Keys View
4.5
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A lookout point located a couple of thousand feet above Joshua Tree National Park that provides incredible views of sunrise and sunset.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
577 reviews
Excellent
347
Very good
189
Average
38
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Cris H
Pittsburgh, PA547 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
The drive up is easy and the walk to the lookout is easy as well. It was very windy the day that I was there and because the barriers are quite low it did not feel safe. I was worried that some really strong gusts of wind might blow me over the edge. View is beautiful but also very hazy from the pollution it’s definitely worth a stop
Written February 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnTheRoadAgain8180
Gardiner, ME408 contributions
Mar 2022
Keys View is the best view in Joshua Tree, with a clear view of the Salton Sea in one direction and Palm Springs in the other, as well as the surrounding mountains (San Jacinto, etc.). It's a relatively short drive in and out, and the parking is pretty good. Based on the heavy parking at Hidden Valley, I'm guessing some folks don't take the time to see Keys View, which is a big mistake in my opinion.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GLM
San Francisco, CA1,025 contributions
Jan 2021
This is a spot touted for views at sunset, but that will depend a great deal on conditions. Smog from the LA area tends to drift into Joshua Tree National Park and can produce abundant haze. If you hit it right, you'll be treated to spectacular views.
Written January 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hilo88
Honolulu, HI364 contributions
Mar 2022
If you are at Joshua Tree, this is a must stop. While it is a little bit of a detour from the main loop road, it is definitely worth the extra time. You do one short loop trail (more of a walk really as it’s really short and be aware that goes uphill then comes back downhill). The views are gorgeous on both sides. One side overlooks high above Joshua Trees and the other side at mountains and a desert basin.
One tip: bring a light jacket (even in March). It can be quite windy and cold. I have also been here in January and it was COLD.
One tip: bring a light jacket (even in March). It can be quite windy and cold. I have also been here in January and it was COLD.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Girls & a Bikini
Chicago, IL367 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
We drove from Palm Springs to experience the sunset and it was well worth it! Watch the sky turn colors as the sun sets over the mountains. It was amazing to watch.
Get there early to get yourself a seat and get comfortable. Bring a blanket to sit on (or wrap up in).
Get there early to get yourself a seat and get comfortable. Bring a blanket to sit on (or wrap up in).
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,691 contributions
Apr 2021
On a clear day, Keys View provides a spectacular panoramic vista of the Coachella Valley. Unfortunately, thanks to pollution, it is not unusual for the view to be hazy. It was also cloudy when we visited. No matter, it was still beautiful. The lookout point is easy to access, just a short uphill walk on a paved path. The large parking lot is an indication of how popular this spot is. You may or may not have a crisp view, but considering how easy it is to drive here, Keys View is worth a stop.
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joaniemaria
Eldridge, IA5,077 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
We stopped and waited to park because it was full. It is a short walk to the scenic overlook. You can see all the way to the Salton Sea, mountains, and Palm Springs from the overlook. It is a beautiful view and worth stopping and doing the shirt hike.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom
Maple Grove, MN2,032 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
Well worth the drive to the end of the road. Fantastic views of the valley, from Palm Springs far south to a mountain near the US-Mexico border. Amazing vista on a mostly clear day.
Written December 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juanita W
110 contributions
Feb 2022
Very easy drive to the top. With the wind and cold, we made this a quick stop. The views were great and clearly marked. The day we visited it was clear enough to see the Salton Sea and Mexico (we think).
Written February 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geof J
Germantown, WI491 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is a great spot, easily accessible with great views of the valley, cities and the Salton Sea. The drive up is pleasant. There is a short paved trail to the main viewpoint that is a bit steep but easily doable. Take a little time and enjoy the view. Best views would be when there is little haze but it is cool anytime
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the better campsite Black Rock or Indian Cove
Written January 27, 2017
Anywhere but Jumbo Rocks. Some people may not mind it, but there is a continual flow of cars driving through, people asking if they would mind if they pitched their tent on your site because the campsite is full, people wandering around on the rocks behind you... it's WAY better to go to the smaller campsites where there is not so much of this craziness (in my opinion).
Written March 14, 2017
William has piqued my interest in understanding his experience that resulted in his comments. What specific tips to visitors should be heeded beyond visiting the visitor info centre?
Written January 16, 2016
Which entrance to the park is closest to the key view drive?
Written December 27, 2015
West entrance, 17.8 miles. Next closest is North entrance, 20.4.
Written May 19, 2016
Can I drive to Keys View in a small RV?
Written March 2, 2015
It's a 2 lane paved road, so, shouldn't be an issue.
Written March 8, 2015
Can I drive to Keys View in a small RV?
Written March 2, 2015
Yes you can. It has a large parking lot. Just be sure to turn off your A/C before arriving and park away from other cars to lessen the possibility of aggressive bees surrounding your vehicle.
Written September 6, 2016
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