A practical day trip: Joshua Tree or Salton Sea — choose one
Choose Joshua Tree for a practical, half-day-to-full-day outdoors trip from Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs — it’s roughly a 40–45 minute drive to the West Entrance and offers short hikes and iconic rock formations that fit a single day. The Salton Sea is feasible but farther (about 1 hour 15 minutes each way) and suits travelers who want a longer, more out-there excursion with birding and roadside art.
In this guide
- Which is closer and why it matters
- Quick practical itinerary for Joshua Tree (recommended)
- Quick practical itinerary for the Salton Sea
- Who in your group this suits (family vs adult travelers)
- What to pack and safety notes
- After the day trip: return to Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs
- Timing and weather considerations by season
Which is closer and why it matters
Joshua Tree National Park’s West Entrance is roughly 37–40 miles from Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs and usually takes about 45 minutes by car, making it easy to reach for a morning departure and an afternoon return.
The Salton Sea area (including Salvation Mountain and Slab City) is farther — plan about 65 miles and roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. That extra driving makes the Salton Sea better for travelers who want a longer, full-day outing or who don’t mind more time on the road.
- Joshua Tree: ~37–40 miles, ~45 minutes (good for half- to full-day trips)
- Salton Sea: ~65 miles, ~1 hour 15 minutes (better as a full-day with more driving time)
| Destination | Approx. one-way drive time from Ace Hotel |
|---|---|
| Joshua Tree (West Entrance) | About 45 minutes |
| Salton Sea / Salvation Mountain | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
Quick practical itinerary for Joshua Tree (recommended)
Suggested timing: leave Ace around 8:00–9:00 AM to arrive before midday heat, do 1–3 short hikes or viewpoint stops, and be back at the hotel by late afternoon. Popular short stops near the West Entrance include Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and the short rock-scramble sections at Cap Rock.
Parking and cell service can be limited inside the park; bring water, sun protection, and good shoes. If you prefer an easier day, plan one main walk (45–90 minutes) and spend the rest of the time driving the park’s scenic spots and taking photos.
- Leave: 8:00–9:00 AM
- Stops: Hidden Valley (short loop), Barker Dam (historic/wildlife), Cap Rock (photography)
- Bring: 1+ liter water per person, hat, sunscreen, layered clothing
| Activity | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Drive to West Entrance | 45 minutes |
| Short hike / viewpoint | 45–90 minutes each |
| Return to Ace Hotel | 45 minutes |
Quick practical itinerary for the Salton Sea
Expect longer driving and a different experience: wetlands, birding, and roadside installations like Salvation Mountain. Plan to leave early, pack food or plan one simple restaurant stop on the way, and allow time for wandering and photography.
Because the Salton Sea is lower elevation and can be windy, check current conditions before you go. Cell coverage and services vary; bring extra water and snacks, and be prepared for very limited facilities in some spots.
- Leave: 7:00–8:00 AM for a relaxed day
- Main stops: Salvation Mountain, areas along the Sea for birding and photo ops
- Bring: water, sturdy shoes, layers, insect repellent
| Activity | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Drive to Salton Sea | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Explore Salvation Mountain / shoreline | 1–3 hours |
| Return to Ace Hotel | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
Who in your group this suits (family vs adult travelers)
Joshua Tree is well suited to families with older children and to general outdoor groups because many trail options are short and accessible; keep in mind Palm Springs heat and pack accordingly. The hotel’s Commune Pool is open to all ages if you want a family-friendly pool on return, while the Main Pool is 18+.
The Salton Sea appeals to travelers interested in birding, photography or offbeat roadside culture; it requires more time on the road and fewer convenient facilities, so it’s a better match for adults or families prepared for a longer, less structured day.
- Families with younger kids: Joshua Tree (short loops, easier logistics)
- Teen groups or adult-only: Either works, but Salton Sea needs more driving tolerance
- Hotel pools: Commune Pool (all ages) — a good way to cool off after either outing
| Group type | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| Families with kids | Joshua Tree |
| Birders / photographers | Salton Sea |
| Short outing / low-drive tolerance | Joshua Tree |
What to pack and safety notes
Essentials for either trip: sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes, refillable water bottles, sunglasses, a basic first-aid kit, and a printed map or downloaded offline map since service can be spotty. Avoid hiking in midday heat in summer; mornings are safer and more comfortable.
For Joshua Tree specifically, bring layered clothing and be mindful of wildlife and fragile desert plants. For the Salton Sea, expect lower elevation heat and possible strong winds — secure lightweight items in your vehicle and carry extra water and snacks.
- Navigation: offline maps or downloaded routes
- Hydration: 1–2 liters per person for half-day, more for hot weather
- Other: sun protection, snacks, camera, cash for small vendors
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Plenty of water | Desert heat and limited services |
| Sun protection | Strong sun exposure in both locations |
| Offline map / printed directions | Spotty cell coverage in park and Salton Sea area |
After the day trip: return to Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs
After a day outside, rinse off at the hotel: the property has outdoor showers and poolside cabanas if you want to lounge. If you need a room with extra space to stretch, consider booking a Superior Suite or a Superior Room with multiple beds; the hotel also offers Deluxe Room options.
Dinner options on site include King’s Highway for a casual meal or The Amigo Room for an evening cocktail (The Amigo Room serves guests of legal drinking age). The hotel’s pools remain open to registered guests daily from 7am to 2am.
- Rooms to consider after a long day: Superior Suite, Superior Room, Deluxe Room
- On-site dining: King’s Highway (breakfast–dinner) and The Amigo Room (cocktails)
- Pools: Commune Pool (all ages) and Main Pool (18+)
| On-site option | Typical use after trip |
|---|---|
| King’s Highway | Casual dinner and coffee |
| The Amigo Room | Evening cocktails and live music |
| Commune Pool | Family-friendly evening swim |
Timing and weather considerations by season
Best general months for outdoor day trips from Palm Springs are late October through early May; spring offers warm days and cool nights. Summer months can be extremely hot — July and August see very high daytime temperatures and are low season for visitors.
If you travel in winter, expect sunny days with cool nights — pack a sweater for after-sunset. For either destination, check local conditions before you go and adjust start times to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Best months for comfort: late October–early May
- Summer (June–September): expect very high daytime temperatures
- Start early in hot months to avoid midday heat
| Season | Advice |
|---|---|
| Spring / Fall | Ideal for both destinations |
| Winter | Mild days, cool nights; layer up for evening |
| Summer | High heat — start very early or consider shorter outings |
