Events & Local Secrets

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Local Secrets

Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

A wildly unique Pioneertown bar & grill known for its live concerts and interesting history. In the 1940s, this pioneer village was built by a group of Hollywood investors aspiring to create an authentic 1870’s frontier town for western films. Widely known as an indie rock favorite venue, Pappy & Harriet's has featured well known bands the likes of Robert Plant, Kings of Leon and Vampire Weekend.

https://www.pappyandharriets.com/calendar/

Exploring the Chasm of Doom

The Chasm of Doom is a cave structure located in the Hidden Valley area that climbs roughly hundred feet from the ground. It doesn’t require any technical rock climbing skills or equipment, but you do have to do some scrambling, crawling and squeezing (possibly more than what you may be accustomed to). It's the quintessential J-tree daytime adventure, but I wouldn't recommend to anyone with claustrophobia issues.

Check out our special feature: Finding & Conquering the Chasm of Doom

Real Native American Petroglyphs

Indian Cave paintings still exist and are well preserved in several areas throughout the park. The most prevalent example is well advertised and located right off the Barker Dam trail (sadly, the original markings have been traced over). The location of the rest are kept as a tight lipped secret by the few who know, out of fear of vandalism. The well-known SW blogger, Death Valley Jim, explains his treasure hunt for one specific heavily decorated cave in more detail, but is cryptic about its location himself. If you're up to the adventure, you may want to take a stab at finding it!

Indian Cave a.k.a. "Hidden Cave" Pictographs (Joshua Tree National Park)

2018 Events

Photo credit: Joshua Tree Music Festival

Sky's the Limit Observatory Events in 29 Palms - Year around

Just outside the Twentynine Palms park entrance is the Sky’s the Limit HQ, a nonprofit observatory and nature center that offers night sky observation parties almost every Saturday night.

Sky's the Limit Observatory - Homepage and Events Calendar

Joshua Tree Music Festival - May 17-20 / October 4-7

Spiritual & eclectic music and art installation festival with burning man vibes held twice a year outside JTNP.

http://www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com/

KCRW Presents: Desert Stars Festival - September (TBA)

KCRW sponsored indie rock music festival held at the famous Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace. It's an incredible venue, and this is one of the biggest events they hold throughout the year.

http://www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com/

Climb Smart - Mid October (TBA)

Photo credit: NPS.gov - Night Sky Festival

Annual three day climbing event taught by pros. I haven't been, but for $150, you get three days of climbing, instruction, meals, camping and entertainment. Tickets are capped at the first 400 people who sign up--looks like it 's worth looking into.

http://www.friendsofjosh.org/tag/climb-smart/

Joshua Tree Night Sky Festival - November (TBA)

A highly popular weekend-long night sky viewing extravaganza. Family friendly and sponsored by the National Park Service, you'll find model rocket building/launching events during the day and an impressive telescope viewing experience at night. This event is free but usually crowded, so you'll need to plan ahead.

https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/night-sky-festival.htm