A Day Trip to Joshua Tree: Roadside Finds, BBQ Stops & EV Vibes

If you’re the kind of traveler who gets just as excited about quirky roadside shops and good BBQ as you do about stunning landscapes and national parks, buckle up.

We took a little detour on our way to Optima Unplugged—an annual electric vehicle event held during King of the Hammers race week in Johnson Valley, CA. Since we were already heading out from the West Valley of Phoenix, we figured… why not make it a mini road trip and visit Joshua Tree National Park along the way?

First Stop: Quartzsite, AZ – Roadside Treasures & Random Delights

We hit the road around 9 or 10 AM, and our first pitstop was in Quartzsite, Arizona to give our Rivian a little juice and ourselves a leg stretch and restroom break. Normally, this town is ghostly quiet when we roll through—think tumbleweeds, one sleepy gas station, and 3 fast food stops lined up—but this time? The place was alive.

Picture this: rows of little roadside stands, booths full of everything you want and never buy and everything you didn’t know you needed until you saw it. Wire-and-rock yard art animals? Check. Blankets, gemstones, hand-painted masks, flags, tapestries? Yep. Quartzsite is known for its gem and mineral shows, and even had scenes from Nomadland filmed here—so yeah, it’s got layers if your intrested. But, we have yet to explore beyond the two block radius where we stop to charge.

Second Stop: Rebel BBQ in Blythe, CA – Come for the Sandwich, Stay for the Sauce

About 90 minutes later, lunchtime hit. We pulled into Rebel BBQ in Blythe, California, and let me just say this: as a BBQ lover who’s seen all kinds of smoke and grill setups—from Texas to backyard “I-just-threw-some-things-on” gatherings—I walk into BBQ joints with cautious optimism.

I ordered the brisket sandwich on a bun, but if your in a go big or go home kind of mood you can opt for a hoagie instead of a bun. My husband went for the tri-tip sandwich on a bun, plus a shareable basket of sweet potato fries. The meat? Tender and flavorful. The bread? Toasted perfection. The sauces? Two options—regular and spicy (go spicy if you like a little added flavor without too much heat). Overall, it was tasty, well-priced, and worth pulling off the I-10 for.

Main Attraction: Joshua Tree National Park – More Than Just Trees

We rejoined the highway and made our way into Joshua Tree National Park through the Cottonwood Visitor Center entrance. Now, let me be real with you: if you’re expecting to see a sea of Joshua Trees immediately upon entry, you might have the same reaction I did—confused, underwhelmed, and wondering if you accidentally pulled into the wrong park.

But give it time.

Because then the vastness hits you. The kind that makes you quiet, reflective, grateful. Towering boulders, funky Joshua Trees, Yucca plants doing their twisty thing. Nature’s architecture on full display. You don’t just see it—you feel it. The kind of place that makes you whisper, “Okay, God. I see what You did here.”

If you only do one thing in the park, drive up to Keys View Road Lookout. The views? Unbelievable. The kind of place where photos will never do it justice, but you take 100 anyway.

We easily spent 2-3 hours cruising, stopping at scenic pull-offs, and just being present in the stillness of it all. If you’re wondering if Joshua Tree is worth the trip—the answer is a resounding yes.

1 of 100 Pics Taken at Keys View Road Lookout

Bonus Stop: Rivian Adventure Network Charging Station – Recharge in Style

After exiting the park, we made our way to the Rivian Adventure Network Charging Outpost in Joshua Tree, CA. And y’all—it was fancy. I’m talking:

• Complimentary coffe and water, drinks, snacks & merch for purchase

• A clean, modern lounge area

• Sparkling restrooms

• A mini obstacle course for kids

• Friendly staff who’ll chat, help, or even demo another EV for curious cats like us

This was not your average pit stop. EV road trip perks at their finest.

Final Rest: Field Station Joshua Tree – A Motel That’s a Whole Mood

Last stop of the day: Field Station Joshua Tree Hotel in Yucca Valley. Now, I’ll admit—at first glance, we pulled up and gave each other that “Uh oh... did we just book a motel?” look. The doors face the parking lot. The vibes are very “roadside rest.”

But then we stepped inside.

Clean, well-designed rooms. Inviting outdoor common areas with fire pits, cornhole, bocce ball, string lights, picnic tables—all the cozy touches that make you want to linger a little longer. They call themselves a “hotel for adventurers,” and honestly? It fits.

TL;DR – A Joshua Tree Day Trip Recap

If you're in Phoenix and need a quick escape, a day trip to Joshua Tree is an easy, nature-filled reset. Here’s the rough itinerary recap:

• Start in Phoenix (West Valley) around 9 AM

• Stop 1: Quartzsite for charging & shopping

• Stop 2: Rebel BBQ in Blythe for lunch

• Main Event: Joshua Tree National Park via Cottonwood entrance

• Optional Bonus: Charge at Rivian Adventure Outpost

• Overnight Stay: Field Station Joshua Tree

  
  

You could do it all and still make it home by 10/11 PM—but staying overnight lets you soak in every last drop of that desert peace before camping, hiking, or heading back to your daily chaos.

Let’s Chat:

Got any budget-friendly road trip ideas or hidden gems we should check out next? Drop them in the comments or shoot me a message—because life is short, and joy doesn’t have to be expensive.

“Start Living. The days are flying by and all you do is work, pay bills, and stress. Enjoy what you can—walks, sunsets, music, laughter. Joy doesn’t have to be expensive. You deserve it.” – Wise family group chat wisdom

📌 Save this post for your next Southwest adventure💬 Send to a road trip buddy who’s overdue for a getaway📷 Tag me if you visit Joshua Tree—I want to see your favorite stops!

Stay tuned for my next post: The City Mouse Goes Camping—Why I Packed 13-in-1 pocket knife, hygiene wipes, and granola bars. 😉