Overview
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.*
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
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
Private transportation
Meals and Refreshment
Entrance Fee: Joshua Tree National Park
Parking Fees
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
There are five tour starting points - Palm Springs, Route 247, Amboy, Route 62, and Interstate 10 - choose the most convenient for you or join the tour along the route.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
HOW TO REDEEM YOUR SHAKA GUIDE DRIVING TOUR
1. Download the Shaka Guide: GPS Driving Tours app from the App Store or Play Store
2. Create an account and log in to the app or use the Continue with Apple or Google option.
3. Click on "Support" from the bottom menu
4. Tap on "Retrieve Purchases" and then on "Use a Redeem Code"
5. Enter your redeem code SG_T4C68V and download your Shaka Guide tour
Contact Shaka Guide via email aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138 to get your redeem code
What to expect
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Bajada Nature Trail 3/1/21
20 min
A short trail introduces you to the desert’s plant and animal life.
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Lost Palms Oasis Trail
4 hours
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.
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Cottonwood Visitor Center
10 min
Pay the park fee here, use the restrooms, or ask the rangers questions.
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Ocotillo Patch
10 min
Learn more about the quirky ocotillo plant in this little pull off.
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Cholla Cactus Garden
15 min
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.
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Arch Rock Nature Trail
30 min
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!
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Skull Rock
15 min
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.
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Split Rock Loop Trail
1 hour 30 min
Hike through iconic rock formations on this easy trail.
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Oasis of Mara
30 min
Use the restroom, browse the gift shop, and enjoy a brief trail around an oasis.
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Joshua Tree National Park Cultural Center
20 min
Ask questions, view exhibits, and maybe buy a souvenir or two at Joshua Tree’s newest visitor center.
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Joshua Tree Visitor Center
5 min
This is the last chance to stop before re-entering the park for information, a flush toilet, or a quick bite to eat.
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Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead
45 min
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.
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Intersection Rock
10 min
Vault toilets are available.
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Barker Dam Trail
45 min
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.
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Wall Street Mill Trail
1 hour
Vault toilets are available.
-
Ryan Mountain Trail
1 hour 30 min
Ryan Mountain is one of the park’s best hikes, and affords adventurers a 360-degree view of the valley and surrounding area.
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Hall of Horrors
10 min
Yet another cool rock formation of rounded gneiss boulders in the middle of the desert.
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Cap Rock Trail
10 min
The site of an attempted (and ill-fated) 1970s funeral, Cap Rock is one of many iconic gneiss formations in the park.
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Lost Horse Mine
1 hour 30 min
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.
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Keys View
30 min
This lovely overlook offers gorgeous sunset views over Palm Springs, and you can also see the San Andreas Fault.
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
- 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!”
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Self Guided Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour
Can I cancel Self Guided Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 14 hours 37 min.
Where does it start?
There are five tour starting points - Palm Springs, Route 247, Amboy, Route 62, and Interstate 10 - choose the most convenient for you or join the tour along the…
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
What's not included?
- Private transportation
- Meals and Refreshment
- Entrance Fee: Joshua Tree National Park
- Parking Fees
Which places does it visit?
It visits Bajada Nature Trail 3/1/21, Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Cottonwood Visitor Center, Ocotillo Patch, Cholla Cactus Garden, Arch Rock Nature Trail, Skull Rock, Split Rock Loop Trail.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Shaka Guide Tour Apps
