🥾 ActiveWeekend · from San Diego, CA

Desert Rocks & Alpine Pine Trails

Escape to otherworldly desert rock formations and pristine mountain forests, discovering stunning contrasts just hours from San Diego.

Day 1 — Joshua Tree National ParkDay 2 — San Bernardino National Forest
Day 1Joshua Tree National Park

Day 1Joshua Tree National Park

🚗 3 hr 52 min driving📍 5 stops
🌅
Morning
🚗
Drive
San Diego, CAJoshua Tree National Park
3 hr 15 min8:00 AM11:15 AM
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
4.8
Explore otherworldly desert landscapes dotted with massive boulder formations and twisted Joshua trees that ignite the imagination under impossibly starry skies.
🍽️
Lunch
TKB Bakery & Deli
TKB Bakery & Deli
4.7
☀️
Afternoon
🚗
Drive
Joshua Tree National ParkArch Rock Nature Trail
19 min1:15 PM1:34 PM
Arch Rock Nature Trail
Arch Rock Nature Trail
4.7
Hike through chaparral and granite boulder fields to reach a stunning natural rock arch framing valley views. Scramble over sun-warmed stones and navigate scenic switchbacks on this moderately challenging 4-mile round trip.
🌙
Evening
🚗
Drive
Arch Rock Nature TrailKitchen in the Desert
18 min5:00 PM5:18 PM
🍽️ Dinner5:18 PM
Kitchen in the Desert
Kitchen in the Desert
Savor innovative farm-to-table cuisine crafted from local ingredients in an intimate desert setting that celebrates the region's culinary creativity.
4.1American Restaurant📍 Maps →
2 options · tap to switch
🛏️
Find lodging near Joshua Tree National Park
Book somewhere to sleep before Day 2 — search hotels or Airbnb in the Joshua Tree National Park area.
🔍 Search hotels near Joshua Tree National Park
Day 2San Bernardino National Forest

Day 2San Bernardino National Forest

🚗 4 hr 12 min driving📍 4 stops
🌅
Morning
🚗
Drive
Joshua Tree National ParkSan Bernardino National Forest
1 hr 51 min8:00 AM9:51 AM
San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino National Forest
4.7
Escape into cool mountain pine forests and alpine lakes offering a refreshing contrast to the desert heat with trails for every adventure level.
🍽️
Lunch
🍽️ Lunch10:51 AM
Apple Annie's Bakery & Restaurant
Apple Annie's Bakery & Restaurant
4.2Family Restaurant📍 Maps →
2 options · tap to switch
☀️
Afternoon
🚗
Drive
San Bernardino National ForestYucaipa Regional Park
12 min12:00 PM12:12 PM
Yucaipa Regional Park
Yucaipa Regional Park
4.4
Cool off in the sparkling lake with swimming and paddleboarding, or cast a line for bass and bluegill. Picnic under oak trees, hike shaded trails, and spot wildlife along the San Bernardino foothills.
🌙
Evening
🚗
Drive
Yucaipa Regional ParkOak Glen Steak House & Saloon
8 min5:00 PM5:08 PM
Oak Glen Steak House & Saloon
Oak Glen Steak House & Saloon
4.3
Experience authentic Old West charm while feasting on succulent steaks and soaking in rustic Americana at this historic saloon nestled in the mountains.
5:08 PM📍 See location
🚗
Drive
Oak Glen Steak House & SaloonSan Diego, CA
2 hr 1 min6:08 PM8:09 PM
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