Self Guided Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour

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.*

Museum of the Cherokee admission ticket
Visit one of the only museums dedicated to the Cherokee people
Learn about Cherokee history and culture through interactive exhibits
Family-friendly activity is a top pick for traveling with kids

What To Expect

Bajada Nature Trail 3/1/21

A short trail introduces you to the desert’s plant and animal life.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lost Palms Oasis Trail

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.
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Cottonwood Visitor Center

Pay the park fee here, use the restrooms, or ask the rangers questions.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ocotillo Patch

Learn more about the quirky ocotillo plant in this little pull off.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cholla Cactus Garden

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.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Arch Rock Nature Trail

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!
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Skull Rock

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.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Split Rock Loop Trail

Hike through iconic rock formations on this easy trail.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Oasis of Mara

Use the restroom, browse the gift shop, and enjoy a brief trail around an oasis.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Joshua Tree National Park Cultural Center

Ask questions, view exhibits, and maybe buy a souvenir or two at Joshua Tree’s newest visitor center.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Joshua Tree Visitor Center

This is the last chance to stop before re-entering the park for information, a flush toilet, or a quick bite to eat.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead

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.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Intersection Rock

Vault toilets are available.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Barker Dam Trail

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.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wall Street Mill Trail

Vault toilets are available.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Ryan Mountain Trail

Ryan Mountain is one of the park’s best hikes, and affords adventurers a 360-degree view of the valley and surrounding area.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hall of Horrors

Yet another cool rock formation of rounded gneiss boulders in the middle of the desert.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cap Rock Trail

The site of an attempted (and ill-fated) 1970s funeral, Cap Rock is one of many iconic gneiss formations in the park.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lost Horse Mine

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.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Keys View

This lovely overlook offers gorgeous sunset views over Palm Springs, and you can also see the San Andreas Fault.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Highlight

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Get Started Easily: ‘ Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. ‘ Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. ‘ Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. ‘ Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
Begin Your Journey: ‘ Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. ‘ Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. ‘ Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
Why Choose Our Audio Tour: ‘ Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle’no per-person fees! ‘ Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. ‘ Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
Top Features: ‘ Hands-Free: The tour works automatically – GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. ‘ Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. ‘ Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
Private and Personalized: ‘ Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. ‘ Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
The Ultimate Guided Tour: ‘ Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. ‘ Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
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!’
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Include

Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Freedom to explore at your own pace – pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline – no wifi or data needed)
Tours NEVER expire
Take the tour when you want – download the tour and choose the day that works best for you

Exclude

Private transportation
Meals and Refreshment
Entrance Fee: Joshua Tree National Park
Parking Fees

  • Checkboxes