Keys View – Joshua Tree National Park

Keys View, located in the Little San Bernardino Mountains of Joshua Tree National Park, offers sweeping panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and even the Salton Sea on clear days.

This easy-to-reach destination, just a short drive from Park Boulevard down Keys View Road, is ideal for visitors seeking a quick and accessible outdoor experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, desert landscape, and beyond.

Destination Details

Season	Year-round (best in cooler months, avoid during summer heat)
Location	Joshua Tree National Park, California
General GPS Coordinates	33.926584, -116.187298
Management	National Park Service
Size	Small, overlooks large valley
State	California
Nearest Major City	Palm Springs, CA (about 30 miles away)

How to Get to Keys View

To reach Keys View from the park’s main entrance at Joshua Tree Village, head southeast on Park Boulevard and turn onto Keys View Road. The paved road will lead directly to the parking lot and viewpoint. From Palm Springs, take Interstate 10 east to Highway 62, head northeast, and follow the signs to Joshua Tree National Park. The journey from the park entrance to the viewpoint is roughly 30 minutes by car.

Destination Overview

At an elevation of about 5,185 feet, Keys View offers expansive views across the Coachella Valley and beyond. From the lookout, you can see the shining surface of the Salton Sea, and the towering peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains.

The Keys View Nature Trail, a .25-mile paved loop, provides additional vantage points and informative wayside signs along the route. Visitors can enjoy views of the San Andreas Fault as it runs through the valley below.

The viewpoint is wheelchair accessible for those seeking a more accessible experience. On exceptionally clear days, it’s possible to catch a distant glimpse of Signal Mountain in Mexico, though air quality can sometimes obscure this view.

A bathroom is located in the parking lot.