Biking in Joshua Tree National Park.

Biking through Joshua Tree National Park is an exercise in rugged self-reliance. Because bicycles are strictly prohibited on hiking trails, cycling here is defined by a network of paved scenic drives and unpaved backcountry dirt roads. It is not a destination for casual cruisers; paved routes lack shoulders or bike lanes, meaning riders must share the asphalt with motorists. Instead, the real draw is the rugged dirt roads like Geology Tour Road or Berdoo Canyon Road, which lead deep into the quietest, most dramatic corners of the desert. Cyclists must carry all their own water and gear, but those who brave the elements are rewarded with sweeping desert vistas and close-up views of the park's iconic rock formations and Joshua trees, completely free from the crowds.