Overview
Immerse yourself in the wonder of Joshua Tree National Park on this self-guided driving tour. Discover the best places to stop for capturing iconic photos, exploring historical ruins, or taking a scenic hike. Our mobile app will guide you along each step of the way, while also giving you an overview of the area's intriguing history and unique ecosystem.
Plus, you get the same experience whether you decide to enter the park via the West Entrance or the North Entrance (entrance fee not included). And don't forget, access to our FREE Local's Guide is also included, and it's packed with tons of additional recommended sights, attractions, and activities in the towns of Joshua Tree, Pioneertown and more!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
App & Tour Download
Free Local Area Guide (Joshua Tree & Surrounding Areas)
Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
Food & Drink
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Option 1: The audio tour will start automatically after entering Joshua Tree National Park through the West Entrance Station.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Thanks for booking!
Please be sure to follow the instructions below.
BEFORE YOU GO:
1) Download the Drives & Detours mobile app:
iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506
2) Open app, tap "Driving Tours", then tap "Journey into Joshua Tree"
3) Enter Access Code (on iPhone tap "Login to Download" then "Login")
** Your Access Code: ZFJ845 **
4) Tap "Download Tour"
STARTING THE TOUR:
1) Open app, tap "Driving Tours"
2) Tap "Journey into Joshua Tree" then “Start Tour”
3) Enter JTNP through West OR North Entrance Station and pay entrance fee (pro tip, during busy season, the North Entrance usually has a shorter line!)
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If you have any questions, feel free to text us at 619.324.9920
We hope you enjoy the tour!
What to expect
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Quail Springs Trail
20 min
Quail Springs is a trailhead and picnic area. It's a great place to get out and walk around, explore some boulders, and take some pictures. An optional hike can take you to a nearby homestead site with rock carvings.
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Boy Scout Trail
20 min
Boy Scout Trail provides hiking access to Indian Cove as well as Willow Hole, which is an oasis tucked into the Wonderland of Rocks area. The rock formations and unique landscape can make this a mesmerizing place to hike, especially at the right time of day.
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Hidden Valley
1 hour
The Hidden Valley Trail is a relatively easy one-mile loop that circles a secluded valley surrounded by towering rock formations. It’s a particularly scenic hike, especially given how short and level it is.
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Barker Dam Trail
1 hour
Take a short loop hike to a natural tank that was artificially fortified by ranchers in the early 1900’s to collect rain and runoff for livestock. On the way back, keep your eyes out for some petroglyphs and rock art.
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Wall Street Mill
1 hour
Optional hike from the Barker Dam area to visit the Wall Street Mill, which processed ore that was extracted from nearby mines. Also along the way are the Wonderland Ranch homestead ruins.
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Keys View
15 min
Stop at this scenic overlook that provides a sweeping panorama of the Coachella Valley. On a clear day, you can see for miles, from the Salton Sea to the south, to Mount San Jacinto which towers above Palm Springs at an elevation of 10,830 feet.
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Ryan Ranch Homestead Site
15 min
Take a short hike (optional) to this old homestead site of a wealthy rancher turned mine operator.
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Hall of Horrors
15 min
Get out and explore a mini slot canyon tucked into the boulders!
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Ryan Mountain
15 min
Optional but challenging hike to the top of Ryan Mountain. Because of its central location within the park, the views from the top can be stunning.
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Skull Rock
15 min
Located right along the road, Skull Rock is a natural rock formation and popular photo spot.
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Split Rock
15 min
Another optional loop hike that gets a little less traffic than some of the other sites in the park.
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Arch Rock Nature Trail
1 hour
Relatively easy and popular hike that lets you visit 2 natural rock formations on one hike, Arch Rock and Heart Rock.
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Cholla Cactus Garden
15 min
Get a taste of Joshua Tree's lower desert ecosystem, the Colorado Desert. You'll be surrounded by fuzzy-looking Teddy Bear Cholla, but you don't want to touch them!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Los Angeles).
Additional Information
- All suggested hikes are optional. The tour takes about 3 hours without any hiking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
FAQs about Journey into Joshua Tree Audio Tour and Locals Guide
Can I cancel Journey into Joshua Tree Audio Tour and Locals Guide for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3–8 hours.
Where does it start?
Option 1: The audio tour will start automatically after entering Joshua Tree National Park through the West Entrance Station.
What's included?
- App & Tour Download
- Free Local Area Guide (Joshua Tree & Surrounding Areas)
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access within 30-days)
What's not included?
- Food & Drink
Which places does it visit?
It visits Quail Springs Trail, Boy Scout Trail, Hidden Valley, Barker Dam Trail, Wall Street Mill, Keys View, Ryan Ranch Homestead Site, Hall of Horrors.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in German, English, French, Spanish.
Operated by Drives & Detours
