Visitors are attracted to Yucca Valley as a destination for outdoor adventure and recreation. The city bills itself as the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park and the Morongo Basin, a role it takes quite seriously. You can learn more about the area's unique ecology at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum. Get a thrilling new perspective on the desert landscape atop an ATV in Johnson Valley's off-road vehicle area climbing the rocks in the park, or on horseback winding through the trails of Joshua Tree National Park. Yucca Valley is a bird watcher's paradise too.
Art lovers and those in search of unique attractions should check out the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, where you can marvel at offbeat folk art assemblages in the open air. Using salvaged materials, visionary artists have made otherworldly art that literally changes the landscape. You will find more conventional sculptures at Desert Christ Park, which stages religious sculptures against the arresting desert landscape along with a Rock Chapel. All of the sculptures were created by a local, Antone Martin, who lived and worked in Yucca Valley.
Getting to Yucca Valley is easy from east to west via State Route 62, otherwise known as Twentynine Palms Highway, which is the town's main drag. Follow it east to Quail Springs Road to enter Joshua Tree National Park from Yucca Valley or continue on to the south end of Interstate 10. If you're heading north or south, State Route 247 or Old Woman Springs Road will take you straight through Yucca Valley and to Interstate 15.
Other area transit options include the Yucca Valley Airport, and you can also get around using the Morongo Basin Transit Authority (MBTA) if you'd rather not rent a car during your stay.
Whether you're on the hunt for Joshua trees in the wild or are simply passing through Yucca Valley, the convenience and comfort of this desert oasis will make you want to linger.
When should you visit Yucca Valley, CA?
As a high-elevation desert community, Yucca Valley experiences a cold desert climate. This unique climate can lead to some unusual weather and environmental considerations. Winter can bring snowfall, while the rainy season can lead to flash flooding. The drier months can see occasional wildfires. Winters can reach the high 60s but dip into the 30s at night. Throughout the year, it's not unusual to see a drop of 30 to 40 degrees from day to night. Summers can be blisteringly hot, peaking in the low 100s and upper 90s.
As with any visit to a desert area, it's important to dress according to the season and pack extra water, sunscreen, layers, and backup supplies in case of emergency if you plan to head outside of Yucca Valley into the Mojave for recreation or exploration. Be sure to check the weather in advance to aid your planning.
Yucca Valley's changeable seasons mean that you can enjoy endless recreational variety whenever you visit. In winter, you can enjoy winter sports in Big Bear. Spring is prime wildflower season, summer is the best time to see the Milky Way in the desert night sky, and fall is perfect for climbing.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Yucca Valley, CA:
Yucca Valley, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Yucca Valley, CA. Browse these charts to calculate the least expensive time period to stay in Yucca Valley for any future trips.
What are the luxury hotels near Yucca Valley, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: $143.93
If you are looking for luxury accommodations to welcome you after a day in the desert sun, you will find an upscale escape at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs, located about 18 miles from Yucca Valley in Cathedral City. This four-star golf resort makes a stay in the desert feel more like a luxurious oasis, especially when you are cooling down at the outdoor pool. If you're a climber, hiker, or a biker, you'll certainly appreciate the full-service spa's fine massages and body treatments.
Golfers can, of course, hit the resort course while other members of the family enjoy a game of tennis on the courts. If you prefer to relax, you can do so on your private balcony or patio while you enjoy room service, or head down to one of two on-site restaurants, or sip a cocktail at the poolside bar. Throughout your stay, you can log on to the complimentary Wi-Fi and a concierge stands ready to assist with anything you could need.
What are the budget hotels in Yucca Valley, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: $120.20
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites - Joshua Tree National Park in Yucca Valley offers incomparable budget hotel rates and convenience with unexpected charm. Individually decorated guest rooms delight guests with playful themes in select room layouts, including romantic honeymoon suites, though more traditional decor is available according to your preference.
The in-room fridge, microwave, flat-screen television, and complimentary Wi-Fi come in handy for hikers who just want to heat up a quick and casual meal in their room. Guests also enjoy access to an outdoor pool and spa tub and daily complimentary continental breakfast service. If you plan to stay a while, you can visit the laundry facilities to freshen up your gear before hitting the road again.
2 Star Average Prices: $112.74
What are the best hotels in Yucca Valley, CA for discounts?
The discounted rates you'll find at Super 8 by Wyndham Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree National Park Area may just astonish you, particularly when you consider that this hotel already boasts very low rates. Somehow, this hotel manages to offer long stay discounts and reduced rates to seniors, AAA members, military, and government service members, yet never compromises quality. All guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access and a free daily continental breakfast service. Microwaves are available in room by request.
What are the best value hotels in Yucca Valley, CA?
The Best Western Joshua Tree Hotel and Suites is Yucca Valley's standout value hotel. Guests give this property high marks for its comprehensive amenities, including a fitness center, outdoor pool, and free breakfast service, as well as its pet-friendly policy. The spacious, well-appointed rooms come with a lounge chair and ottoman for reading and relaxing, safes, desks, and LCD televisions.
Every box is checked here, from the private bathrooms stocked with complimentary toiletries to the free wireless internet access, business center, and 24-hour front desk. On-site parking is free, and when you stay at the Best Western Joshua Tree, you'll be just about 10 miles from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park while staying in Yucca Valley, CA?
Joshua Tree National Park is huge. This sprawling park spans more than 790,000 acres, so it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to know where to start. There are a few key sites you won't want to miss. Wherever you go in the park, you'll be likely to spot the iconic Joshua Tree, a yucca varietal that grows to tree size and is distinguished by its spiky leaf clusters.
Heading east from Yucca Valley, enter the park on the west side and stop at Intersection Rock and Arch Rock first. From here, you can embark on several trails and catch other neighboring landmarks like Old Woman Rock, a favorite spot for climbers. Hidden Valley lies across Park Boulevard and offers an excellent climb through the rocks, as well as picnic tables for dining, some boulders, and some of Joshua Tree's famed ancient trees.
Keys View offers one of the highest elevations in the park. At the corner of Keys View Road and Park Boulevard, you'll find the gravity-defying Cap Rock. Don't miss the Jumbo Rocks Area, where you'll find Skull Rock right off the road.
From the east side, drive down to Arch Rock, an iconic spot for picture taking and climbing in and around the surrounding winding trails. The Cholla Cactus Garden is also located on Highway 10 on the east side and makes the perfect spot to settle down and wait for one of Joshua Tree's legendary sunsets.
After a day of hiking, biking, and activity at the park, spend some time in downtown Joshua Tree at Highway 62 and Park Boulevard to enjoy live music, local dining, and entertainment. Few know that Joshua Tree is a creative haven where numerous artists and musicians ply their trade. The Joshua Tree Farmers Market, located off Highway 62 and held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., is well worth checking out as merchants are only allowed to sell locally made or locally grown items.
From Joshua Tree, it's just a short drive back to Yucca Valley. Given its convenience and affordability, it's easy to see why so many people choose to stay in Yucca Valley for a weekend nature retreat or active vacation destination to Joshua Tree National Park.
FAQs about hotels in Yucca Valley
How much does a cheap hotel in Yucca Valley cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Yucca Valley can be as cheap as $112.74 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Yucca Valley cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Yucca Valley has been $120.20 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in Yucca Valley cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Yucca Valley has been $143.93 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city of Yucca Valley
Below are reviews of the city of Yucca Valley, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Joshua Tree & Pioneer Town!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Joshua Tree and Pioneer Town!
Nowell P., from 26-Mar-2024
"Quiet"
Score
5.0 / 5
Quiet
Gilbert R., from 04-Apr-2023
"Good restaurants nearby."
Score
5.0 / 5
Good restaurants nearby.
Beullah A., from 11-Aug-2022
"Joshua Tree National Park"
Score
5.0 / 5
We used to live there and visited friends. The biggest attraction is Joshua Tree National Park.
Linda M., from 16-May-2022
"Beautiful"
Score
5.0 / 5
First time in the Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree area. Tremendous desert beauty. We also loved the local flavor and even took in a jazz performance. Wonderful farmer's market. The Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant across the street (Pho 85?) has excellent food and great service.
David D., from 14-Jan-2020
"Personable"
Score
4.0 / 5
As always in California, lovely people. Tom's Place Diner is fabulous, immaculately clean and tremendously good value.
Jeremy H., from 18-Apr-2014
The average traveler rating of the city of Yucca Valley, CA shown above is
4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews