Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour
Active
3h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Head out on this a small group tour into Joshua Tree National Park conducted on an exciting air-conditioned H2 Hummer or touring Van. Gawk at the amazing contortions of rock that create an amazing landscape of vibrant colors against the bluest sky in California!
Your expert guide will illuminate your understanding about how this landscape was created and share the stories of the Indians and settlers who lived here.
See the most iconic and most photographed places in the park as well as stop at a viewpoint where you can see all the way to Mexico!
This tour will visit the most iconic locations in the park including it's legendary giant boulders, learn about the forces of the San Andreas Fault that jolt the landscape beneath Joshua Tree itself.
SCHEDULE
Morning Tours:
Palm Desert Mortons
Daily. 8 am to 1:30 pm
Palm Springs Art Museum
Daily 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
Yucca Valley Welcome Center
Daily 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Note: Park Entrance of $15 pp is NOT included in the price.
Available options
Welcome Center Van 9:30 am
Duration: 3 hours: This leaves closer to the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park at the Yucca Valley Welcome Center located at 56711 Hwy 62.
<br/>Enclosed and heated van: This makes a nice 3-hour tour and expect to be back between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m.<br/>Starting point:<br/>California Welcome Center, 56711 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, USA
Welcome Center Van 1:30 p.m.
Duration: 3 hours<br/>Sunset tour : Enjoy the park during the last light of day as well as when it is at its warmest. A great option for photographers.
<br/>Starting point:<br/>California Welcome Center, 56711 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, USA
Palm Springs Museum Van 8:30
Duration: 5 hours<br/>Heated Enclosed Adventure van : This leaves directly in front of the famous Palm Springs Art Museum at the bottom of the Museum stairs. Returns about 1:30 pm<br/>Starting point:<br/>Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Welcome Center H2 Hummer 9:30
Duration: 3 hours<br/>H2 Hummer - 3 hours: This is a small group option in a H2 enclosed Hummer. It seats a maximum capacity of 5.<br/>Starting point:<br/>California Welcome Center, 56711 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, USA
Museum H2 Hummer 8:30 am
H2 luxury Hummer: This is a small group tour in our H2 Hummer experience. Five persons maximum.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
What's included
General Admission
Bottled water
Expert national park guide
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We provide you an informative and entertaining tour of Joshua Tree with one of our professional geology guides. You will explore the park with a professional eco guide while you explore the ancient geological landscape that was once the home of the Serrano Indians.
We also take you to the most photographed places in the park and take a walk in an area where you can find Indian cave drawings and even an old dam left by cowboys long past.
2
Explore with your guide enormous rock formations exposed at the Earths surface that were produced by the very forces of the San Andreas Fault miles beneath. Here rocks seem to precariously balance upon one another in a fight between gravity and subterranean forces. A 30 minute optional guided walk is made here.
3
This iconic rock formation is one of the most popular places in the park for rock climbers. Gawk at the climbers as they challenge the perils of the 3rd dimension.
4
Take an optional hike with your Wilderness guide on this Trail originally lay down by the Cowboys. This will take you by Indian petroglyphs as well as a water resource that is used by high elevation Bighorn Sheep and deer.
This area is surrounded with 20 million year old Miocene rock formations that are the vaunted destination for expert rock climbers all over the world.
5
Gawk at a view that stretches for hundreds of miles. From this high point in Joshua Tree you can see as far as the Salton Sea and all the way down to Mexico on a clear day.
You might even be able to make out your hotel on this escarpment that borders the famous San Andreas Fault. Look below this ledge we will stop at and you will see the fault line itself which stretches for over 800 miles.
What's not included
Gratuity
Sunscreen
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
183 reviews
5★
152
4★
19
3★
7
2★
3
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.7
256 reviews
5★
218
4★
20
3★
9
2★
3
1★
6
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress in light clothes in the summer and layers in the winter. It is 20 to 30 degrees cooler in the high desert
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. There is a 4 person minimum to run this tour.
Meeting point
This departure is daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 pm for the afternoon tour.
The afternoon is a great choice as we get back at 4:30 p.m. just in time for a cowboy western dinner in the area! We have lots of recommendations.
Important notes
Park Backcountry Fees are NOT included with your ticket starting 2025. The new national park rules require individuals to acquire their own pass per passenger as a pedestrian for $15 per person. You can also use or buy an annual pass that will permit entrance for up to four adults.
Please go to the following website to make a purchase for your entrance fee prior to the tour at this website:
https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74286
This pedestrian pass gives you permission on our tour to go on the walks inside the park as part of the new fee structure introduced in 2024. Tour operators are prohibited from making these purchases on behalf of the guests. Please have your tickets purchased and ready before your tour.
Your pass will allow you to return to the park at your own leisure within 7 days.
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
