Sedona, Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs

Question

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During Christmas week, I have one week. Land in Phoenix, planning to visit Sedona, Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs, then back to Phenix to fly back home. I can do either

Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs, Sedona

Which way is better logistics wise? And which entrance to go into Joshua Tree NP?

Answer

For your one-week Christmas trip starting and ending in Phoenix, planning the most efficient route is key to maximizing time at each destination and minimizing long drives.

Route Considerations:

Option 1: Phoenix → Sedona → Joshua Tree NP → Palm Springs → Phoenix

This route is the most geographically efficient:

Phoenix to Sedona: ~2 hours north. Easy first stop to enjoy the red rock scenery without a long drive after your flight.
Sedona to Joshua Tree NP: ~6–7 hours. Consider breaking this into an overnight stop along the way if you prefer shorter driving segments.
Joshua Tree NP to Palm Springs: ~1 hour. Very convenient for exploring the Coachella Valley area.
Palm Springs to Phoenix: ~4–5 hours. Straightforward drive back for your flight home.

Option 2: Phoenix → Joshua Tree NP → Palm Springs → Sedona → Phoenix

This route is less practical:

Joshua Tree NP to Palm Springs is short (~1 hour), but then heading north to Sedona (~6–7 hours) adds significant backtracking.
Finally returning south to Phoenix (~2 hours) makes the route longer overall.

Joshua Tree NP Entrances:

West Entrance (Joshua Tree Visitor Center / Twentynine Palms): Best if coming from the south or Palm Springs area. Access to popular trails like Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and Ryan Mountain.
North Entrance (Joshua Tree Visitor Center near Joshua Tree town): Convenient if coming from the west. Good for Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, and short hikes.
South Entrance (Cottonwood Spring): Ideal if approaching from the south, offering access to Cottonwood Spring Oasis and nearby hiking.

Recommendation:

Start in Sedona for scenic ease after flying into Phoenix.
Head to Joshua Tree NP next, entering through the West or South Entrance depending on which trails or areas you want to prioritize.
Continue to Palm Springs for a relaxed stop before returning to Phoenix.

This plan keeps your route logical, reduces unnecessary driving, and allows more time to enjoy each location, especially during busy Christmas week when traffic and accommodations may be in high demand. Book lodging in advance and plan for some flexibility in travel times.

Sedona, Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs

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