Keys View
Keys View, Joshua Tree National Park: Address, Phone Number, Keys View Reviews: 4.5/5
Keys View
4.5
About
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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Best nearby
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3 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
569 reviews
Excellent
341
Very good
187
Average
38
Poor
2
Terrible
1
ogol17
Joshua Tree, CA925 contributions
Solo
They say that during sunset the place is packed with visitors, so I came at 5:30 AM for the sunrise. It was SO worth it! Very few people, and the colors of the sky were unbelievable. Come at least 30 minutes before sunrise to enjoy the beauty of the changing sky colors.
Written April 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GrumpyandtheOldLady
New York City, NY457 contributions
I spent extra time driving to this location to hopefully see views of the Salton Sea and the San Andreas Fault. The peak was (nicely) very windy and the view was obscured by haze. This would have been fine, chalked up to timing, if not for a talkative Californian. He talked about what the area was like prior to development and how it was now. Pointing toward an area he stated was a row of very distant palm trees, he proudly stated that the water used to come bubbling up but it doesn't anymore because the aquifers were not refilling and that they now have 130 or so golf courses in Palm Springs, that the area was seeing lots of new development, and the water shortage was because of other states taking the water but it wouldn't affect them because those very aquifers would supply only them with water. Looking out over this vista, it was a sobering, terrible reality check. In more ways than one, this vista is perfect for seeing geological changes in what nature would consider warp speed. Despite the haze, the San Andreas Fault was still very visible and impressive. It was worth the drive.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OnTheRoadAgain8180
Gardiner, ME382 contributions
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.
Cris H
Toronto, Canada408 contributions
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.
Glenn M
San Francisco, CA963 contributions
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.
hilo88
Honolulu, HI354 contributions
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.
2 Girls & a Bikini
Chicago, IL356 contributions
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.
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,194 contributions
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.
joaniemaria
Eldridge, IA2,174 contributions
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.
Tom
Maple Grove, MN1,913 contributions
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.
2Mike
Delta, Canada10 contributions
What is the better campsite Black Rock or Indian Cove
kedalion1
Sheboygan, WI211 contributions
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).
ColdstreamCouple
Coldstream, Canada22 contributions
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?
Gretchen M
1 contribution
Which entrance to the park is closest to the key view drive?
rjhintz
Berkeley, CA240 contributions
West entrance, 17.8 miles. Next closest is North entrance, 20.4.
Bornmelton
Kintbury, UK7 contributions
Can I drive to Keys View in a small RV?
WelshFargo
London, Canada12 contributions
It's a 2 lane paved road, so, shouldn't be an issue.
Bornmelton
Kintbury, UK7 contributions
Can I drive to Keys View in a small RV?
plochez
Lafayette, CA458 contributions
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keys View
- We recommend booking Keys View tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Keys View tours on Tripadvisor
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