Keys View

A popular site in Joshua Tree National Park, Keys View sits atop a ridge in the San Bernardino Mountains and gives scenic views of the Coachella Valley. The view is named after Bill Keys, who lived in this area from 1910 until his death in 1969.

It takes 20 minutes by car from Park Boulevard along Keys View Road to get to Keys View where visitors can see various distant sites. The Salton Sea, which is 230 feet below sea level, can be seen on one side. San Jacinto Peak of the Santa Rosa Mountains can be seen beyond Palm Springs. In the Coachella Valley below Keys View, the San Andreas Fault, which runs 700 miles from Mexico to the Mendocino Coast, can be sighted. On an extraordinarily clear day, sightseers might even be able to see Signal Mountain in Mexico.

There is a paved trail up to the summit at Keys View, which is 5,185 feet above sea level. It is the highest point accessible by car in Joshua Tree National Park. Visitors should bring a windbreaker, since there is often a brisk breeze at the summit.

Joshua Tree National Park is located within 50 miles of other tourist attractions, such as Empire Polo Club, General Patton Memorial Museum, and a couple of casinos.