Southern California packs an extraordinary amount of variety into a single road trip. Within a few hours of driving, you can move from the sprawling energy of Los Angeles to the sun-baked stillness of the desert, passing through landscapes that shift from coastal bluffs to boulder-strewn valleys. For travelers looking for stays in SoCal that feel personal rather than generic, a road trip through the desert corridor offers the ideal framework.
Starting Point: Los Angeles to Palm Springs
The drive east from LA takes roughly two hours along Interstate 10, with the San Gorgonio Pass delivering a dramatic transition from suburban sprawl to open desert. Palm Springs greets you with towering palms, mid-century architecture, and a pace that immediately slows things down. Spend a day exploring the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, browsing vintage shops along North Palm Canyon Drive, or hiking the Indian Canyons trails before the afternoon heat settles in.
The Desert Corridor: Palm Springs to Joshua Tree
Heading north on Highway 62, the landscape opens into the high desert. Joshua Tree National Park sits about 45 minutes from downtown Palm Springs, and the contrast is striking. Twisted Joshua trees dot the terrain alongside massive granite formations that climbers and photographers travel from around the world to see. Key stops include Arch Rock, Skull Rock, and the Cholla Cactus Garden, where a short boardwalk winds through a dense patch of teddy bear chollas that glow in the late afternoon light.
Where to Base Yourself
The towns surrounding the park, including Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms, have their own character. Local cafes, galleries, and roadside curiosities like the World Famous Crochet Museum give these communities a creative edge. Choosing Joshua Tree vacation rentals as a home base puts you within minutes of the park entrance while keeping evenings relaxed, with hot tubs, fire pits, and wide open sky views that hotels simply cannot match.
Tips for the Drive
Pack plenty of water, start hikes early to avoid midday heat, and fill up on gas before entering the park. Cell service is limited inside Joshua Tree, so download maps in advance. The shoulder months of October through November and March through April offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal windows for this route.
Also read: 5 Must-Try Iconic Foods in Los Angeles (2026 Ultimate Guide)
