If you find yourself in Yucca Valley and want to see something other than Joshua Tree the Indian Trail Loop at Pipes Canyon is a good one.
I hiked this trail in the winter. I'm not sure how much I would like it in summer, even though there is some decent elevation and you are not on the desert floor, I would imagine it being really hot.
There are diverse landscapes, great views and if you time it right- very few people. The elevation change makes this hike a little more difficult in certain areas but I also saw people trail running it so you are not climbing Everest.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/indian-trail-loop-at-pipes-canyon
A bonus is having an opportunity to stop at Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneer Town:
