Roadtrip with RVshare Joshua Tree to Napa

If you are looking to take a road trip from Joshua Tree to Napa, this journey will be a lot of fun with the family in an RV. There are a few amusement parks and places to stop that younger family members will enjoy, and there are several state parks and national parks along the route where the entire family can appreciate nature. During this road trip itinerary from Joshua Tree to Napa, Take I-10 west to Los Angeles, and then travel north on I-5 until you get closer to Pinnacles National Park. From there, continue northwest through San Jose and on to Napa. If you would like to visit San Francisco during this trip, make a detour farther west after you hit San Jose.

Nearby National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park

The starting location for this RV trip is Joshua Tree National Park. This massive park, which spans over 1,200 miles, is located where the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert meet. Since this is such a vast area, there is no light pollution in the sky to block the stars. This makes it an excellent place to gaze at the sky on a clear night. There are also several climbing routes and trails that you can explore, so if you enjoy stepping out into nature, try your hand at hiking the area or climbing some of the rocks in the park. Make sure to get a picture of the Yucca plants that this park is known for, and keep an eye out for some of the 250 species of birds that live here.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is another park that you will encounter along the way. The area is positioned along the San Andreas Fault, so the land formations that you will see in the area were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. In addition to hiking trails, there is also an underground network of caves and canyons that you can explore. Bird watching is a common activity in the park, but if you want to look for other wildlife, there are also 400 species of bees and 14 species of bats that live in the area.

Nearby State Parks

Mount San Jacinto State Park

During your Joshua Tree to Napa RV road trip, you will encounter Mount San Jacinto State Park before you get too far on the journey. This is a 14,000-acre park, so there is plenty to see and do while visiting. It has trails to hike, and if you can get to the top of San Jacinto Peak, there is a spectacular view of the surrounding area. The peak is at 10,834 feet, so it will be quite a hike on foot. Throughout the year, you can enjoy skiing, horseback riding, and other activities at the park.

Chino Hills State Park

Before getting to Los Angeles on this journey, Chino Hills State Park is a stop that you will want to make. This park stands out against some of the desert landscape surrounding the area because it has lots of rolling green hills to explore. The purple and orange wildflowers add color that you can see for miles across the meadows and the park's ridges. This is an ideal place to ride a bike, explore on horseback, or simply allow your children to frolic in the open space while you relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Fremont Peak State Park

Fremont Peak State Park is another California state park that you will want to stop and visit, especially if you are interested in some amazing views of Monterey Bay, San Benito Valley, and the surrounding area. This is a great place to gaze at the stars because visiting this park gives you access to the astronomical observatory's 30-inch telescope. Check with the park to see if there are programs to view during your visit.

Mount Diablo State Park

Mount Diablo State Park is a great park to visit if you don't have time to make a stop in San Francisco during your Joshua Tree to Napa road trip. This park, which is home to Mount Diablo, offers amazing views of the San Francisco Bay area, especially on a clear day. Here, you can explore mines, hike trails, and check out the wildlife that lives here. If you are interested in hauntings, mysterious lights and ghost sightings have been seen on Mount Diablo for decades.

Along the Way

Elysian Park

Elysian Park is the second-largest park in the city of Los Angeles. The park was founded in 1886, which also makes it the oldest park in the city. Inside the park, there are bike paths and hiking trails to explore. If you stay for a while, you can explore the park while waiting for a game to start at the nearby Dodger Stadium.

Bronson Canyon/Caves

Bronson Caves is a location that you may have seen in several different Hollywood films, but the man-made tunnel carved into the rocks of this old quarry is best known as the Batcave entrance from the 1960s Batman series. The tunnel is 50 feet in length, and it is a fantastic hike to get to the entrance. On the way back down the trail, you can even get some pictures of the Hollywood sign. 

Vaquero Beach at Pyramid Lake

If you are looking for a day to relax during your vacation, then Vaquero Beach is a great place. You can enjoy kayaking as a family, or if you want to cool off, take a dip in the roped-off swimming area. There are also trails that you can hike and areas where fishing is permitted.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is the first major city that you will encounter during this road trip. It is close to attractions like Disneyland, and the city itself offers quite a bit for visitors to enjoy. To make sure that you and your family have time to see it all, check out some Los Angeles campgrounds nearby. Hollywood RV Park is close to the Hollywood Hills. If you are looking for a location close to Disneyland, check out Anaheim Harbor RV Park. Most campgrounds in the area have a dump station, but if you need to find other California dump stations during your travels, they are typically easy to locate. Many dump locations are free of charge to guests who stay at the campground, but you can also empty your black and gray water tank at gas stations and other locations for a small fee.

Santa Clarita, California

Santa Clarita is a large city in southwestern California that has become popular since the release of the Netflix series "The Santa Clarita Diet." Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor are both close by, so you can give your family a few days to enjoy the area if you have a place to rest your head. Santa Clarita campgrounds and RV parks are easy to find. If you are looking for a quiet, family-owned campground, the Walnut RV Park is ideal. On the other hand, Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort is full of planned activities and amenities that will keep your family occupied while you get some rest and prepare to continue on your adventure.

San Jose, California

San Jose is the last big city that you will pass on the way to Napa. There are plenty of museums and parks in the area, but before you leave the city, make sure to explore the 5.5-acre Japanese Friendship Garden. It has a picturesque red bridge and a koi pond that will give you a sense of relaxation after a long day of driving. If you need a place to stay for a night or two, there are several San Jose campgrounds to consider. Most have full hookup options as well as amenities that will make your stay more comfortable.

Find Adventure from Joshua Tree to Napa

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Joshua Tree to Napa, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Joshua Tree or Napa.