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 571 reviews
Tim_L, Jun 2026
Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history and hiking opportunities in the area. Be sure to ask questions about what you see. It made it interesting for the group when the guide would elaborate on topics because a question was asked.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed learning about the history, geology, and hiking opportunities within Joshua Tree National Park. Our guides love answering questions and tailoring each tour to the interests of the group, so we're especially pleased that those conversations helped make the day more engaging. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
Drew_P, Jun 2026
We could not have asked for a better tour guide. Tom was extremely knowledgeable and exuded a true love for the national park. I am thankful that I joined this tour. I would not have gotten as much out of the day if I had experienced the park on my own. An added bonus was Tom’s great playlist! - Kristen
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you, Kristen, for the wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that Tom's knowledge, enthusiasm, and love for Joshua Tree National Park helped make your day so memorable. Our goal is to help guests experience the park in a deeper and more meaningful way, and we're glad you felt you gained so much from the tour. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Tom—and we're happy to hear his playlist was a hit as well! Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you again on another Outdoor Adventures experience.
santoshrao1, Jun 2026
Incredible guide. Very mild hikes, great for young kids, older individuals. Guide was knowledgeable and fantastic
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found it suitable for guests of all ages and abilities. We appreciate your kind comments about your guide's knowledge and enthusiasm. We hope to welcome you back to Joshua Tree again soon.
Douglas_Y, Jun 2026
Awesome experience and very educational! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and filled in a lot of fun and interesting facts about the park and its history.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed learning about Joshua Tree National Park and its fascinating history. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon.
claudio_b, Jun 2026
WONDERFUL experience! I HIGHLY recommend it. We took the 930am meeting at the Joshua Tree Welcome Center instead of the 830am meet up in Palms Springs. We left the welcome center promptly at 930 am and got into the first stop by 10am. The tour guide was very knowledgeable of the site and provided excellent commentary which we would otherwise have not known if we were doing the tour ourselves (fumbling with the direction and reading the historical markers can be stressful and time consuming). We were provided cold water and granola bars - that was a welcome treat in the heat. We were back at base point meeting at 1230pm. So, for those of you who wants a stress free adventure, this is the way to go! Let the experts guide you and relax while having some fun.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the convenience of the Joshua Tree meeting location, the knowledgeable commentary from your guide, and the opportunity to relax while exploring the park. Our goal is to make visiting Joshua Tree informative, comfortable, and stress-free, and we are pleased that the tour exceeded your expectations. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another desert adventure in the future.
Michelle_R, Jun 2026
Well planned tour with a stop at the visitor center right beforehand for last minute bio breaks before entering the park. Well informed guide. Multiple stops to take photos and explore a bit.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the tour's pacing, photo opportunities, and informative commentary. Our visitor center stop is a favorite convenience for many guests before entering the park. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back to Joshua Tree again soon.
Laure_J, May 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed our Joshua Tree Scenic Tour! We learned much more than we would have, touring on our own. And the departure from Palm Springs was very convenient.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Joshua Tree Scenic Tour and found the experience more informative than exploring on your own. We are also pleased that our convenient Palm Springs departure location added to your experience. We hope to welcome you back to the desert again soon.
Justine_E, May 2026
Tom was a great guide - very knowledgeable about the park and helped take photos! Overall it was a great experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that Tom's knowledge of Joshua Tree National Park and assistance with photos helped make your experience memorable. We will be sure to share your comments with him. We hope to welcome you back to the desert again soon.
Ann_J, May 2026
The organization of the trip is terrible!! We still have not gone on our adventure. We are leaving in two days and have put our other tours in hold while we wait for reservations. Just awful.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are sorry that your tour had to be canceled. On the date of your scheduled departure, high wind conditions and weather advisories in Joshua Tree National Park made it unsafe for us to operate the tour. The safety of our guests and guides must always come first.
Because we were unable to conduct the tour safely, your reservation was fully refunded. We understand how disappointing a cancellation can be when travel plans are already in place, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
We appreciate your understanding and hope you will consider joining us again when conditions are more favorable.
Thank you for your feedback, and we wish you safe and enjoyable travels.
Mary_S, May 2026
Stopped at 3 Places in Joshua tree for a short period of time
Tom was very knowledgeable.
Would have been nicer if we had a few More stops for The $ spent..
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for joining us and for sharing your feedback.
We're glad you enjoyed touring with Tom and appreciated his knowledge of Joshua Tree National Park.
Our Scenic Tour is designed to provide an overview of the park's major highlights while keeping walking distances relatively short and comfortable for a wide range of guests.
Most travelers spend about an hour to an hour and a half outside the vehicle during the day, with opportunities to explore several of Joshua Tree's most iconic locations.
For guests looking for a more active experience with additional hiking, we also offer private tours that can be customized to include longer walks and destinations such as Ryan Mountain.
We appreciate your comments and hope to welcome you back to the desert again soon.
Ambre_A, May 2026
Austin was an amazing guide. He’s super passionate, funny, accommodating, and helps you take your photos/videos. The other people I was with were also very kind and made this tour even better! It’s such a great tour, especially for solo travelers!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear Austin helped create such a fun, welcoming, and memorable experience for your day in Joshua Tree National Park. We love hearing that the tour felt comfortable and enjoyable for solo travelers as well. Helping guests capture great memories and enjoy the beauty of the park together is a big part of what we strive for. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again on another desert adventure!
Nicholas_L, May 2026
Good review of the park’s sites, very informative, comfortable ride, guide was extremely personable and accommodating
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your review! We’re very happy to hear you enjoyed the informative tour, comfortable ride, and Tom’s personable guiding style. Our goal is to make exploring Joshua Tree National Park both relaxing and memorable for every guest. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back again in the future!
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.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! Tom truly has a deep passion for Joshua Tree National Park, and we’re so glad that came through during your experience. Creating a welcoming and memorable tour for guests of all backgrounds is something we care deeply about. We appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again on another adventure in the desert!
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!
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