Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
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Integratron
The Integratron is worth a visit. The story is that visitors from Venus arrived in a flying saucer and told former aerospace engineer George van Tassel of a process for cell rejuvenation involving a dome based on principles of sacred geometry. He began work on it in 1953, calling the dome at once a time machine, a rejuvenation machine and an anti-gravity device.
There's no documentation of its actually achieving any of that, but the draw today is 30-minute 'sound baths', in which docents stroke crystal bowls under the acoustically perfect dome; many visitors report an out-of-body experience, so maybe van Tassel realized his goal after all.
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California Riding & Hiking Trail
A 35-mile-long stretch of the California Riding & Hiking Trail, administered by California State Parks, passes through Joshua Tree; plan two to three days to hike the trail through the park. To protect fragile soil crusts (cryptobiotic soil) which allow plant life to grow and keep the desert from blowing away, stay on established trails.
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Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace
Enjoy BBQ, cheap beer and live music at honky-tonk Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace.
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Desert Queen Ranch
Those who enjoy history and local lore should take the 90-minute walking tour of the Desert Queen Ranch , around 2 miles northeast of Hidden Valley Campground up a dirt road. Russian immigrant William Keys built a homestead on 160 acres here in 1917 and over the next 60 years set up a full working ranch, school, store and workshop, which still stand pretty much as they did when Keys died in 1969. The half-mile walking tour lasts 90 minutes. Reservations recommended - you can also make a reservation at the Oasis Visitor Center.
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Skull Rock Loop
Leave the car behind to appreciate Joshua Tree's trippy lunar landscapes. Visitor centers provide maps and advice about the 12 short nature walks and six hiking trails. For the kids, pick up a Junior Ranger booklet and ask which trails are most kid-friendly. If you don't have a lot of time, the 0.25-mile Skull Rock Loop is an easy loop, as is Keys View Trail, which provides views of the entire Coachella Valley.
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Pinkham Canyon Rd
A favorite bicycle route in Joshua Tree National Park is the challenging Pinkham Canyon Rd, which begins at the Cottonwood Visitor Center. The Old Dale Rd, which starts 6.5 miles north of there, is another favorite. The Queen Valley road network is a more gentle set of trails and has bike racks along the way so people can lock up their bikes and go hiking.
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Wonderland of Rocks
The most whimsically dramatic conglomeration of rocks is known locally as Wonderland of Rocks area, while the biggest trees are near Covington Flats. To see the transition from the high Colorado Desert/Sonoran Desert to the low Mojave, drive along Pinto Basin Rd.
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Pioneer Bowl
Pioneer Bowl is an old-fashioned bowling alley built for Roy Rogers in 1947. It's still in use, with original equipment and an amazing collection of vintage arcade games for which any good antique hound would pay big bucks. Its saloon sells beer and burgers.
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Beatnik Cafe
This funky strip-mall coffeehouse with beat-up furniture serves breakfasts, sandwiches and light meals, like the Beatnik pizza with pesto and artichoke hearts. There's something doing almost every night: films, live music, open mic, etc. Young crowd.
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Pioneertown
Just north of Yucca Valley, Pioneertown was built as a Hollywood Western movie set in 1946, and it hasn't changed much since. On Mane St, witness mock gunfights at 2:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays from April to October.
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JT Country Kitchen
This roadside shack serves down home cookin': eggs, pancakes, biscuits with gravy, sandwiches and…what's this? Cambodian noodles and salads? Try the crispy chicken or peanut chicken salad.
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Wonder Garden
Southwestern colors and a weathervane usher you into this café. Look for turkey and melted brie or Reuben sandwiches, veggie wraps and all-important ice cream and smoothies.
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Sam's Pizza
Sure, there's pizza but clued-in locals flock here for the flavor-packed Indian curries, many of them meatless. Takeout available.
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Crossroads Café
The much-loved Crossroads Café serves healthy breakfasts, huge sandwiches and big salads, as well as some tasty dinner specials, all in an earth-goddess atmosphere.
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Rib Co
The fun atmosphere makes this roadside BBQ place worth a look. Expect sandwiches, burgers, chicken and ribs (some in Jack Daniels glaze), plus salads and sides.
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Edchada's
Opinions vary on the food at this standard-issue Mexican eatery, but the margaritas are huge and you certainly won't leave hungry. Look for lunch specials.
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Ricochet Gourmet
At this much adored cafe-cum-deli, the menu bounces from break-fast frittatas to curry chicken salad and fragrant soups, all of them homemade using organic and seasonal ingredients.
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Restaurant at 29 Palms Inn
The well-respected restaurant has its own organic garden and does burgers and salads at lunchtime and grilled meats and yummy pastas for dinner.
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Keys Ranch
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Joshua Tree Saloon
For rib-sticking burgers and steaks, report to this raucous watering hole that also offers nightly entertainment (over 21s only).
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