Self Guided Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour

Twentynine Palms, US
33% of travellers recommend this
Average (3 reviews)

Included

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    Tours never expire
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    Offline audio guided tour: hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
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    Offline map (map and gps work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
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    Take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you
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    Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
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    Turn-by-turn directions using gps
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    Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
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    Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Excluded

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    Private transportation
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    Meals and refreshment
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    Entrance fee: joshua tree national park
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    Parking fees

Meeting Point

To reach CA-62 from Palm Springs, head north on North Indian Canyon Drive and continue for about 10 miles. Then, turn left onto CA-62 (Twentynine Palms Highway), which will lead you toward destinations like Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. The drive typically takes around 15–20 minutes.

Meeting point

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End point

End Point

To reach CA-62 from Palm Springs, head north on North Indian Canyon Drive and continue for about 10 miles. Then, turn left onto CA-62 (Twentynine Palms Highway), which will lead you toward destinations like Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. The drive typically takes around 15–20 minutes.

Meeting point

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End point

What to expect

1

Lost Palms Oasis Trail

This is a long hike through Joshua Tree’s southern Colorado Desert. It’s very scenic, but there’s little to no shade and can be brutally hot from spring to fall. Bring water and sun protection, but be prepared to be wowed by the landscape and the palm oasis at the trail’s end. You can also just take a brief look at the oasis by the trailhead, and move on to the next stop.

Duration 240 minutes
2

Cottonwood Visitor Center

Pay the park fee here, use the restrooms, or ask the rangers questions.

Duration 10 minutes
3

Ocotillo Patch

Learn more about the quirky ocotillo plant in this little pull off.

Duration 10 minutes
4

Cholla Cactus Garden

Teddy Bear chollas look furry and cute but nothing could be further from the truth: walk carefully among thousands of mature chollas along a short nature trail. Just don’t get poked, and wear good close-toed shoes.

Duration 15 minutes
5

Arch Rock Nature Trail

This beautiful natural arch is one of the largest in the area and is a popular spot for photographers. Have fun climbing around the rocks!

Duration 30 minutes
6

Split Rock Loop Trail

Hike through iconic rock formations on this easy trail.

Duration 90 minutes
7

Skull Rock

This popular boulder looks a bit like a skull that’s melted in the desert heat. Please park carefully, as the roadside plants are fragile.

Duration 15 minutes
8

Ryan Mountain Trail

Ryan Mountain is one of the park’s best hikes, and affords adventurers a 360-degree view of the valley and surrounding area.

Duration 90 minutes
9

Hall of Horrors

Yet another cool rock formation of rounded gneiss boulders in the middle of the desert.

Duration 10 minutes
10

Cap Rock Trail

The site of an attempted (and ill-fated) 1970s funeral, Cap Rock is one of many iconic gneiss formations in the park.

Duration 10 minutes
11

Lost Horse Mine

This moderate-level hike will bring you out to Lost Horse Mine, where gold ore was famously mined and stolen by one of Joshua Tree’s ne'er-do-wells, Johnny Lang.

Duration 90 minutes
12

Keys View

This lovely overlook offers gorgeous sunset views over Palm Springs, and you can also see the San Andreas Fault.

Duration 30 minutes
13

Barker Dam Trail

Note, if you take the trail counterclockwise, make sure to turn left at the fork in the trail (just before the petroglyphs) to return to the Barker Dam parking lot. If you continue straight, you'll go to the Echo T parking lot, which is further away.

Duration 45 minutes
14

Wall Street Mill Trail

Vault toilets are available.

Duration 60 minutes
15

Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead

This fun little nature trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, with rock formations to climb on and plenty of cool desert flora to take pictures of.

Duration 45 minutes
16

Intersection Rock

Vault toilets are available.

Duration 10 minutes
17

Joshua Tree Visitor Center

This is the last chance to stop before re-entering the park for information, a flush toilet, or a quick bite to eat.

Duration 5 minutes
18

Joshua Tree National Park Cultural Center

Ask questions, view exhibits, and maybe buy a souvenir or two at Joshua Tree’s newest visitor center.

Duration 20 minutes
19

Oasis of Mara

Use the restroom, browse the gift shop, and enjoy a brief trail around an oasis.

Duration 30 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

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    Wheelchair accessible
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    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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    Service animals allowed
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    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Additional Starting Points: • Palm Springs • Route 247 • Amboy • Route 62 • Interstate 10
  • Additional information
    Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
  • Additional information
    Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
  • Additional information
    Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
  • Additional information
    Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
  • Additional information
    Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
  • Additional information
    The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
  • Additional information
    What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
Provided by Shaka Guide Tour Apps

What our experts say

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    Start early to avoid the crowds.
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    Pack plenty of water and snacks.
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    Visit Keys View for stunning sunsets.
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    Check out local eateries in Joshua Tree town.
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    Download the tour while on Wi-Fi.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Discover the natural beauty and unique landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park with the Self Guided Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour. This tour offers a personalized and immersive experience through the iconic rock formations, Joshua trees, and desert scenery of this national park.

What to expect?

Embark on a self-guided driving tour that allows you to explore Joshua Tree National Park at your own pace. With offline audio narration, an offline map, and turn-by-turn directions, you'll have all the information you need to make the most of your journey. Discover the park's geology, ecology, and history while enjoying stunning viewpoints and photo opportunities along the way.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, the Self Guided Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour offers something for everyone.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Joshua Tree National Park with this self-guided driving tour. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, personalized recommendations, and informative audio narration, this tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers a new perspective on one of America's most iconic national parks.

Good to know

For a hassle-free experience, be sure to start your tour before 8:00 a.m. to avoid crowds and make the most of your time in the park. Remember to bring snacks and water, as meals and refreshments are not included. Additionally, be prepared to pay the $30 entrance fee per vehicle and any parking fees during your visit.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Self Guided Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour rave about the flexibility and convenience of exploring the park on their own terms. Many appreciate the in-depth audio narration and detailed map, which enhance their understanding and appreciation of the park's natural beauty. Overall, visitors praise this tour for providing a unique and unforgettable way to experience Joshua Tree National Park.

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