Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Palm Springs, USA
- 3 to 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience Joshua Tree National Park on a small-group tour from Palm Springs Art Museum. Explore surreal desert landscapes, towering rock formations, and hidden backroads. Learn about the San Andreas Fault's forces shaping the land and hear stories of the indigenous Cahuilla people. This half-day tour includes general admission, removing the need for separate park entry arrangements.
- Explore Joshua Tree National Park with a guide
- Small group half-day tour suitable for all ages
- Includes general admission to the park
- Stop at several viewpoints for photos of the landscape
What's Included
- Expert national park guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Fuel surcharge
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- General Admission
- Gratuity
- Sunscreen
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Joshua Tree National Park
3 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Cap Rock Trail
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Intersection Rock
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Barker Dam Trail
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Keys View
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 552 reviews
Nicholas_L, May 2026
Good review of the park’s sites, very informative, comfortable ride, guide was extremely personable and accommodating
John_I, May 2026
Tom is an excellent guide that is uniquely qualified for dealing with all kinds of people and their needs. His love for the Joshua Park is palpable, and he sets the mood for a one of a kind experience, that my group and I greatly appreciated.
Angelica_W, Apr 2026
We had Tom as our guide and he thought of everything! He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, kind, patient, funny, I could go on! He also had an awesome playlist drivinto into the park and leaving! However, the star of the tour was Joshua Tree! Its a magical place like nothing I've ever seen before! The weather was perfect and we were with a friendly group of people! Thanks for a great experience!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We’re really glad you enjoyed your time with Tom—he truly loves sharing Joshua Tree and making each tour memorable.
It’s always great to hear when guests connect with the landscape the way you did. There’s something special about that first experience in the park, especially when the conditions line up just right.
We’d love to have you back anytime for another adventure!
Danielle_L, Apr 2026
the tour was wonderful. Easy pickup at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Our guide Eddie was terrific - Joshua Tree is gorgeous. The one tiny thing I'd note is that we were told we were going to the "official" visitors' center for Joshua Tree and instead went to a small private souvenir shop outside of the Park. I'd definitely recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the kind words—we’re so glad you enjoyed the tour and that Eddie helped make it a memorable experience.
We’ll be sure to pass that along to him.
We also appreciate you pointing out the stop along the way. Just to clarify for future guests, the Welcome Center we visit is an official center affiliated with the City, and it offers the same maps, information, and many of the same items you would find at the National Park Visitor Center.
Our goal is always to provide a smooth and efficient experience while still giving guests access to everything they need to enjoy Joshua Tree to the fullest.
Thanks again for joining us and for the recommendation—we truly appreciate it.
Louise_T, Apr 2026
The travel time to and from Palm Springs to the park itself was an hour each way. We rode in an econoline van and were crammed into the back row. The return trip was an old minivan with a nonfunctional back seat we had to sit on.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your feedback—we genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
You’re absolutely right that travel time between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree is typically about an hour each way, and the comfort of that journey plays an important role in the overall experience.
We’re sorry to hear that the transportation on your trip did not meet expectations, particularly regarding seating comfort on the return.
We work hard to ensure that all vehicles used in our tours are well-maintained, properly equipped, and provide a comfortable ride for all guests. Your comments regarding the seating have been noted and will be addressed directly with our team to prevent this from happening in the future.
LEONID_L, Mar 2026
We loved the trip with our guide Austin.
Loved the park, music and stories.
Park is must to be seen while in Palm Springs area.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the kind words—we’re glad you had such an enjoyable trip.
Austin will really appreciate the shoutout. He has a great way of blending the stories, the music, and the landscape into something memorable.
And we couldn’t agree more—Joshua Tree is one of those places that just sticks with you. It’s definitely a must-see when you’re in the Palm Springs area.
Hope to see you out there again sometime.
Ruthann_G, Mar 2026
There is free parking in the parking garage across the street from the Art Museum. The tour van cannot stop at the NP center, so NP stamps can't be put in an NP passport book, which is disappointing.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your feedback—we’re glad you found it a good way to experience Joshua Tree.
You’re absolutely right that National Park logistics can be a bit tricky. Due to park regulations and timing constraints, our tours aren’t always able to stop at the visitor center for passport stamps during the tour itself.
For guests interested in stamps, we typically recommend stopping by the visitor center either before or after the tour, which allows more flexibility.
We appreciate you pointing this out, and we hope the rest of your time in the park made up for that small inconvenience.
Christine_P, Mar 2026
Such a wonderful time at this magnificent desert gem! Eddie our tour guide was welcoming, informative and super sarcastic👍😁…we would take this tour again in a heartbeat!…highly recommended!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the great review—we’re glad you had such a memorable time out there.
Eddie will especially appreciate the shoutout. The desert has a way of bringing out both the geology and the sarcasm, and we’re lucky to have guides who can deliver both.
Joshua Tree really is a special place, and it’s always a good sign when someone says they’d do it all over again—we’ll be ready when you are.
Appreciate you coming out with us 👍
Cliff_M, Mar 2026
Amazing tour with a great guide (Tom) and Joshua Tree National Park is unbelievably beautiful. Definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour and that Tom helped make the experience memorable. Joshua Tree really does have a way of surprising people with its beauty. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again for another adventure soon!
Thaddeus_Z, Mar 2026
Great guide, beautiful scenery, excellent knowledge about the park. Very friendly. Weather was terrific.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you! We’re glad you enjoyed the scenery and the experience—hope to see you again out in Joshua Tree!
Chris_W, Mar 2026
This tour was an excellent introduction to Joshua Tree National Park. Our tour guide Austin was very knowledgable and friendly. Stopping at very scenic places for photos and quick walks around, for someone like me who had never been to the park, it was a great experience (without the hassle of navigating the roads myself). We had excellent weather and views are amazing! Definitely worth the time and cost!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the great review! We’re glad you had such a fantastic introduction to Joshua Tree National Park. Austin will really appreciate the kind words—he takes a lot of pride in making the experience both informative and relaxed.
Joshua Tree can be a bit tricky to navigate on your own, so we’re happy you were able to sit back, enjoy the scenery, and take in those views without the hassle. Sounds like you caught one of those perfect desert days as well.
We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again out here!
Becky_R, Mar 2026
This is a great way to see Joshua Tree without having to rent a car or do the driving yourself! Tom was a friendly fun knowledgeable host who gave the local perspective and kept us engaged while also allowing us to experience JT for ourselves. Would highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for joining our Joshua Tree Scenic Tour! We're glad you enjoyed exploring the park and learning about the desert landscape. Our guides love sharing the stories and geology of Joshua Tree. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again on another adventure!
Kristyna_M, Mar 2026
This is a great chance to explore the Joshua Tree National Park. In fact the only option I found for one person to get a Joshua Tree Park trip with a pick up in Palm Springs. Ediide - our guide takes you on the best places in the park and tells you interesting facts about the park. So all in all this was such a nice trip and experience! thank you
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for joining our Joshua Tree Scenic Tour! We're glad you enjoyed exploring the park and learning about its unique landscape. Our guides love sharing the geology and history of Joshua Tree. We hope to see you again on another desert adventure.
James_M, Mar 2026
Tour was fun and informative but the bus was quite uncomfortable; it is cramped if three people are seated in a row, and one of the middle seatbelts was difficult to pullout and too tight,
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for joining us and for the kind words about the tour and guide. We're glad you enjoyed the experience in Joshua Tree.
Our vehicles are designed for small-group tours so guests can enjoy a more personal experience with the guide, but seating can feel a bit tight when three people share a row. We appreciate you mentioning the seatbelt issue as well—this is something we will check and adjust to make sure everything is working properly.
Thanks again for the helpful feedback, and we hope to see you again on another adventure in the desert.
Luisa_B, Mar 2026
This is a great way to see the main sites at Joshua Tree and learn a lot! Our guide Austin was fantastic and gave us some great info in a non stress way. Super cool.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring Joshua Tree with us and that Austin helped make the experience both informative and relaxed. He’s great at sharing the stories, geology, and history of the park in a way that keeps the tour fun and easygoing.
Joshua Tree really is an incredible place, and we’re happy you were able to see so many of the highlights. Thank you again for joining us — we hope to see you back in the desert sometime soon!
Brian_B, Mar 2026
Tour guide Denise was great! Fun, great information. The scenery and views are amazing. Make sure you know how to switch your phone to use the highest quality pics you can.
The van was comfortable (we had the air-conditioned van), started and finished right on time. The audio in the van was a bit weak; that’s literally the only non-excellent part of the journey.
Same company has an “off-road” version where you’re in what amounts to a 4x4 safari truck, sitting in the open. That looks fun too!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the great review, Brian! We’re glad you enjoyed the tour and that Denise helped make the experience both fun and informative. Joshua Tree really does offer incredible scenery, and you’re absolutely right — bringing a good camera (or phone set to the highest resolution!) is the best way to capture it.
We’re also happy to hear the van was comfortable and that everything ran on schedule. Thank you as well for the feedback about the audio — we’re always working to improve the experience for our guests.
And yes, our open-air off-road Hummer tours are another fun way to explore the desert for anyone who wants a more adventurous ride!
Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you back in the desert sometime soon.
Sharon_B, Feb 2026
Was longer than needed to be. Did not need to see the campgrounds. Information regarding tithe Joshua Tree was good.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for joining us and for your feedback. Our tours are designed to highlight many of Joshua Tree National Park’s major landmarks, geology, and viewpoints so guests can experience the breadth of the park during the trip.
While we occasionally pass by campground areas as part of the park route, our focus is generally on the iconic landscapes and natural history of Joshua Tree rather than spending time inside the campgrounds themselves.
We appreciate your comments and are glad you enjoyed learning about the Joshua trees and the park’s natural history.
Richard_S, Feb 2026
Over an hour and 15 minutes late.
Expected hummers and got white vans instead. Apparently there is a difference with the scenic versus adventure tour, which is not evident. Adventure tours with hummers can only happen when the weather is warm enough.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for joining us and for sharing your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the tour overall, and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify the difference between the two experiences.
Our Scenic Tour is typically conducted in comfortable touring vans and focuses on exploring Joshua Tree National Park’s landscapes, history, and geology. The Adventure Tour, which uses our open-air Hummers, is a different experience and is priced separately on Viator (usually about $20 more per person).
Because the Hummers are fully open-air vehicles, we sometimes adjust equipment during colder or windy weather to keep guests comfortable and safe.
We appreciate your feedback and will continue working to make the distinction between the tours as clear as possible for future guests.
Tara_S, Feb 2026
Bob was a great tour guide! He showed us all the top spots in the park and shared so much knowledge and experience! A definite must do.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed exploring Joshua Tree with Bob — he truly loves sharing the park’s geology and hidden gems. It means a lot that you took the time to leave a review. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Linda_K, Feb 2026
Very nice guide, Tom. Personable and helpful! Shared lots of knowledge. Beautiful weather and scenery. Comfortable van ride with small group. Nice music vibes. Learned a lot! Offered a short hike and picture opportunities.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the day with Tom and appreciated the small-group experience, scenery, and photo stops. We hope to see you again in Joshua Tree soon!
Sean_T, Feb 2026
We enjoyed adding Joshua Tree to our list of National Parks visited. The geology and rock formations were spectacular and landscape some of the most unique I’ve seen.
Austin was a great guide whose local knowledge and insights enhanced the park visit experience
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Joshua Tree truly offers some of the most distinctive geology and landscapes in the National Park system, and we’re so glad it earned a place on your growing list.
Austin will be thrilled to hear your kind words. He takes great pride in sharing the local geology, history, and hidden details that make the park so special.
We hope the unique rock formations and desert scenery stay with you for years to come, and we’d love to welcome you back for another adventure anytime.
Carla_M, Feb 2026
Tom was great. Music a plus for sure!
He was a great photographer too. Nice amount of people- 6 total.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much, Carla, for the wonderful review. We’re thrilled you enjoyed your time in Joshua Tree and that the group size felt just right.
Tom will especially appreciate your kind words about the music and photography — he loves helping guests capture memorable moments while keeping the experience fun and relaxed.
We hope the desert light, landscapes, and a few great photos stay with you long after the tour. It would be a pleasure to welcome you back anytime.
Deborah_F, Feb 2026
Our tour was worth the price. Our guide, Bob, was knowledgeable, attentive to our needs, a great photographer, and very personable.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for the great review! We’re so happy you enjoyed your Joshua Tree experience and found the tour worth the price.
Bob will be thrilled to hear your kind words — he takes great pride in making each tour informative, comfortable, and memorable (and capturing great photos along the way!).
We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
Harsha_K, Feb 2026
It was a fantastic tour. Austin was an amazing tour guide. We also stopped at spots that were amazing but not so packed with tourists so we could take amazing pictures
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled you had a fantastic experience exploring Joshua Tree National Park with Austin. We love showing guests beautiful locations away from the crowds so you can fully enjoy the scenery and capture great photos. We truly appreciate you choosing us and hope to welcome you back again soon!
anne_m, Feb 2026
We loved our tour with Austin. He had lots of info and took us to some unique spots. Would have loved a bit more outside time but overall a terrific way to see the park! Well done.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for the kind review! We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring Joshua Tree with Austin and discovering some of the park’s unique locations. We appreciate your feedback about spending more time outside — we always aim to balance comfort, safety, and exploration, and your input helps us improve the experience. Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you back in Joshua Tree for another adventure!
Teri_B, Feb 2026
Bob our guide was knowledgeable and kept it interesting. Was able to explain all the different elements to our group. We enjoyed our experience.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted you enjoyed your Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour and that Bob helped make the day engaging and informative. Our guides take pride in explaining the park’s unique geology, ecology, and history in a way that keeps the experience interesting for everyone.
We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Joshua Tree again soon!
Katrina_B, Feb 2026
Great tour, didn’t disappoint!! Tom, our guide, was excellent! He is very knowledgeable! Would definitely book again.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re very happy you enjoyed your Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour and that Tom made the experience informative and memorable for your group.
Our goal is to provide knowledgeable guides and a comfortable, well-paced experience exploring Joshua Tree’s unique geology and landscapes. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
Kinzie_B, Feb 2026
Amazing experience. Unlike any place we’ve ever been. Austin made the trip with his incredible facts, enjoyable demeanor and sprinkling in the jokes! He went the extra mile to max out our time at the park, take all the right pictures and even had playlist ready to roll.
Weather: Joshua tree is 10-15* colder than Palm Spring!
Food: Eat before! Long trip w granola bar for a snack.
Restrooms: take the offer about using the restroom at the welcome center. The park’s potties are lackluster at best.
Park pass: not included! You’ll need to buy online.
Hot tip: we took the Friday afternoon tour and there was no lines - love to skip crowds!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled you had such a great time with Austin—he truly loves sharing the park and going the extra mile to make the experience special.
Just a quick clarification for future guests: general park admission is included with the tour. However, the new Wilderness Pass is a separate National Park requirement that tour operators are not permitted to purchase on behalf of guests and must be obtained individually.
We really appreciate you sharing your tips and insights, and we’re glad you enjoyed a quieter afternoon in the park. Hope to see you back out in Joshua Tree someday!
Gordon_H, Feb 2026
Tom was our tour guide, and we had an amazing experience! We learned about the area, rock formations, vegetation, and wildlife in Joshua Tree NP while taking in the breathtaking landscape. In terms of logistics, pickup and drop-off at the Palm Springs Art Museum were seamless. During the tour, we had ample time to take pictures and multiple opportunities for bathroom breaks. Tom also brought along extra water, snacks, and layers, as it can become quite cool depending on where you are in the park.
I recommend this tour to anyone who wants an introduction to Joshua Tree NP with all the highlights!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great experience with Tom and enjoyed learning about the park’s geology, plants, and wildlife. We’re glad the logistics and pacing worked well and that you felt well prepared throughout the tour. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again in Joshua Tree!
Mark_G, Feb 2026
Amazing area to watch. Hope that there were will be more walking experience. We enjoyed the excursion
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience—we’re glad you enjoyed the excursion and the incredible scenery Joshua Tree has to offer.
Our Scenic Tour is designed to balance comfort with exploration, featuring short, optional walks at key locations so guests of all abilities can enjoy the park. That said, we completely understand the desire for more time on foot—Joshua Tree is a wonderful place to explore up close.
For guests who are interested in a more walking-focused experience, we also offer tours with extended stops and guided hikes, and we’re always happy to tailor private tours to include more walking when possible. We appreciate the feedback and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
From $159.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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