The desert calls many to Joshua Tree. But it’s not quite like other Southwestern landscapes. It’s known for its ethereal, surreal landscape that’s dotted with giant yuccas—also known as Joshua Trees.
Videos by TravelAwaits
Desert views aside, the park attracts rock climbers, stargazers, socialites, and spiritual seekers. The latter two are partly thanks to the park’s proximity to Los Angeles. Similar to Palm Springs, it’s a hotspot for vacationers who want to flee the city.
Scenic stays and lush night skies aside, there’s also plenty to do in the way of tours. While you might have heard of or seen the famous Keys Ranch before, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tours in Joshua Tree.
Whether you’re visiting for a bit of introspection, to cozy up to the desert, or just to have fun, here are the guided tours to keep on your radar.
Top 3 tours in Joshua Tree for desert-lovers
- For casual explorers: Joshua Tree Architecture & Art Tour — Iconic Homes & Desert Art (check price) or Professional Stargazing Tour in Joshua Tree (check price)
- For the truly intrepid: Beginner Group Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park (check price)
- For large groups: Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park (check price)
Tours in Joshua Tree that make the desert come alive
Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour
This small-group tour takes you around Joshua Tree National Park to educate you about the landscape and its historic context. You’ll explore rock formations, hidden backroads, and more, while also learning from local Cahuilla people who are indigenous to the area. Just a heads up: this tour leaves from the Palm Springs Art Museum. I recommend contacting the guide after booking to see if you can arrange a meetup closer to where you’re staying in Joshua Tree.
Professional Stargazing Tour in Joshua Tree
Skip the heat on this nighttime tour, which includes a stargazing session with a pro. During your (mostly stationary) adventure, you’ll learn how to spot constellations, planets, and more thanks to powerful laser pointers. You’ll even learn a few tricks of the trade when it comes to desert stargazing. Think: stargazing made simple in one of the country’s top dark sky zones.
Soundbath Under The Stars-Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is an increasingly popular hub for spiritual activities. This tour touches on one of the area’s top pursuits: sound baths and sound healing. This tour includes an experience called ‘Planetary Sounds of Pluto’. If you’re new to sound baths, they’re just as simple as they sound. A practitioner uses instruments to create relaxing sounds that encourage introspection, realignment, and wellness.
Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour
Looking for a more high-octane way to explore Joshua Tree? This tour includes a rugged backcountry journey through Joshua Tree’s 800,000 acres, including views of the Mojave Desert. In short, you can skip the crowds as you delve deep into the backcountry with your guide’s handy 4×4.
If this experience is full, there’s a similar offer that takes you off the beaten path in an open-air Hummer car.
Horseback Ride Joshua Tree Forest Buffalo Lunch Singing Cowboy
Joshua Tree isn’t only home to desert—there are a few hidden forests in the area. This tour is a horseback adventure that takes you down the old Mormon Trail toward Buffalo Point. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some buffalo around the Joshua Trees. This tour also includes a ‘Western breakfast’ and a visit to a shop with local artisan goods.
Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
This private tour pairs you with a local guide and naturalist who knows the ins and outs of Joshua Tree National Park and the greater Mojave Desert. Your hiking adventure includes quick lessons on things like geology, history, flora, and fauna. Your guide will also customize your hiking trip based on your group’s interests.
Joshua Tree Natural Wonders Walk: Plants, Animals and Rocks
If you want to dive into Joshua Tree with a focus on nature, this is the tour for you. You’ll dive deep into how the ecosystem functions from a certified California Naturalist who knows about the area’s flora and fauna. The hike covers around two miles of flat terrain, so be ready for a bit of a workout.
Joshua Tree Architecture & Art Tour — Iconic Homes & Desert Art
Joshua Tree and the surrounding area tend to attract eclectic thinkers and artists. The best way to delve into this quirky culture is to see it up close and personally. I recommend this architecture and art tour to anyone who wants to see some of the coolest projects to take off in Joshua Tree—including famous buildings like the Futuro House and the Desert Christ Park. Think: Joshua Tree culture and architecture for those who appreciate the unexpected.
Beginner Group Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
I have three rock climbing tours in Joshua Tree National Park to recommend. This first option is great for beginners, as you’ll learn the basics of how to rock climb, then get to try your hand at scaling a granite rockface. Because groups are small, you can expect plenty of one-on-one support.
If you enjoy the experience, you can explore similar options below:
- Rappelling Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park (4 Hours): Instead of climbing up rocks, this tour teaches you the art of how to rappel down them. It’s a bit more technical, so make sure to drink a coffee before you go.
- Family Rock Climbing Trips in Joshua Tree National Park (4 Hours): Here’s a family-friendly beginner class on rock-climbing. Once again, it’s a small group tour, meaning you’ll benefit from hands-on time with the teacher.
[Just a heads-up: We may earn an affiliate commission when you make a purchase from a link in our articles.]
