Keys View
Iconic viewpoint in Joshua Tree National Park offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Keys View
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic viewpoint in Joshua Tree National Park offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault.
"The views are absolutely beautiful, as you can see in the photos!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Aim for 45 mins before sunset to snag parking & best spots. Weekdays are less crowded!
🧥 Pack a Windbreaker
It gets windy and chilly here, even in summer evenings. Layers are key!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coachella Valley Vista
Main overlook
Witness the vast Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, and the San Andreas Fault from this iconic viewpoint.
San Andreas Fault Line
Overlook area
Gaze upon the dramatic geological scar of the San Andreas Fault, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Salton Sea Horizon
Eastern view
On clear days, spot the distant shimmering expanse of the Salton Sea stretching towards the horizon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Dress for the Desert Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Aim for 45 mins before sunset to snag parking & best spots. Weekdays are less crowded!
🧥 Pack a Windbreaker
It gets windy and chilly here, even in summer evenings. Layers are key!
🐝 Bee Aware
You might encounter bees near parking. They're usually harmless, but be mindful.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
No cell service here! Ensure your maps are downloaded before you arrive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Aim for 45 mins before sunset to snag parking & best spots. Weekdays are less crowded!
🧥 Pack a Windbreaker
It gets windy and chilly here, even in summer evenings. Layers are key!
🐝 Bee Aware
You might encounter bees near parking. They're usually harmless, but be mindful.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
No cell service here! Ensure your maps are downloaded before you arrive.
♿ Accessible Viewing
There's a handicap viewing area before the main parking lot for easier access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Keys View for its spectacular, panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and distant Salton Sea. Many recommend visiting for sunset, though crowds can be significant. Some note the presence of bees and the need for layers due to wind.
"Beautiful place to see! Relaxing and nice scenery but lots of bees! As soon as we parked our car and stepped out we got swarmed with bees! They did not sting but not sure why they were surrounding the vehicles and us when we were near the vehicles."
PangChee Vang
"I definitely recommend visiting this spot before sunset. Don’t forget to bring a windbreaker or jacket - it can get windy and chilly even during summer evenings.
The spot has its own designated parking area, so no need to worry about finding a place to park.
The views are absolutely beautiful, as you can see in the photos!
We visited in June. 2025 and arrived at Joshua Tree after 5 PM. Surprisingly, we didn’t have to pay an entry fee - there was no one at the checkpoint selling tickets. I’m not sure why, but just a quick tip in case you’re visiting around the same time!"
Nemanja Zdravkovic
"Keys view HAS to be one of your stops in Joshua Tree. you can see the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, and as far as the Salton Sea. there are plenty of parking spots but because of how many people go to visit, it could be a challenge getting one on the weekends. there is quite a steep hill you'll need to go up if you want to get to the best view but you can see plenty from the parking area and they even have a handicap viewing area for people with mobility issues and even the blind which can be found before driving into the Keys View parking area"
Claire Martinez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Keys View is located in the southern part of Joshua Tree National Park. Follow Park Boulevard and then turn onto Keys View Road. The drive itself offers scenic desert landscapes. 
Keys View is primarily a viewpoint with a parking area. While there's a short, steep hill to the best vantage point, much of the spectacular scenery is visible directly from the parking area and accessible viewing spots.
Yes, you can drive directly to Keys View. The road is well-maintained and leads to a dedicated parking lot.
Keys View is located within Joshua Tree National Park, which has an entrance fee. However, some visitors have reported not having to pay during off-peak hours or seasons.
From the West Entrance (Joshua Tree Village), it takes approximately 45-60 minutes to drive to Keys View. From the South Entrance (near Indio), it's about 30-40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Keys View is inside Joshua Tree National Park, so a park entrance pass is required. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
Keys View is accessible whenever Joshua Tree National Park is open, which is typically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, it's best visited during daylight hours for the views.
No, there is no separate fee for Keys View. The standard Joshua Tree National Park entrance fee covers access to all areas within the park, including Keys View.
Park entrance fees are generally non-refundable. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure parking.
Joshua Tree National Park offers various passes, including annual passes and passes for seniors and military. Check the official NPS website for current pricing and eligibility.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is incredibly popular for photography due to the dramatic lighting. Golden hour before sunset also provides beautiful, soft light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant features. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park. Please check the National Park Service regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
The main overlook offers the most comprehensive view. For slightly different perspectives, explore the paved paths around the parking area.
Be mindful of other visitors, especially during sunset. The sun can be intense, so protect your eyes and camera gear.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
From Keys View, you can see the vast Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, the San Andreas Fault, and on clear days, the Salton Sea.
Keys View can get very crowded, especially during sunset and on weekends. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help avoid the largest crowds. +1
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Keys View parking area.
Yes, there is a designated handicap viewing area that provides excellent views without requiring strenuous walking.
The weather can vary. It can be hot and sunny during the day, but it often gets windy and cooler in the late afternoon and evening, even in summer.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for kids, consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the largest crowds and the intense late-afternoon sun. The relatively short drive from the park entrance makes it an easy addition to a family's itinerary. Pack layers for comfort, as desert evenings can cool down quickly.
📸 Photographers
+1For those looking to capture the best of the sunset, arriving early is crucial to secure a good vantage point and set up a tripod. Be mindful of other photographers and visitors, and always respect park regulations, especially concerning drone usage. The unique geological formations and the vast desert expanse offer endless creative possibilities.
+1🚗 Road Trippers
+1Since cell service is spotty, ensure your GPS is set before entering the park, or rely on downloaded maps. The drive to Keys View itself is part of the experience, showcasing the park's famous Joshua Trees and rock formations. It's an ideal spot for a quick, impactful stop that showcases the essence of the Mojave Desert.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Keys View
+1The expansive vistas from Keys View also showcase the Coachella Valley, a large desert valley known for its resort cities like Palm Springs. The contrast between the rugged mountains and the flat, arid valley floor is striking. On exceptionally clear days, the distant Salton Sea, California's largest lake, can be seen shimmering on the horizon. This vast inland sea is a unique ecological feature in the desert landscape, adding another layer of interest to the panoramic view.
+1Understanding the geology behind Keys View enhances the appreciation of its breathtaking scenery. It’s not just a pretty view; it’s a window into the dynamic geological processes that have shaped Southern California over millions of years. The accessibility of this viewpoint makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in natural history and dramatic landscapes.
Planning Your Visit for the Best Experience
Be prepared for the desert climate. Even during warmer months, the elevation and open exposure mean that wind can pick up significantly, and temperatures can drop after the sun begins to set. Packing a light jacket or windbreaker is a wise precaution, as noted by many visitors.
Connectivity is also a consideration. Cell service is unreliable at Keys View and throughout much of Joshua Tree National Park. Before you head out, ensure you have downloaded any necessary maps or information offline. This will prevent any frustration and allow you to focus on enjoying the incredible scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit