keys view

1956traveller

We took this little driving side trip from our hiking with the prospect of a great view of the valley. We struck gold with a gorgeous, clear view from one end to the other as far as the eye could see. There are plaques showing you what you are seeing which help identify the major areas . This is a wonderful photo stop and a good place to sit and gaze. It was well worth the extra drive off our hiking route.

Laura14429

What a beautiful view! Breath taking actually. Well worth the drive off the main park road. Wonderful breeze and a beautiful sunset.

100countries_or_bust

While it is a 7 mile one way drive (you return the same way), it is worth the drive. On a clear day at Key View you can see more than 100 miles - all the way to Mexico!It is a short, steep paved path to get to the top of Key View. There are a couple of stops on the path where you can get great pictures.If you need a wheel chair accessible view or someone who can't manage the steep slope, circle the parking lot and start heading back. Just a short distance from the parking lot is a pullout where you can park and access a flat viewing area.

Sheldar

This was a great little stop during our Joshua Tree National Park Drive. You can see all the way from the Salton Sea to the Windmills in the far end of the valley. It gives you a great perspective of the San Andreas Fault system and the Coachella Valley.

AprilH49

Goy out there first for the stars and then the sunrise. My only warning was the wind was strong and it was cold, be prepared. I am so glad I went and enjoyed a perfect sunrise in this amazing place!

MinkHollowFarm

We are glad we took the side trip to Keys View. It was a clear day and well worth the trip. From the view at the top you can see the higher mountains across the valley, the Salton Sea, the San Andreas Fault and the closer mountain sides directly below. The drive up to Keys View goes through a beautiful "forest" of Joshua Trees.

Rascaloidus

Well worth the drive to Keys View.Panoramic view of the Coachella Valley despite some haze and a sandstorm to the west of the Valley.Loved it and will go back.

JOCKOMOJO

The 20 minute drive on Keys View Road off the Park blvd loop ending at the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains with a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, Palm Springs, Indio as well as the Salton Sea and even as the story goes on a clear day as far south as Signal Mountain in Mexico is nothing short of amazing. You're 5,185 ft above sea level so regardless the time of day proper clothing is strongly advised as it does tend to get windy. My last trip was on the 7th of Feb arriving in the twilight just before Sunrise and without another soul around I watched as the evening lights as far north as Palm Springs with the red blinking lights atop the wind turbines to as far south as the Salton Sea gave way to a new day. Talk about a "Photo op" . . . . this will be undoubtedly be something I can see myself doing again and again, do it once and you'll know what I mean, a great way to start the day in Joshua Tree . . . . Highly recommended.

MaryAnnLens

We stop here every time we spend time in the park, usually camping. The views are great and so close to the main road. Dress appropriately if coming into the park from lower elevations. It is quite nippy certain times of the year. Take your time to take it all in! One of the best views of Salton Sea as you do not want to get any closer to it these days! We went after a Ron storm and the view was the clearest in a long time! One of our favorite stops.

BooKat

Make the drive off the main road through the park to the summit simply for the incredible views. You can see the San Andreas fault directly below and even the Salton Sea in the distance. Take a picnic lunch, find a spot to sit and feast your eyes as well. When you leave the park and drive away, look back at the mountains behind you and you will realize how high up you were.

CrankingChick

This overlook is definitely worth the drive off the main road. It did not take as long as we thought it would and the road went through a lovely forest of Joshua Trees. The view from Keys View point is stunning! As others have said - be prepared for cold temperatures and high winds. In late December there was a gusty wind that threatened to blow us off the mountaintop, and the wind chill was below zero. We couldn't stay out there very long to enjoy the view! We appreciate that they have a separate vista point for people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues, as the main path is very steep.

BillT910

The view is excellent from the look out. A caveat is to remember that it is high elevation and we did the classic mistake we did not dress appropriately for our visit. You are close to 5000 feet MSL and there is substantial temperature drop from Palm Springs so dress appropriately!

AMJ92

This is one of the best views in the park. The best lighting for photography (at least in the winter) is earlier in the day-I was there like 9 AM. It was also empty then as opposed to when I was there like 3 PM and it was crowded.

jfadds

The drive is only a short ride from the main road. For your efforts,you are rewarded with an amazing panoramic view of the entire valley and Palm Springs.We were told by a park ranger it is worth it to see the fault , which is readily apparent below you.

RUBY_110

The view from this point is spectacular awesome. We reached right after sunset. It was extremely cold n chilly winds blowing into our face but the night view was not to be missed. It was so good that we decided to come in the morning one more time to see its beauty in the morning. This too was serene and we were awed by the sight.It is highly recommended if you are visiting Joshua Tree National Park.