and visited friends. The biggest attraction is Joshua Tree National Park.
First time in the Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree area. Tremendous desert beauty. We also loved the local flavor and even took in a jazz performance. Wonderful farmer's market. The Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant across the street (Pho 85?) has excellent food and great service.
As always in California, lovely people. Tom's Place Diner is fabulous, immaculately clean and tremendously good value.