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If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable photo spots in Joshua Tree you’ve come to the right place! This spot in California has beauty around every corner and is just begging to be photographed. In this blog we’ll share all the best spots we found during our amazing day trip to Joshua Tree National Park so that you can get the best insta shots when you visit.
We also put location, GPS coordinates and tips on everything we post on Instagram @LoveHardTravelOften so make sure to follow along and “Save” those posts to refer back to!
1. With a Joshua Tree (the most iconic Joshua Tree photo spot)
Of course the most iconic Joshua Tree photo spot is by the famous Joshua Tree. There are tons and tons of these trees lining the main road of the park (I mean let’s be real – it wasn’t named after this tree for nothing!). However, we found our favorite trees along the main road between the West Entrance Station and Jumbo Rocks. No two Joshua Trees are the same, though, so as you drive along just look for one you think looks photogenic.
2. Along the main road in the park
There’s no denying that Joshua Tree is the perfect place to grab that perfect road Instagram shot. Almost anywhere along the main road in the park is a great place to try this shot but we took ours around here.
Do note, though, to be extremely cautious while attempting this shot. We went on a weekday and shot this late in the day, so there were very few cars. Even then we had two other people helping us look both ways while we were shooting.
3. Along the Hidden Valley trail (best hiking photo spots in Joshua Tree)
The Hidden Valley loop trail is not only one of the best hikes in the park, but it’s also one of the best photo spots in Joshua Tree. Along the hike there are plenty of Joshua Trees to take photos by, as well as insane rock formations that serve as the perfect backdrop!
Even the entrance of the hike is a perfect place to snap a picture because of the dramatic golden rocks surrounding it! This hike is all-around super photogenic and doesn’t require much effort. It is a 1 mile loop and including all of our photo stops it took less than 1 hour.
4. Keys View (top viewpoint photo spot in Joshua Tree)
At an elevation of 5,185 feet, Keys View viewpoint is an amazing Joshua Tree photo spot. From this point you can see the San Andreas Fault, the Salton Sea and even as far as the US-Mexico border!
You can drive to this viewpoint and it’s the perfect place for both portrait and landscape photography.
>> Check out our 2020 Travel Photography Gear! Do note that drones are not allowed inside Joshua Tree.
5. Joshua Tree welcome sign
Did you even go if you didn’t get a picture by the welcome sign? While we didn’t see a “Welcome to Joshua Tree National Park”, the “Welcome to Joshua Tree” sign is certainly worth a stop. The sign is right along Highway 62 after going through Yucca Valley. The GPS coordinates for the sign are 34.134750, -116.366589.
>> Check out our custom Lightroom Presets that will make your photos come to life in 1-click!
6. Cholla Cactus Garden
Before this trip I’m not sure I would’ve put cacti on a “most instagrammable” list, but boy did this place change my mind! The Cholla Cactus Garden has more cacti than I’ve ever seen in my life and is certainly one of the best Joshua Tree photo spots. While it’s probably beautiful at all times of day, at sunset this place is breathtaking!
7. Skull Rock
There are hundreds (maybe thousands!) of impressive rock formations through the park and we loved playing the game where you come up with what you think the rock looks like. However, Skull Rock leaves very little to the imagination! This rock that resembles a human skull is definitely a park favorite, and one of the most Instagrammable spots in Joshua Tree!
>> Also read: Death Valley’s Most Instagrammable Places!
8. Arch Rock
Photo credit: @leajayd via Instagram
While we didn’t have time to photograph #8-10 during our day trip to the park, they are still some of the best photo spots in Joshua Tree! Arch Rock is such an iconic photo spot in the park and we were so bummed to miss it. This place looks stunning to photograph at any time of day and is definitely worth prioritizing during your trip.
9. Barker Dam
Photo credit: @haeunsunny via Instagram
Barker Dam is a 1-mile loop trail in the park that is similar to the Hidden Valley loop trail. The reflections here look insane and it’s definitely one of the most picturesque places in Joshua Tree. According to the park rangers this is also one of the best spots in the park to spot wildlife, which would be super neat to catch on camera.
Tip: before you enter the park, check with a park ranger at the visitor center to see if there is still water in the dam. Apparently certain times of year it is dried up and that could be a bummer.
10. Under the stars
Photo credit: @carsonburkee via Instagram
Joshua Tree is the perfect place for nighttime photography. On a clear night you can capture the most beautiful silhouettes and stars from the park. Plus, good news, even if you aren’t camping you can still photograph the stars since the park gates are open 24/7!
Map of the Joshua Tree Photo Spots
Here is a handy map of the best Joshua Tree Photo Spots! You can click the Star next to the map name to save it to your Google Maps as a reference!
Ready to up your photography game?
Check out our online photography course where we teach everything from posing to camera settings to editing in Lightroom! Also take a look at the camera & gear we use as full-time bloggers and Instagrammers.
Want to edit like us? Check out our Lightroom Presets (custom photo filters) that will make editing SO easy. All you need is the free Lightroom Mobile app and a camera phone to get started!
Read next
Make sure to read our Joshua Tree Day Trip blog before you go! It’s jam packed with everything you need to know before visiting and the best 1-day park itinerary.
Other California must-reads:
We hope your trip to Joshua Tree is the most Instagrammable trip yet! Happy Traveling!
Kylie & Scott
(Want to know more? Comment below! And make sure to follow along on Instagram @LoveHardTravelOften for daily travel and photo tips!)
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I truly cannot wait to go back to the states and back to Joshua Tree, which won my heart over years ago, and find these spots!!
I have many pictures of these places, but it was before I upped my photography game and came across your tips and your course (and lightroom presets).
And yes, the night sky there is like no other!!😍😍 You guys are such an inspiration in so many ways!!❤
Aww thanks so much girl!! Going back with a new eye for photography will be so fun!! ❤️❤️