Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
Active
14h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Joshua Tree is quickly becoming one of America’s most popular national parks – and for good reason.
With trails ranging from simple to strenuous, easily accessible rock formations, an epic scenic overlook, and old pioneer history dotted across the open desert, there’s something for everyone.
On Shaka Guide’s Joshua Tree National Park Tour you’ll experience the best this spot has to offer at 20 hand-picked stops.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the Joshua Tree National Park Tour!
• Check out the quirky and oddly shaped Joshua Trees
• Hike at Split Rock Loop Trail
• Take a selfie at Intersection Rock
• Ask questions and learn about the park’s flora at Joshua Tree Cultural Center
• Watch the sunset at Keys View
All Shaka Guide tours come with customer support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Tours never expire.
*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*
Available options
Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included
Tours NEVER expire
Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
Take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you
Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Detailed itinerary
1
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.
2
Pay the park fee here, use the restrooms, or ask the rangers questions.
3
Learn more about the quirky ocotillo plant in this little pull off.
4
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.
5
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!
6
Stop 6
Hike through iconic rock formations on this easy trail.
7
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.
8
Stop 8
Ryan Mountain is one of the park’s best hikes, and affords adventurers a 360-degree view of the valley and surrounding area.
9
Yet another cool rock formation of rounded gneiss boulders in the middle of the desert.
10
The site of an attempted (and ill-fated) 1970s funeral, Cap Rock is one of many iconic gneiss formations in the park.
11
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.
12
This lovely overlook offers gorgeous sunset views over Palm Springs, and you can also see the San Andreas Fault.
13
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.
14
Stop 14
Vault toilets are available.
15
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.
16
Vault toilets are available.
17
Stop 17
This is the last chance to stop before re-entering the park for information, a flush toilet, or a quick bite to eat.
18
Ask questions, view exhibits, and maybe buy a souvenir or two at Joshua Tree’s newest visitor center.
19
Use the restroom, browse the gift shop, and enjoy a brief trail around an oasis.
What's not included
Private transportation
Meals and Refreshment
Entrance Fee: Joshua Tree National Park
Parking Fees
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
3.0
4 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Additional Starting Points: • Palm Springs • Route 247 • Amboy • Route 62 • Interstate 10
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
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!”
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.
Important notes
HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:
Thank you for purchasing the Joshua Tree National Park Tour.
Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:
*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).
1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)
2. Open the app and go to the support tab
3. Click Account Settings
4. Click Retrieve Purchases
5. Select Use Redeem Code (the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket, located under the barcode)
6. Sign up with your email ID
7. Enter the redeem code shared above in the message.
Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.
For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.
We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138
DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download
About Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort city in Southern California known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and spas. It's a popular destination for outdoor activities, mid-century modern architecture, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
Top Attractions
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
A scenic tram ride from the desert floor to the mountaintops, offering stunning views and access to hiking trails.
Nature/Adventure
2-3 hours
Moderate
Palm Springs Art Museum
A premier destination for modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design, housed in a striking mid-century modern building.
Museum/Art
1-2 hours
Moderate
Joshua Tree National Park
A unique desert landscape with iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and stargazing opportunities.
Nature/Adventure
Full day
Free entry for some areas, moderate for others
Palm Springs Walk of Stars
A tribute to celebrities who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, with stars embedded in the sidewalks of downtown Palm Springs.
Historical/Cultural
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
In-N-Out Burger
A California classic, known for its fresh, high-quality burgers and fries.
Fast Food
Vegetarian options available
Chef's Table at The Parker
A fine dining experience featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes.
Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Palm Springs Caesar Salad
A local twist on the classic Caesar salad, often featuring fresh greens, avocado, and a unique dressing.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking
Rock climbing
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Golfing
Poolside lounging
Art museum visits
Architectural tours
Best Time to Visit
October to April
This is the most popular time to visit with pleasant temperatures and outdoor activities in full swing.
15°C to 30°C
60°F to 85°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT, UTC-8)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Palm Springs is generally safe, but standard precautions should be taken to ensure a secure visit.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious in isolated areas at night
- • Use reputable tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Palm Springs International Airport • 3 miles from city center
By train
Palm Springs Station
By bus
Palm Springs Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and convenient for getting around, but schedules may be limited.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Palm Springs
The Historic District
South Palm Springs
Day trips
Joshua Tree National Park
35 miles • Full day
A unique desert landscape with iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and stargazing opportunities.
Salton Sea
45 miles • Half day
A unique and somewhat eerie destination known for its shrinking lake and diverse birdlife.
Cathedral City
10 miles • Half day
A vibrant city known for its murals, festivals, and diverse dining options.
Festivals
Palm Springs International Film Festival • January
Palm Springs Pride • November
Palm Springs VillageFest • Thursday evenings year-round
Pro tips
- Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for stunning views and hiking opportunities
- Explore the mid-century modern architecture with a guided tour
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere
- Take advantage of the numerous golf courses and spas
- Visit nearby Joshua Tree National Park for a unique desert experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
