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Key's View

Key’s View, named after local legend Bill Keys, is situated in the Mojave Desert within the confines of glorious Joshua Tree National Park. It rests on the magnificent shoulders of the Little San Bernardino Mountains at a stunning altitude of 5185 feet. From this dizzying height, visitors are afforded a breathtaking panoramic view of the Coachella Valley, with Palm Springs and Indio nestled within.  

Across the Coachella Valley stands the mighty Mount San Jacinto, towering over the earth with an acme of 10,804 feet. To the south, on a clear day, one can see the Salton Sea, and beyond that, Mexico. Also visible from atop Key’s View are the famous windmill farms of the Mojave. Smog from nearby cities contributes to moderate haze in the summertime, however, obscuring some of the distant viewpoints. Pursuant to this, Joshua Tree Park Services have included a sign at the top of Key’s View, featuring information on air pollution. During the winter months, the view will be clearer, and it is even possible to see the San Andreas Fault. The climate will be much different, though, so one is advised to prepare for extremely cold winds atop the View.

Watching the sunset from atop Key’s View is a particularly beautiful experience, though one well known by visitors. The area is popular for hikers and amateur and professional photographers, so if it is a more solitary trek you wish, this may not be the time and place for your party.