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Explore Joshua Tree National Park through a variety of guided off-road adventures, scenic drives, and self-guided audio tours. Whether you want to try rock climbing, stargaze with an astronomer, or cruise in a climate-controlled vehicle, there are options for every travel style.
Free Cancellation A self-guided driving tour of Joshua Tree featuring desert history, iconic landmarks, and the Hidden Valley trail.
Free Cancellation Explore Joshua Tree’s iconic boulders and the San Andreas Fault on a guided tour by H2 Hummer or touring van.
Free Cancellation Take a rugged 4x4 journey through Joshua Tree’s remote desert backcountry and iconic rock formations.
Free Cancellation Ride through Joshua Tree in an open-air Hummer to learn about the park’s unique ecology and history.
Free Cancellation Explore Joshua Tree’s iconic rock formations and Mojave Desert scenery in a guided, climate-controlled vehicle.
Free Cancellation A 4-hour guided drive through Joshua Tree’s ancient landscapes, featuring walks among billion-year-old rock formations.
Free Cancellation Explore the stars with expert-led sky tours and easy-to-use, pre-programmed telescopes for a clear view of the cosmos.
Free Cancellation Visit Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas with stops at Hoover Dam, the Joshua Tree Forest, and three hours to explore.
Free Cancellation A private 4-hour tour through Joshua Tree National Park featuring desert hikes, rock formations, and hotel pickup.
A half-day introduction to rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park led by professional guides.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Joshua Tree — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Taking a tour of Joshua Tree National Park offers a front-row seat to one of the most surreal landscapes in California. Whether you are bouncing along backcountry dirt roads in an open-air Hummer, scaling monzogranite cliffs, or mapping constellations under pitch-black skies, you will experience the unique collision of the Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems.
Drive or hike through massive groves of the park's namesake, the Yucca brevifolia. Your guide will explain how these funky, twisted plants survive and support the local Mojave Desert ecosystem.
Get up close to 100-million-year-old monzogranite rock formations. You'll see famous shapes like Skull Rock and have plenty of opportunities to scramble around the base of these giant stone piles.
Explore diverse plant life ranging from the dense, spiky teddybear cholla in the Cholla Cactus Garden to hidden fan palm oases tucked away in the rugged canyons.
Learn about the Native Americans, cattle rustlers, and gold miners who braved this harsh environment. Many tours stop near historic remnants like the Wall Street Mill or Hidden Valley.
As an International Dark Sky Park, the area offers unmatched night sky viewing. Specialized evening tours use high-powered telescopes to show you planets, nebulae, and the Milky Way.
Planning a trip to Joshua Tree requires a bit of preparation due to the harsh desert environment and strict national park regulations. Here is everything you need to know before locking in your tour reservation.
Most guided tours do not include the required park entry fee. For 2024/2025, many operators require you to pre-purchase a $15 per person Pedestrian/Backcountry Pass on recreation.gov before the tour begins. Audio tours require the standard $30 per vehicle pass.
Options range from $17 self-guided audio apps to $550 private door-to-door SUV tours. You can choose rugged 4x4 off-road adventures, climate-controlled paved road sightseeing, or specialized activities like beginner rock climbing and nighttime stargazing.
Cell phone reception is virtually non-existent inside the park's interior. If you are doing a self-guided audio tour or driving to a remote meetup spot (like the stargazing tour), you must download all apps, maps, and directions while on Wi-Fi before entering.
There is absolutely no running water inside the park. While some guided van and Hummer tours provide bottled water, you should always bring extra. The National Park Service recommends one gallon per person, per day.
The high desert can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than surrounding cities like Palm Springs. Dress in layers, as temperatures drop rapidly when the sun goes down, which is especially important for evening stargazing tours.
The best time to visit is October through May. Because these are the peak months for comfortable weather, small-group Hummer tours, climbing guides, and private SUVs sell out weeks in advance. Book early if traveling during spring break.
If you have limited mobility, opt for the paved road sightseeing tours in climate-controlled vans. These tours stick to accessible viewpoints and flat, easy paths like the Oasis of Mara, avoiding the bumpy, jarring routes of the off-road 4x4 tours.
| Self-Guided Audio Tour | Guided Hummer/SUV Tour | Professional Stargazing | Beginner Rock Climbing | Private Sightseeing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Flexible (Self-paced) | 4-5 hours | 2 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Best For | Budget travelers & road trippers | Off-road sightseeing & history buffs | Night sky enthusiasts & couples | Active adventurers | Families wanting custom pacing |
| Includes | GPS audio app, offline maps | Guide, snacks, water, AC/Open-air transport | Astronomer guide, telescopes, blankets, hot drinks | Professional guide, all climbing/safety gear | Private vehicle, door-to-door pickup, guide |
| Price From | $17 per vehicle | $127 - $179 | $200 | $240 | $550 per group |
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 makes it incredibly easy to enter before dawn for sunrise photography or stay late for stargazing.
Visitor center hours vary by location:
The park is located in southeastern California. The closest major airport is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which is about 40 miles (a 1-hour drive) from the West Entrance. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 150 miles away, taking roughly 2.5 hours depending heavily on LA traffic.
Public transportation directly into the park is virtually non-existent. Renting a car is highly recommended. If you don't want to drive, you will need to book a guided tour that includes pickup from Palm Springs or the surrounding Morongo Basin towns.
The ideal time to visit Joshua Tree is during the spring and fall, specifically from October to May. During these months, daytime highs are a comfortable 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C), making it perfect for hiking, climbing, and off-road tours. Spring also brings beautiful wildflower blooms.
Summer is considered the worst time to visit. In July and August, temperatures frequently exceed 100°F (38°C). Hiking during the day is highly discouraged due to severe risks of heatstroke, and many tour operators adjust their schedules to avoid the midday heat.
Joshua Tree is surprisingly manageable for visitors with limited mobility. Many of the park's iconic boulder formations and Joshua tree groves can be viewed directly from the main paved roads and designated scenic pullouts.
There are several accessible trails available:
Visitors with permanent disabilities can get discounted passes, and temporary DMV placards can be used for designated parking.
There is no running water available in the park's interior. You must bring all the water you need for the day. Fill up your bottles and jugs at the visitor centers located just outside the park entrances before driving in.
Restrooms inside the park are limited to basic pit toilets at trailheads and campgrounds. There are no restaurants, gas stations, or convenience stores past the entry gates. Cell phone service is also completely dead in the backcountry, so download all maps and audio tours beforehand.
To protect the delicate desert ecosystem, Joshua Tree enforces strict rules:
Most guided tours do not include the required park entry fee. Depending on the operator, you will likely need to pre-purchase a $15 per person pedestrian pass or a $30 vehicle pass on recreation.gov before your tour begins.
Yes, but you must download the tour app and the specific Joshua Tree route while connected to Wi-Fi or strong cellular service before entering the park. Once downloaded, the GPS triggers will work entirely offline.
No. The professional stargazing tours take place in remote, very dark sections of the park to ensure the best visibility. There are no bathroom facilities or cell service onsite, so plan accordingly before you arrive.
You should dress in layers, as the high desert can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the Coachella Valley, and temperatures drop fast. Wear closed-toe shoes for walking around the rocks, and bring sunscreen and a hat.
No. Joshua Tree National Park strictly prohibits pets on all trails, backcountry areas, and off-road paths to protect local wildlife. Pets are only allowed within 100 feet of paved roads and campgrounds.
While many van and SUV tours provide complimentary bottled water, it is highly recommended to bring your own supply. There is no water available inside the park, and the desert heat causes rapid dehydration.
Yes, but they require caution. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F (38°C). If visiting in July or August, opt for a climate-controlled paved road tour rather than an open-air vehicle, and avoid strenuous hiking midday.
Absolutely. The beginner group climbing tours are specifically designed for first-timers. Professional guides provide all the necessary safety equipment, harnesses, and instruction for climbing the park's granite walls.
This varies by tour. Private tours often offer door-to-door pickup from Airbnbs or hotels in the Joshua Tree and Palm Springs area. Other group tours may require you to meet at a designated visitor center or town location.
Many full-day and private tours include the Cholla Cactus Garden, but shorter 4-hour tours might skip it because it is located further south in the park. Check the specific itinerary of your chosen tour to be sure.
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This self-guided driving tour covers the highlights of Joshua Tree National Park, from its unique desert landscapes to its best hiking trails. You’ll learn about the area's human history, including the 19th-century gold rush and the outlaws who once hid out in these rocks. The price covers everyone in your vehicle, allowing you to explore at your own pace during any season. The package includes a narrated tour of the park's main roads plus a bonus walking guide for the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. To get started, download the Action Tour Guide app and use your unique password to save the tour to your device. Because the audio works offline via GPS, you won't need a cell signal once you reach the park's starting point. Your purchase provides lifetime access to the tour. There are no expiration dates or usage limits, so you can use the guide for a single afternoon or return to it on future trips.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, English, French, Dutch
This small-group tour takes you through Joshua Tree National Park in an air-conditioned H2 Hummer or touring van. You will visit the park's most recognizable rock formations and learn how the San Andreas Fault has shaped the landscape. Your guide will also share historical accounts of the Native Americans and early settlers who inhabited the region. The itinerary includes stops at famous photography spots and a high-elevation viewpoint with vistas extending toward the Mexican border. Tours depart daily from three locations: Palm Desert at 8:00 AM, Palm Springs at 8:30 AM, and Yucca Valley at 9:30 AM. Please note that the $15 per person park entrance fee is not included in the tour price.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Head out from the Palm Springs area for a rugged off-road adventure through the remote corners of Joshua Tree National Park. This tour takes you onto primitive 4x4 trails to see the park’s unique rock formations and desert flora up close. Because this is a group tour on a bumpy, unpaved route, it is best suited for those looking for a wilder experience. If you prefer a smoother ride or want to see the main paved highlights, we recommend our standard Driving/Van Tour instead. Safety is a priority on this trail. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests or those with back or neck injuries, and we do not recommend it for anyone prone to motion sickness. Participants must be at least 6 years old. We require a minimum of two people for the tour to run; if you are booking solo, please call ahead to confirm availability. Starting January 1, 2025, park entry fees are no longer included in the tour price. All guests will need to pay their own $15 entry fee via credit card at the park gate. Please ensure you are prepared with a form of payment to comply with this updated National Park Service policy.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This tour travels through Joshua Tree National Park in an open-air Hummer, led by a guide approved by the National Park Service. You will learn about the area's desert ecology and local history while viewing the park's distinct rock formations and vegetation. Because the park is at a higher elevation, temperatures are typically 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the valley floor, so dressing in layers is recommended. Due to cold temperatures at high elevations, this open-air tour does not run from December through February. During those months, a scenic tour in a heated van is available instead. You can choose to depart from the Palm Springs Art Museum at 8:30 am, which includes an air-conditioned shuttle ride to the park and a total duration of about five hours. Alternatively, you can meet the group at the Yucca Valley Welcome Center to begin the open-air portion directly at a lower rate.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Located just north of Palm Springs, this tour provides a comprehensive look at Joshua Tree National Park from the comfort of an enclosed, climate-controlled vehicle. Your guide will lead you along a paved route through the Mojave Desert, highlighting the park’s unique rock formations and desert flora. This is a practical way to see the park's highlights while avoiding the desert heat. This tour requires at least two participants to operate. If you are booking as an individual, please contact us by phone to check availability. Starting January 1, 2025, the $15 park entry fee is no longer included in the tour price. All guests must be prepared to pay this fee via credit card upon entering the park.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This four-hour tour covers the most significant sections of Joshua Tree National Park, focusing on its unique geological history and desert ecology. You will travel by vehicle to various landmarks throughout the park, moving between groves of Joshua Trees and the massive boulder piles that define the high desert. The itinerary includes frequent stops where you can get out to walk through the terrain and see the park's billion-year-old metamorphic rocks up close. By handling the driving and navigation, we ensure you spend your time focused on the scenery and photography rather than logistics.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Our guides lead you through the night sky, using high-powered laser pointers to identify seasonal triangles, constellations, and planets. Throughout the session, they share insights into Greek mythology, how ancient civilizations viewed the stars, and the scientific history of the cosmos. You will use telescopes that are pre-programmed with a specific object list for the evening. These are operated by a simple keypad, allowing you to move to the next target with a single button press. We regularly observe a variety of deep-space and solar system objects, including galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets, and the moon. If timing allows, we may also spot the International Space Station or Starlink satellite trains passing overhead.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This day trip departs from Las Vegas and heads toward the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, the tour stops for photos at Hoover Dam and travels through the Mojave Desert’s Joshua Tree Forest. The destination is Grand Canyon West, a resort managed by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. Once at the canyon, you will have three hours to explore the various viewpoints at your own pace. You can also choose to add a pass for the Skywalk, a glass-bottom bridge that extends 4,000 feet above the canyon floor, providing a direct view down to the Colorado River.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This four-hour private tour covers the highlights of Joshua Tree National Park from the comfort of a dedicated SUV or van. We handle all the driving and navigation, providing door-to-door pickup and drop-off from your hotel or Airbnb in the local area or meeting you directly in Joshua Tree. Since this is a private booking for your group only, the itinerary and pace are flexible. Throughout the journey, we stop at several landmarks to see the park's signature granite boulders and dense groves of Joshua trees. You can choose to stay near the vehicle for sightseeing or take an optional one-mile hike through the desert. We offer various trail options ranging from easy walks to more challenging terrain, depending on your group’s preference and fitness level.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Spend a half-day with Mojave Guides learning the ropes of rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park. This group session is designed for beginners, providing a hands-on introduction to the sport's basic techniques under the supervision of a professional guide. You will climb granite walls up to 100 feet high, offering a view of the desert landscape that most visitors never see. It is a social experience, allowing you to connect with other travelers while gaining confidence on the rock.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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