The Best Wellness Retreats in Joshua Tree [2024]

Has stress taken over your life lately, putting you in desperate need of some time off? Given how fast-paced the world has gotten, you need a recharge! Well, we found the place where you can come back to your center and truly experience that ‘ahh-‘ moment without having a single worry lingering in your mind. 

Joshua Tree has always been the ultimate destination for everyone who wants to enjoy a little sunshine, relaxation, and some time to connect with themselves. So today, we will talk about the best Joshua Tree wellness retreats.

Why Joshua Tree? 

The Joshua Tree National Park in southern California is famous for its rugged rock formations and endless dunes that look majestic year-round. Some may know it because of the U2 album, but Joshua Tree is many’s favorite long weekend destination. But before we delve into the yoga practices, the energy healing, and the higher consciousness experience you can do here, let’s talk a bit about its location.

Joshua Tree was established as a national park in October 1994, spreading over 794k acres. The park is visited by more than 2.5 million people annually and is well-connected – meaning you can get there by car or plane.

People visit Joshua Tree National Park primarily for the—you guessed it—the ever-famous Joshua trees! However, there is a lot more to see and do. When you visit, you can enjoy fan palm oases, seasonal gardens of cholla and ocotillo, and massive rock formations. There is a certain serenity in the scenery you will witness that cannot be replaced with anything else.

The Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree

When looking for the best Joshua Tree wellness retreat, the first thing you need to check is your planned time of visit. Joshua Tree is located in the High Desert of California. If you are not a fan of the scorching temperatures, remember the best time to visit Joshua Tree is between March and May and later in the year between October and November. The park is still open throughout the year, but people find the temperatures most comfortable during the spring and fall.

Things To Do In Joshua Tree

There are a few must-do activities in Joshua Tree. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t miss, especially if this is your first visit!

Go Hiking

Whatever you do, we recommend you spend some time hiking, especially if you stay for a long weekend. There are a few hiking trails for you to discover there, among which you’ll find Arch Rock trail (best for beginners and about 1 hour long), Ryan Mountain (difficult, up to 3 hours long), Cap Rock Nature Trail (best for beginners, about half an hour long), and more.

Visit The Hidden Valley 

Explore the amazing Hidden Valley, as it is one of the most picturesque areas of the park. It resembles a bowl due to the giant boulders from its outer perimeter, and you’ll find all kinds of desert flora around the valley.

Go For A Walk On The Skull Rock Trail

We decided to mention this one because it is an amazing walking trail. It is easy to moderate, and you can complete it at an average pace within an hour. What separates it from the rest is the unique rock formations you pass by resemble skulls. Also, this trail is fantastic for anyone who wants to complete it with young children, as it is friendly for all ages.

Keys View 

This vantage point offers a breathtaking panoramic view of nature on a clear day. On a rare occasion, you may even see Signal Mountain in Mexico.

Places To Stay and Wellness Retreats in Joshua Tree

Now that you have the 101 on the national park, we’re moving on to the fantastic Joshua Tree wellness retreats. If you are looking for the best places to stay so you can elevate your consciousness, here is a list of our favorites. We’ve also included wellness programs where you can participate and experience the magic of Joshua Tree firsthand.

Desert Reset 

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If you are looking for a special place for a personal retreat to enjoy good spiritual practice and the nature of the Mojave desert, this is the perfect option. The Desert Reset spiritual retreat experience can pull you away from the stress of your everyday life and immerse you in a world of self-realization. The team there can help you join this wellness retreat and connect with yourself again.

The Joshua Tree Retreat Center

This is a gem in Joshua Tree, and students from the Institute of Mentalphysics mostly visit The Joshua Tree Retreat Center. However, once it started getting attention for its serene ambiance, it became very popular for all those who seek peace and solitude. The organic architecture only elevates spiritual practices, making this the perfect energy-healing space.

Cactus Moon 

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Just a 15-minute drive from the town of Yucca Valley, Cactus Moon can provide you with connection, restoration, and peace—and isn’t that what you need? This cute Airbnb is the ultimate destination for all who want to nourish your body and soul. Relax, unwind, daily yoga, and enjoy the wellness classes.

Gaia Villa 

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This is the best choice if you want to partake in a wellness retreat that will exceed your expectations. The space is magical, and the concept behind Gaia Villa is that the energy you share, which comes from your elevated well-being, is why you can create a better connection with yourself and the people around you. Gaia is the name of the goddess personified as Mother Earth, hence the name of this exceptional place.

Dedicate some time for yourself, and invest in your well-being by visiting the best wellness retreats in Joshua Tree. As you can see, there is a lot to do there, but the focus is always on keeping yourself rested, relaxed, and happy. Once you return home, you can take on life’s challenges with new-found vigor!

Book your stay at one of these incredible places, and if you liked what you read, check out the rest of our wellness travel posts.