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Explore the remote desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park on a guided offroad adventure. Choose from 4x4 vehicles, open-air Hummers, or electric adventure motorbikes to navigate the rugged terrain.
Free Cancellation Take a rugged 4x4 journey through Joshua Tree’s remote backcountry to see unique rock formations and desert plants.
Free Cancellation Explore Joshua Tree’s high-desert landscapes and history on a guided, open-air Hummer tour.
Free Cancellation Ride electric all-wheel drive motorbikes through Joshua Tree National Park on a guided small-group tour.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Joshua Tree — from practical tips to personal highlights.
An offroad tour in Joshua Tree National Park takes you far beyond the crowded paved roads and deep into the rugged backcountry of the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Whether you are riding in an open-air Hummer, a closed 4x4 SUV, or on an electric motorbike, expect a thrilling, bumpy ride through some of the most remote and surreal landscapes in Southern California.
Leave the pavement behind and traverse wild, unpaved desert terrain. These tours navigate deep sand, rocky paths, and steep inclines that standard rental cars simply cannot handle.
Get up close to the park's massive monzogranite boulder piles born over 100 million years ago. You will see famous shapes like Skull Rock and discover hidden canyons.
Drive through dense forests of the world-renowned Joshua trees and explore the transition zone where the Mojave meets the Colorado Desert, home to the sprawling Cholla Cactus Garden.
Many backcountry routes pass by remnants of the area's rich pioneer history. Learn about early cattle ranchers and gold miners as you view abandoned stamp mills and old homesteads.
Climb to higher elevations, such as the 5,000-foot Keys View lookout. On clear days, you can gaze across the vast Coachella Valley and trace the San Andreas Fault line.
Booking a Joshua Tree offroad adventure requires a bit of planning, especially regarding park entry fees, physical requirements, and the type of vehicle you prefer. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
You can choose between enclosed 4x4 SUVs for a climate-controlled ride, open-air H1 Hummers for unobstructed panoramic views, or UBCO 2x2 electric motorbikes for a quiet, hands-on adventure.
Most offroad tours do not include the national park entrance fee. You will typically need to purchase a $15 individual pedestrian pass or a standard vehicle pass via recreation.gov prior to your tour.
Backcountry trails are notoriously rugged and bumpy. These tours require a moderate level of physical fitness and are strongly discouraged for pregnant travelers or anyone with neck, back, or spinal injuries.
Temperatures can drop 20 to 30 degrees at higher elevations in the park. Dressing in layers is highly recommended, along with sturdy, closed-toe shoes to protect against sharp rocks and cactus spines.
Restrictions vary by operator. The 4x4 offroad tours generally have a minimum age requirement of 6 years old, while Hummer tours cap out at a maximum of 9 passengers per vehicle.
The majority of guided offroad tours provide complimentary bottled water and light snacks to keep you hydrated in the arid climate, alongside live commentary from an expert local driver.
Standard offroad tours in Joshua Tree offer a flexible cancellation policy, typically allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund.
| 4x4 Offroad Tour | Open Air Hummer Adventure | Guided Electric Motorbike Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 hours | 5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Vehicle Type | Closed 4x4 SUV | Open-Air H1 Hummer | UBCO 2x2 E-Motorbike |
| Park Fee Included? | No | No (Requires $15 Pass) | No |
| Price from | $249 | $179 | $169 |
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can drive in and out at any time, which is especially popular for late-night stargazing.
If you need to speak with a ranger or purchase passes in person, Visitor Center hours vary by location:
Joshua Tree is located in southeastern California, and renting a car is highly recommended as public transportation is extremely limited.
From Palm Springs (PSP): The closest major airport is Palm Springs International, located about 40 miles away. Drive Interstate 10 West to Highway 62 East, which leads directly to the West Entrance. The drive takes about one hour.
From Los Angeles (LAX): The park is roughly 150 miles east of LAX. Take Interstate 10 East to Highway 62. This drive takes about 2.5 hours, but you should avoid weekday rush hours to prevent severe traffic delays.
The absolute best time to visit Joshua Tree is during the spring and fall (October to May). During these months, daytime highs are a comfortable 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C), perfect for hiking, climbing, and offroad tours. Spring also brings stunning wildflower blooms.
Summer visits are highly discouraged. In July and August, temperatures frequently exceed 100°F (38°C), posing severe risks of heatstroke and dehydration. If you must visit in the summer, limit outdoor activities to the early morning and book climate-controlled 4x4 tours rather than open-air options.
While Joshua Tree's backcountry offroad tours are not recommended for individuals with mobility issues, spinal injuries, or pregnant travelers due to the extremely bumpy terrain, the park itself has several accessible features.
Visitors using wheelchairs can enjoy paved trails like the half-mile Oasis of Mara loop and the Lower Keys Overlook. The Cap Rock Nature Trail is a hard-packed dirt loop with accessible parking and picnic tables. Many of the park's most famous rock formations and Joshua tree groves can be viewed directly from the main paved scenic drives.
Water Availability: There is absolutely NO water available in the interior of the park. Visitors must bring all their own supplies. The NPS recommends carrying at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Fill up at the visitor centers before entering the gates.
Cell Service: Cell phone reception is incredibly limited and mostly nonexistent in the park's interior. Download offline maps via the NPS app before you arrive.
Emergencies: If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it. Emergency phones are located at Intersection Rock, Cottonwood Visitor Center, and the Indian Cove Ranger Station.
Off-Roading Laws: Off-roading in private vehicles is strictly illegal to protect the fragile desert ecosystem. All private vehicles must remain on designated, established roads. To explore the rugged backcountry, you must book a guided offroad tour with a permitted commercial operator.
Drones: Flying drones is strictly prohibited everywhere in the park. Violators face administrative action and fines.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails. They must be kept on a leash at all times and cannot be taken more than 100 feet from a road, campground, or picnic area.
Generally, no. Most tour operators require you to purchase your own park pass in advance via recreation.gov. Depending on the tour, you may need a standard $30 vehicle pass or a $15 individual pedestrian pass.
No, off-roading in private or rental vehicles is strictly illegal in Joshua Tree National Park. You must stay on designated roads or book a guided tour with a commercial operator to explore the backcountry trails.
No. The backcountry dirt trails in Joshua Tree are extremely rugged and bumpy. Tour operators strongly advise against these tours for pregnant travelers, or anyone with neck, back, or spinal injuries.
Dress in layers. Temperatures in the park's higher elevations can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than in the surrounding valleys. Closed-toe shoes are also required to protect your feet from sharp rocks and cactus spines.
Yes, most guided 4x4, Hummer, and electric motorbike tours provide complimentary bottled water and light snacks. However, because the desert is so dry, it is always a good idea to bring an extra bottle of your own.
No. Drones are strictly prohibited everywhere inside Joshua Tree National Park to protect the wildlife and preserve the natural tranquility of the area. Leave your drone at home or in your hotel.
Tour lengths vary depending on the vehicle and route. The electric motorbike tours usually last about 2.5 hours, while the larger 4x4 SUV and Hummer backcountry adventures typically take around 5 hours.
Yes. While it varies by company, the 4x4 offroad tours typically have a minimum age requirement of 6 years old. Always check the specific tour details before booking a family trip.
Absolutely. The tours travel extensively through the Mojave Desert ecosystem, which is the native habitat for the iconic Joshua trees. You will have plenty of opportunities to see and photograph them.
Departure points vary. Some tours offer shuttle pickups from Palm Springs, while others require you to meet the guide at the Yucca Valley Welcome Center or a designated spot just outside the park's entrance.
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This tour takes you off the paved roads and into the remote sections of Joshua Tree National Park, located less than an hour from Palm Springs. You will travel by 4x4 vehicle through a wild landscape filled with unique rock formations and desert flora. Because this is a rugged trail, the ride is intentionally bumpy. If you prefer a smoother experience or want to see the standard park highlights, please consider our driving van tour instead. This is a group activity that requires at least two people to operate. Solo travelers are asked to call before booking to check availability. Due to the rough terrain, this tour is not suitable for children under six, pregnant guests, or individuals with back injuries, neck injuries, or a tendency toward motion sickness. Effective January 1, 2025, the $15 park entry fee is no longer included in the tour price. All guests must pay this fee individually at the park entrance using a credit card. Please ensure you have a valid form of payment ready to accommodate this park policy.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This five-hour guided tour explores the unique ecology and history of Joshua Tree National Park from an open-air Hummer. You can depart from the Palm Springs Art Museum at 8:30 am via a shuttle or meet at the Yucca Valley Welcome Center to begin the open-air portion of the trip. Because the park sits at a higher elevation, temperatures are often 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the surrounding desert, so dressing in layers is recommended. From December through February, the open-air Hummer is unavailable due to freezing temperatures at high elevations. During these months, the tour is conducted in a heated van instead. Throughout the year, your National Park-approved guide provides detailed insight into the rock formations, desert wildlife, and plant life that define this protected landscape.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Explore the desert terrain of Joshua Tree National Park on a UBCO 2x2 electric adventure motorbike. These all-wheel drive vehicles provide a quiet, stable way to navigate the park's unique landscapes. Led by a local guide, small groups travel through the backcountry while learning about the area’s history and natural environment. No motorcycle license is required, though you must have a standard driver’s license and prior experience riding two-wheeled vehicles. For safety, participants must be at least 21 years old and a minimum of 5’3” tall to reach the ground while seated. All necessary safety gear is provided, along with water and snacks. Tours operate Monday through Friday, with additional weekend dates added during the peak summer months.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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