Joshua Tree National Park
Desert Skies, Sculpted Rocks, and Starry Nights
Featured Experiences
Joshua Tree is best explored with those who know its secrets. Local guides share the stories of the land — how the Joshua tree earned its name, where ancient petroglyphs can still be seen, and which trails reveal the most dazzling night skies. With a guide, you’ll experience the park safely and meaningfully, avoiding the hazards of desert travel while uncovering hidden gems.
Guided experiences range from vehicle-based tours across the park’s scenic drives, to half-day hikes through boulder-strewn valleys, to night sky programs that connect you with the cosmos. Rock climbing lessons introduce beginners to the sport in one of the world’s climbing capitals, while photography tours help capture the unique light and surreal desert landscapes.
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Desert Nature Walk + Soundbath + Meditation + Cacao Ceremony
Connect to nature’s rhythm on this mindful desert retreat.... More
- Half Day • Joshua Tree, CA
- Perfect for spiritual travelers
- Guided walk, meditation, & cacao ceremony
- Includes certified facilitators & soundbath
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Soundbath Under The Stars – Joshua Tree
Transform under Joshua Tree’s celestial skies with sound and... More
- 2 Hours • Joshua Tree, CA
- Perfect for mindfulness seekers
- Planetary gong soundbath & stargazing
- Includes guided meditation under the stars
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Joshua Tree Sunset & Stargazing Private Tour & Hike
Private sunset hike and stargazing dinner experience.... More
- 6–8 Hours • Joshua Tree, CA
- Ideal for nature and astronomy lovers
- See sunsets, stars, and scenic trails
- Gourmet dinner & telescopes included
Suggested Itineraries
Joshua Tree rewards visitors who slow down and let the desert reveal itself. Even a single day can give you sweeping views, golden cactus gardens, and skies filled with stars. With more time, you can dive into hiking, climbing, and cultural history — or simply sit still and soak in the vastness of the desert.
1 Day Itinerary
Start your morning at the Cholla Cactus Garden, where the spiny plants glow golden in the early sun. Continue to Hidden Valley for a loop trail among famous climbing walls and sculpted boulders. In the afternoon, drive up to Keys View for sweeping panoramas across the Coachella Valley. Stay after sunset — Joshua Tree’s dark skies reveal stars like you’ve never seen before.
👉 Best for first-time visitors wanting the highlights in a single day.
3 Day Itinerary
Dedicate your first day to hiking: try Barker Dam Trail for history and water, then Ryan Mountain for panoramic views. Day two is for climbing — join a guided session at Intersection Rock or Echo Cliffs to experience Joshua Tree’s world-class routes. Spend your third day exploring cultural and quieter corners: see petroglyphs, visit the Oasis of Mara near Twentynine Palms, and end the trip with a stargazing program led by a park ranger.
👉 Balanced mix of hiking, climbing, and culture.
Weeklong Adventure
A week in Joshua Tree lets you dive deeper into the desert rhythms. Hike by day — Skull Rock, Lost Horse Mine, and the Boy Scout Trail reveal different sides of the park. Dedicate time to climbing lessons or photography tours. Join a night-sky program, then spend another evening camping under stars. Visit nearby cultural sites and art galleries in Joshua Tree town, or take a side trip to Palm Springs for contrast. Wrap up with a sunrise walk through Hidden Valley, a fitting farewell to the desert’s magic.
👉 Best for travelers seeking both adventure and reflection.
Joshua Tree may look simple on the map, but desert travel demands planning. Permits, weather extremes, and limited services can catch visitors off guard. Tell us your dates and interests, and we’ll design a safe and unforgettable Joshua Tree itinerary.
What to Expect Each Season
The Desert in Four Moods
Joshua Tree is open year-round, but each season offers a different character. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer is brutally hot, limiting exploration to early mornings and evenings. Winter is crisp, with chilly nights perfect for stargazing.
Spring (March–May)
Wildflowers bloom, temperatures are pleasant, and crowds peak.
Best for: Hiking, climbing, and photography.
Summer (June–August)
Temperatures often exceed 100°F. Exploration is limited to dawn and dusk, with afternoons best spent in shaded oases or nearby towns.
Best for: Stargazing and short sunrise hikes.
Fall (September–November)
Cooler weather returns, making trails and climbs inviting again. Crowds are lighter than spring.
Best for: Hiking, camping, and climbing.
Winter (December–February)
Chilly days and cold nights, but crystal-clear skies for stargazing. Some days bring light snow on the higher peaks.
Best for: Stargazing and desert solitude.
Joshua Tree National Park Tours
View All Joshua Tree Tours & Activities
Joshua Tree offers more than desert views — it’s a place to hike through surreal boulders, drive to sweeping overlooks, and gaze up at some of the darkest skies in America. Guided tours make it easy and safe to explore, helping you connect with the park’s landscapes, wildlife, and stories in deeper ways.
Hiking & Photography Tours
Joshua Tree’s trails wind through surreal boulder fields, cactus gardens, and groves of twisted Joshua trees. Guided hikes reveal the park’s geology and wildlife, while photography tours help you capture golden desert light and starlit skies.
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Joshua Tree Full Day Private Tour & Hike
Private full-day guided tour through Joshua Tree.... More
- Full Day • Joshua Tree, CA
- Perfect for all ages & fitness levels
- Visit iconic park highlights
- Includes transport, guide & picnic lunch
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Private Morning Hike
Private guided hiking adventure through Joshua Tree.... More
- 5–6 Hours • Joshua Tree, CA
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts
- Personalized hiking experience
- Includes guide, gear, and water
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Photography Hike
Capture Joshua Tree’s surreal landscapes on a guided... More
- 5–6 Hours • Joshua Tree, CA
- Ideal for creative explorers
- Private photography coaching
- Includes water & transport
Sightseeing Tours
Vehicle-based sightseeing tours make it easy to experience Joshua Tree’s highlights in comfort. With a guide handling navigation, you’ll stop at iconic places like Keys View, Hidden Valley, and Skull Rock while learning the stories behind the landscape.
Stargazing Tours
At night, Joshua Tree transforms into one of the darkest skies in the U.S. Stargazing tours pair telescopes with expert guides who connect you with constellations, planets, and the sweeping band of the Milky Way — an unforgettable desert experience.
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Soundbath Under The Stars – Joshua Tree
Transform under Joshua Tree’s celestial skies with sound and... More
- 2 Hours • Joshua Tree, CA
- Perfect for mindfulness seekers
- Planetary gong soundbath & stargazing
- Includes guided meditation under the stars
-
Joshua Tree Sunset & Stargazing Private Tour & Hike
Private sunset hike and stargazing dinner experience.... More
- 6–8 Hours • Joshua Tree, CA
- Ideal for nature and astronomy lovers
- See sunsets, stars, and scenic trails
- Gourmet dinner & telescopes included
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Private Stargazing with an Astronomer
Private guided stargazing in Joshua Tree with astronomer.... More
- 2–3 Hours • Joshua Tree, CA
- Ideal for couples & astronomy lovers
- See planets, galaxies & constellations
- Hot drinks & telescopes included
Visitor Centers At The Park
Joshua Tree’s visitor centers anchor each entrance, offering not just maps but context and culture. Rangers here provide safety tips, trail updates, and stories that enrich your visit.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center (town of Joshua Tree)
The main hub at the west entrance, with maps, bookstore, and ranger programs. It’s often the first stop for new visitors.
Tip: Stock up on water and supplies here — there are no restaurants or gas stations inside the park.
Oasis Visitor Center (Twentynine Palms)
Highlights desert ecology and the cultural history of the Oasis of Mara. The surrounding oasis trail is an easy, accessible loop through fan palms.
Tip: Join a ranger program here — the Oasis is one of the park’s most important cultural landmarks.
Cottonwood Visitor Center (south entrance)
Focuses on the geology and plants of the Colorado Desert side of the park. A quieter starting point with trails into the southern backcountry.
Tip: If you’re driving in from Palm Springs, this is a great introduction before heading north into the Joshua tree forests.
Visiting On Your Own
Joshua Tree is a desert park — that means beauty, but also risk. There are no gas stations or restaurants inside the park, so bring food, water, and a full tank. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for 7 days; the $80 America the Beautiful Pass is valid here too. Backcountry camping requires free permits, and climbing or special events may require additional permits.
Driving is essential — the park’s paved roads link major attractions like Skull Rock, Keys View, and the Cholla Cactus Garden, but distances are longer than they appear. Parking at popular trailheads fills quickly, especially in spring and fall.
Tips:
Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Cell service is spotty — download maps before entering.
Start hikes early to avoid the midday sun.
Always tell someone your plans if venturing into the backcountry.
Park Information & Details
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants inside the park. Most visitors picnic, bringing food from nearby towns. Outside, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms offer cafés, grills, and eclectic dining.
Tip: Stop at a grocery store before entering — you’ll appreciate a shaded lunch when trails run long.
What to Bring
Sun protection is non-negotiable: hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy boots for rocky terrain, and bring layers for chilly desert nights. A flashlight or headlamp is essential for stargazing.
Tip: Pack more water than you think you need — dehydration is the number one risk here.
Safety Tips
Desert hiking is unforgiving. Stay on marked trails, watch for snakes, and avoid climbing on slick boulders after rain. Heat can be deadly — pace yourself and take breaks in shade.
Tip: If temperatures soar above 100°F, shift your activity to dawn or dusk.
Shuttle / Transport Info
Joshua Tree has no in-park shuttle system. A car is essential for exploring the park.
Tip: Carpool if possible — it reduces traffic and makes finding parking easier.
Accessibility For All
Some trails are rugged, but Joshua Tree offers accessible highlights. The paved trail at Oasis of Mara provides cultural history, while Keys View is wheelchair accessible with sweeping panoramas. Many picnic areas and campgrounds also have accessible sites.
Tip: Visit Cholla Cactus Garden — the short, flat loop gives everyone a chance to see one of the park’s most surreal landscapes up close.
Maps Of The Park & Region
Joshua Tree covers nearly 800,000 acres, and distances between entrances can be over an hour by car. A map is essential for planning which entrances, trails, and viewpoints to link in a single day.
Joshua Tree Park Map
Park Gateway Towns
Where you stay shapes your Glacier adventure. West Glacier offers easy access, East Glacier Park brings railroad history, and St. Mary sits right at the edge of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Nearby towns like Whitefish and Kalispell add comfort and culture.
Joshua Tree, CA
Where you stay shapes your Joshua Tree adventure. The towns surrounding the park each offer their own character — from artistic enclaves to practical hubs.
Twentynine Palms, CA
Closest to the park’s Oasis Visitor Center, this town has motels, restaurants, and a strong military presence from the nearby Marine base.
Yucca Valley, CA
The largest nearby town, with supermarkets, chain hotels, and services. Convenient and practical for families.
Palm Springs, CA
An hour away, Palm Springs brings mid-century charm, luxury hotels, and vibrant nightlife.
What Visitors Say About The Park
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CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
