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Hidden Valley
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Southern Desert
Joshua Tree
When to go101F day, 79F night
01 · The call
Not ideal nowWhy now
An off month here — the season window falls elsewhere in the year.
Watch out
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 27 at 11:12PM MST until August 2 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
Plan B
Keep the trip anchored around Joshua Tree town with a shorter loop through Hidden Valley and Barker Dam.
Why now
An off month here — the season window falls elsewhere in the year.
Watch out
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 27 at 11:12PM MST until August 2 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
Plan B
Keep the trip anchored around Joshua Tree town with a shorter loop through Hidden Valley and Barker Dam.
02 · The story
boulder desert guide
Joshua Tree is not just a place to see one namesake tree.
boulder desert guide
Joshua Tree is not just a place to see one namesake tree.
Field notes
Heads up
Cold nights after hot days. Days can run hot and nights can drop hard, often with a 30-40 degree swing.
Snakes and spines in the shade. Watch where you put hands and feet around rocks, brush, cactus, and shaded spots.
First-time desert weekends from Los Angeles or San DiegoPhotography, boulder scenery, and short loop hikesGroups that want a park day plus a real town eveningTravelers who like design-forward motels, cabins, and desert restaurants
03 · Highlights
04 · The window
- Peak
- October-April
- Skip
- June-September
05 · The conditions
Current weather
101F day, 79F night
0% chance of rain
10 mph wind
Heat may shape the day
Plan shade + AC breaks
Nearest towns: Palm Springs · Barstow
Updated Jul 28, 2026, 12:10 PM
06 · On the ground
Access
- Extreme Heat Warning issued July 27 at 11:12PM MST until August 2 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
- Annual Summer Closures and Restrictions in Effect
- Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure
Before you go
- No in-park services
Road and weather data checked Jul 28, 2026, 12:10 PM
Roads, fire, and closures
ExpandCollapse
Roads, fire, and closures
Official alerts
Last checked
Jul 28, 2026, 12:10 PM
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions. Afternoon temperatures 109 to 121 expected. Major to Extreme Heat Risk. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Arizona and southeast and southern California. * WHEN...From 10 AM MST /10 AM PDT/ Thursday to 8 PM MST /8 PM PDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Increase in heat related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat stroke can lead to death.
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