Keys View
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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- Grover RPensacola, Florida22,483 contributionsMagical at Sunset - Lives up to and Exceeds the HypeKeys View is one of the highest spots in the park on top of the Little San Bernardino Mountain range that overlooks the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs, including the active San Andreas fault. It has great views of both the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains, including the snowcapped pillars of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, two of most prominent mountains in North America. For all of these reasons, it is a top draw and an amazing view any time of day. However, at sunset, it is truly magical. We visited shortly after entering the park in the late afternoon. It is a 40 minute ride from the Cholla Garden but we made it in time for an incredible sunset in the clouds. The colors are spectacular and despite massive crowds, there are places you can take pictures that give the impression you are all alone in the park. Speaking of parking that may be the toughest thing to do here. You can see the view from the parking lot, but a slight uphill walk will lead you to the best views. Still parking at sunset is crowded. We were fortunate to get the last parking place by the restrooms and have our friends double park behind us. Also know that in the spring, it can be cool and windy here. You will notice after short sleeves in the Cholla, we were bundled with gloves here. This one of those things that can appear to be overhyped before coming that lives up to and exceeds expectations. Be sure to come here on your visit and try to plan for it to be sunset.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 5, 2024
- Lady GigglemugMonrovia, California5,023 contributionsExpansive views along an easy pathDefinitely a must-see stop if you’re visiting Joshua Tree. The views are expansive and impressive and you get to see the infamous San Andreas fault, as well as the Coachella Valley and all the way to the Salton Sea! There are several mountain ranges creating the valley which makes for some really beautiful vistas. There’s a lone Joshua Tree right at the trail entrance too lol. At the top they have some interesting info signs on all the stuff you can see, light pollution and even a cool 3D map display. There are also some of those view-finding binoculars on stands for a closer look at the things way off in the distance (free). Apparently you can see all the way to Signal Mountain in Mexico on a very clear day - but according to the NPS, the air quality is rarely clear enough for that. It’s definitely a bit disturbing how hazy and smoggy it is sadly. The trail is a paved, very short loop at around 0.2 miles. It’s definitely handicap accessible but there’s quite a bit of incline so assistance may be needed for the main loop trail. But there’s another dedicated handicap accessible viewpoint at the bottom of the hill which I thought was very considerate. There’s lots of paved parking and I didn’t have trouble finding a spot on any of my visits, even when it was packed. It’s a very popular spot and was packed most of the day - but I did get lucky early one weekend morning and had the place practically to myself so go early to avoid the horde lol. There are some bathrooms at the parking lot entrance - but they’re positively overrun with bees - even inside the toilet bowls so sit down at your own risk lol. There were warning signs about bee activity and there certainly were tons of them all over the place. Entry to the national park has a fee but there’s lots to see and do. They have plenty of visitors centers, other nearby bathrooms, and picnic spots. Cell and WiFi signal is very lacking in the park - plan ahead and download and offline maps you may need.Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten October 22, 2024
- zacharysoo244 contributionsStrong Gust of Wind at the TopThe view here was incredible! In the clear day, I could see very far from this vantage point. Just that the wind was very strong when we went there. I felt like my body was being swayed by the wind gust. Took some photos from the view point and left.Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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579 reviews
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ogol17
Joshua Tree, CA980 contributions
Apr 2021 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrumpyandtheOldLady
New York City, NY657 contributions
May 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnTheRoadAgain8180
Gardiner, ME405 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.
Cris H
Pittsburgh, PA901 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.
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, HI373 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, TX5,693 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, IA5,311 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, MN2,027 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.
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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