Gluten Free Things to do in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree Travel Tips

G-Free Travel Rating

7/10

Major Airport

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Official Language

English

Currency:

US Dollar (USD)

Power Outlets:

Types A & B

Eating Gluten Free in Joshua Tree

While there aren’t a ton of gluten free things to do in Joshua Tree, you can enjoy your vacation if you know the places to go. We did find one really great place but it is mainly small towns around the park so options were limited. After eating somewhere really good, it changes your expectations when you eat at other places.

Our top list of things to do while in Joshua Tree

Dive into the Restaurant Scene

Joshua Tree is a small town with a completely different vibe than Palm Springs. The dining experience isn’t limitless, but eating is still one of the best gluten free things to do in Joshua Tree. When staying in a rural place sometimes it is best to stay at an area where you have a kitchen (or firepit) and can cook your own meals. We stayed at an Airbnb and ate breakfast before we headed out for a day of hiking. We did this to help cut down on cost and to ensure we weren’t eating a heavy meal before we went out hiking.

Restaurants:

Yucca Tree Eatery: This was a staple after our hike and an accidental find. We were looking for a light lunch and were going to stop at Applebee’s (next door) and get an appetizer of nachos to share. When the manager told us they fry the chips with everything else we decided that was no longer an option and she recommended this eatery. It was so fantastic we came here three times. We split a bowl and smoothie each time.

Copper Room: Historic restaurant and lounge with a rich history as a gathering place for high-flying pilots and celebrities. The menu offers a blend of creative classics. The waitstaff was very knowledgeable about what could be modified for a gluten-free diet. They do have gluten free buns. This is also a great place to stop in for a cocktail.

Two Guys Pies: Since we really didn’t feel like eating out, we placed a to go order for a pizza. They offered gluten free crust and confirmed their BBQ sauce was gluten free. It was okay. We weren’t really blown away by many of our meals in Joshua Tree outside of the Yucca Tree Eatery.

La Casita Azul: We pretty much try a Mexican restaurant anytime we travel. This one was just okay. We don’t have anything specific to say. Although, the homemade salsa was really good!

Larry and Milts Western Cafe: We decided to try this local establishment and it was not the greatest experience. If you are a regular it is great but since we were not, it was rather uncomfortable and the waitress took an attitude when we were asking if the potatoes were gluten free. She replied yes they are potatoes. Unfortunately, Terry did feel a little sick after and we are assuming it is because the potatoes were cooked on a surface that had gluten things on it. If you are a sensitive celiac, we do not recommend this place.

Dinner and a Show

Pappy and Harriet’s: This iconic music venue and restaurant has a few gluten free dishes. Their meats are gluten free as well as grilled vegetables. Make sure you communicate with your waitress about which can be accommodated as the menu is not marked. They do not have any gluten free bread/buns for substitutions. To be honest it wasn’t the best BBQ we have ever had, but it was still good. It is a little drive from Joshua Tree; however, going to for dinner and a show is a nice way to spend an evening. They don’t take reservations and wait times during show nights can be up to 2 hours long. They also put a time limit on how long you can stay at your table once seated.

Joshua Tree National Park

Located in southeastern California is a striking desert destination known for its dramatic landscapes and namesake Joshua Tree. The park spans over 790,000 acres, offering plenty of space for hiking and rock climbing. Not only is it famous for the Joshua Tree but also for its massive boulders and rock formations. Whether you want to spend a day hiking or camping inside the park there is always a crevice or overturned rock to explore. We did not camp the night in the park but we heard the stargazing on clear nights is amazing!

If you are planning to hike, make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. Shade is also very limited in this park so make sure you have some form of sun protection. Deserts can experience extreme temperatures in both the summer and winter. Daytime temperatures can reach over 100^oF in the summer, while nights can drop to freezing in the winter. Fall and spring are the most popular times to visit due to milder temperatures.

A couple of side notes:

There is a fee to get into Joshua Tree National Park.
Bathrooms are readily available at most of the trailheads we mention below.
Parking is readily available at most trailheads either in a parking lot or along the side of the road. It is free.
Water refill stations are only at the entrance to the park.
Cell service is not reliable throughout the park.

Some hikes we completed:

Skull Rock: One of the more popular hikes (although you don’t actually have to hike since the rock formation is right off the road). If you are completing the hike it is ~1.7 mile loop of relatively flat unpaved ground. We would classify it as easy.

Arch Rock: Also, very popular. This is an out-and-back trail that is~1.2 miles. Similar terrain sandy/rocky terrain as Skull Rock. You are able to climb up on the arch for a picture just please be careful. If you want to extend your hike a little farther then veer off and follow the Heart Rock trail. We opted not to do that as there was a whole line of tourists that went that way when we finished up Arch rock.

Barker Dam: Very flat trail that weaves it way through some iconic boulders and Joshua Trees. Don’t forget to stop and view the historic Barker Dam and a rock art site. This trail is considered an easy 1.3 mile loop.

Wall Street Mill: Again minimal gain in elevation on this 1.8 mile out-and-back trail. This trail takes you to an old mine that used to process gold. There are offshoot trails you can explore around the mine. Don’t forget to stop and checkout the old homestead and rusted automobiles along the way.

Cholla Cactus Garden: Located farther away from the rest of the hikes. it is worth the drive. The distinct difference in the flora was quite interesting to witness. It is only a short 0.25 mile meandering.

Finally a more strenuous hike…

Ryan Mountain: This is the most strenuous hike we completed during our stay. It is a 2.9 mile out-and-back trail with over 1000 feet in elevation gain. The day we completed this it was chilly and the wind just ripped right through you. Plus, it brought along little pieces of sand that were quite unpleasant when you could feel them being pelted against you. This trail would be considered moderate with constantly changing rocky terrain. The views from the top were fantastic.

Skull Rock

Cholla Cactus Garden

Ryan Mountain

Stop at a Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center

There a multiple visitor centers located around Joshua Tree National Park that provide you with resources for a successful trip. The main one is actually located downtown Twentynine Palms. This visitor center has a small museum outlining the history and culture of the area. It has interactive exhibits for younger children and a gift shop.

Visit a Distillery

For those aged 21 and older make sure to stop by Joshua Tree Distilling Company for a tasting. They produce a range of artisanal spirits from whiskey to gin. These locally crafted spirits are inspired by the surrounding desert landscape. Stop in for a free tour of their facility and learn about the craft. If you are interested in trying their spirits they do offer different levels of tastings. Whether you are a local or just visiting the area make sure to stop by.

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