
Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 599 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour worth booking?
Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour is a 3-hour experience in Palm Springs, United States, from $127 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 599 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (599)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $127 per person
Head out on this a small group tour into Joshua Tree National Park conducted on a comfortable touring Van. Gawk at the amazing contortions of rock that create an amazing landscape of vibrant colors against the bluest sky in California! Your expert guide will illuminate your understanding about how this landscape was created and share the stories of the Indians and settlers who lived here. See the most iconic and most photographed places in the park as well as stop at a viewpoint where you can see all the way to Mexico! This tour will visit the most iconic locations in the park including it's legendary giant boulders, learn about the forces of the San Andreas Fault that jolt the landscape beneath Joshua Tree itself. SCHEDULE Morning Tours: Palm Desert Mortons Daily. 8 am to 1:30 pm Palm Springs Art Museum Daily 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Yucca Valley Welcome Center Daily 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Note: Park Entrance of $15 pp is NOT included in the price.
What you get
About this experience
Head out on this a small group tour into Joshua Tree National Park conducted on a comfortable touring Van. Gawk at the amazing contortions of rock that create an amazing landscape of vibrant colors against the bluest sky in California! Your expert guide will illuminate your understanding about how this landscape was created and share the stories of the Indians and settlers who lived here. See the most iconic and most photographed places in the park as well as stop at a viewpoint where you can see all the way to Mexico! This tour will visit the most iconic locations in the park including it's legendary giant boulders, learn about the forces of the San Andreas Fault that jolt the landscape beneath Joshua Tree itself. SCHEDULE Morning Tours: Palm Desert Mortons Daily. 8 am to 1:30 pm Palm Springs Art Museum Daily 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Yucca Valley Welcome Center Daily 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Note: Park Entrance of $15 pp is NOT included in the price.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Expert national park guide
- Snacks
- General Admission
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Surcharges on fuel
Not included
- Gratuity
- Sunscreen
What you'll see and do
Joshua Tree National Park
We provide you an informative and entertaining tour of Joshua Tree with one of our professional geology guides. You will explore the park with a professional eco guide while you explore the ancient geological landscape that was once the home of the Serrano Indians. We also take you to the most photographed places in the park and take a walk in an area where you can find Indian cave drawings and even an old dam left by cowboys long past.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Cap Rock Trail
Explore with your guide enormous rock formations exposed at the Earths surface that were produced by the very forces of the San Andreas Fault miles beneath. Here rocks seem to precariously balance upon one another in a fight between gravity and subterranean forces. A 30 minute optional guided walk is made here.
30 minutes here
Intersection Rock
This iconic rock formation is one of the most popular places in the park for rock climbers. Gawk at the climbers as they challenge the perils of the 3rd dimension.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Barker Dam Trail
Take an optional hike with your Wilderness guide on this Trail originally lay down by the Cowboys. This will take you by Indian petroglyphs as well as a water resource that is used by high elevation Bighorn Sheep and deer. This area is surrounded with 20 million year old Miocene rock formations that are the vaunted destination for expert rock climbers all over the world.
45 minutes here
Keys View
Gawk at a view that stretches for hundreds of miles. From this high point in Joshua Tree you can see as far as the Salton Sea and all the way down to Mexico on a clear day. You might even be able to make out your hotel on this escarpment that borders the famous San Andreas Fault. Look below this ledge we will stop at and you will see the fault line itself which stretches for over 800 miles.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Palm Springs
This departure is daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 pm for the afternoon tour. The afternoon is a great choice as we get back at 4:30 p.m. just in time for a cowboy western dinner in the area! We have lots of recommendations.
Meeting point
Palm Springs
This departure is every daily in front of the main Museum entrance at 8:30 a.m
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This departure is daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 pm for the afternoon tour. The afternoon is a great choice as we get back at 4:30 p.m. just in time for a cowboy western dinner in the area! We have lots of recommendations.
Ends at
This departure is every daily in front of the main Museum entrance at 8:30 a.m
Options you can book
Welcome Center Sunset Tour
Duration: 3 hours Sunset tour : Enjoy the park during the last light of day as well as when it is at its warmest. A great option for photographers. Starting point: California Welcome Center-Yucca Valley, 56711 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, USA
Palm Springs Museum Van 8:30
Duration: 5 hours Heated Enclosed Adventure van : This leaves directly in front of the famous Palm Springs Art Museum at the bottom of the Museum stairs. Returns about 1:30 pm Starting point: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Welcome Center Van 9:30 am
Duration: 3 hours: This leaves closer to the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park at the Yucca Valley Welcome Center located at 56711 Hwy 62. Enclosed and heated van: This makes a nice 3-hour tour and expect to be back between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. Starting point: California Welcome Center-Yucca Valley, 56711 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, USA
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Outdoor Adventures, Inc.
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 595 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
595 verified traveler reviews for Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour of the park....
Great tour of the park. Saw all the highlights. Guide was really good. Was nice to go in the van with air conditioning.
via Viator
A great half day tour
Tour was great, our guide Austin was very knowledgeable & friendly. Tour described entry fee was included but it was not, additional $15 ticket was need to be purchased.
via Viator
Joshua tree day… Eddie had so much knowledge and really knew his stuff. Wish we had more time on the trip
Top notch time. Eddie knew all our names and included everyone in his day. Very knowledgeable and entertaining made the day fly by and he never once did we feel uneasy or rushed.
via Viator
Another National Treasure
Great tour of Joshua Tree National Park with our excellent guide Eddie. He was filled with great information and history of the park and surrounding area. The 3 hour tour was a good length with plenty of stops for views, photos, leg stretches. Eddie also provided a great lunch recommendation in the area.
via Tripadvisor
Fun half day in Joshua Tree!
Really fun half day experience in Joshua Tree! Our guide, Austin, was really fun and informative. It was a nice introduction.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $127 to $179
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 210
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Palm Springs.
How much does Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour cost?
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Prices start at $127 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Palm Springs usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Palm Springs is not rushed.
Is Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 599 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Palm Springs, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour?
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Around 210 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Palm Springs can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Palm Springs and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Palm Springs within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Palm Springs?
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Palm Springs sells architecture tours through midcentury neighbourhoods, Aerial Tramway trips up San Jacinto, Indian Canyons hikes, Joshua Tree stargazing and windmill farm runs. Shade, water and pickup points separate a good desert tour from a rough one. On Outty we rank every Palm Springs experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Palm Springs Modernism Architecture & History Bike Tour, Bank Heist Escape Room Game for Private Group, Vampire's Lair Escape Room Game for Private Group. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?
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November to April. Book dawn or evening slots in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Palm Springs?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour?
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Included: Bottled water; Expert national park guide; Snacks; General Admission; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Gratuity; and Sunscreen. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour?
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This departure is daily at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 pm for the afternoon tour. The afternoon is a great choice as we get back at 4:30 p.m. just in time for a cowboy western dinner in the area! We have lots of recommendations. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour?
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Across 599 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Welcome Center Sunset Tour, Palm Springs Museum Van 8:30, Welcome Center Van 9:30 am. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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