Discover the natural wonders of Joshua Tree National Park with our self-guided driving tour. Immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscapes, iconic Joshua trees, and unique rock formations as you explore at your own pace.

1. JOSHUA TREE
JOSHUA TREE
NATIONAL PARK
NATIONAL PARK
ACTION TOUR GUIDE
BUY THE TOUR HERE
TRIP PLANNER

2. CONTENTS
Where to Enter the Park
(Review of 3 entrances and route options)
Which Entrance to Use
Which Town to Stay In
(Review of towns in the Palm Springs area)
Entrance Fees and Park Rules
Things to Carry
What to See in the Park
(Must Do tags)
Best Hikes
(short, medium, long)
Itineraries
(One Day, Two Days)

3. Joshua Tree National Park
The park has several entrances that provide
access to different areas of the park. There
are three main entrances to
Joshua Tree National Park:
West Entrance (Joshua Tree Visitor Center):
This entrance is located in Joshua Tree,
California, off Highway 62 (Twentynine
Palms Highway). It is the most commonly
used entrance and is near the Joshua Tree
Visitor Center.
North Entrance (Twentynine Palms Entrance): This entrance is located in Twentynine
Palms, California, off Highway 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway). It is a less crowded
entrance and is near the Oasis Visitor Center.
South Entrance (Cottonwood Entrance): This entrance is located near the community
of Cottonwood, California, off Interstate 10. It provides access to the southern areas of
Joshua Tree National Park, including the Cottonwood Visitor Center.
All three entrances are supported by Action Tour Guide.
When you purchase the Joshua Tree National Park tour from Action Tour Guide, the
different entrances are available as separate tour versions. You can choose the tour
version based on the entrance you plan to use.
ENTRY TO THE
PARK

4. WHICH ENTRANCE
TO USE
The park entrance you choose depends on the route you are taking to reach the park
or where you are staying:
Use the West Entrance (Joshua Tree Visitor Center) if you’re coming from LA or
staying in Joshua Tree Town, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Yucca Valley, or
Morongo Valley.
Use the North Entrance (Twentynine Palms Entrance) if you’re coming from
Sedona/Flagstaff or staying in Twentynine Palms.
Use the South Entrance (Cottonwood Entrance) if you’re coming from San Diego or
Phoenix or staying in Palm Desert or Indio.

5. WHERE TO STAY
There are several towns to stay in when visiting Joshua Tree National Park:
Palm Springs: Located about an hour's drive from
Joshua Tree’s West Entrance, Palm Springs is a vibrant
city known for its resorts, golf courses, and shopping.
It’s perfect for those driving in from LA.
Joshua Tree Town: Consider staying in the town of
Joshua Tree itself, which is right by the park’s West
Entrance. It has a bohemian vibe, with art galleries,
unique shops, and cosy cafes. This is perfect for those
who want to get an early start in the park.
Twentynine Palms: This city is located near the North
Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. It has a range of
lodging options and provides convenient access to the
park. Twentynine Palms also has its own attractions,
such as the Oasis of Mara and the Joshua Tree National
Park Oasis Visitor Center.

6. Entrance Fees: Joshua Tree National Park charges an
entrance fee, which helps support the maintenance
and preservation of the park. The fee is typically per
vehicle, but there are options for pedestrians and
cyclists as well.
Check the Joshua Tree National Park website for the
most up-to-date fee information.
Buy your
ENTRANCE FEES
AND PARK RULES
Operating Hours: The park is generally open 24 hours a day, throughout the year.
However, certain visitor centers, campgrounds, and facilities may have specific
operating hours and seasonal closures. Check the park's official website for current
operating hours and any closures or restrictions.
Park Passes: If you plan to visit multiple national parks in the United States, it may be
worthwhile to consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass. This annual pass
grants access to various federal recreation sites, including national parks, and can save
you money if you visit multiple parks. Other passes, such as the Senior Pass, Access
Pass, and Annual Pass for U.S. military members, are also available. Details and pricing
can be found on the National Park Service website.

7. Park Rules and Regulations: It's important to
familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of
Joshua Tree National Park to ensure a safe and
enjoyable visit. This includes following designated
trails, camping only in designated areas, and
respecting wildlife and natural resources. The park's
website provides detailed information on rules and
regulations that visitors should follow. The following
are the links to the same:
Camping Rules and Regulations
Laws and Policies
Safety and Preparedness: Joshua Tree National Park
is a desert environment, so it's crucial to be
prepared for the conditions. This includes bringing
plenty of water, wearing appropriate clothing and
sun protection, and being aware of the potential for
extreme temperatures. Remember to inform
someone of your plans and carry a map or fully-
charged GPS device when exploring the park.
ENTRANCE FEES
AND PARK RULES

8. Portable Charger: A portable charger or a power bank for
your phone can come in handy if your phone is out of
battery.
Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the desert
environment. Carry an ample supply of water for your
entire trip, as water sources within the park are limited.
Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the intense desert
sun by packing sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, and
a wide-brimmed hat. Additionally, lightweight and
breathable clothing that covers your skin can provide
added sun protection.
Clothing: The desert climate can vary greatly, with hot
days and cool nights. Pack lightweight, breathable
clothing for the daytime and layer up with warmer
clothing like jackets, sweaters, or thermals for cooler
evenings.
Food and Snacks: Bring along ample snacks and meals for
your time in the park, as dining options may be limited.
Opt for non-perishable food items that are easy to carry
and provide energy for your outdoor activities.
ESSENTIALS TO CARRY WHEN
YOU ARE TRAVELLING TO THE
PARK

9. ESSENTIALS TO CARRY WHEN
YOU ARE TRAVELLING TO THE
PARK
Hiking Gear: If you plan on hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, pack
appropriate footwear like sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Carry a
comfortable backpack with essentials like a map, compass, flashlight
or headlamp, extra batteries, and a whistle. A first aid kit is also
advisable.
Camping Gear (if applicable): If you plan to camp in the park, pack a
tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking equipment, and other
camping essentials. Check the park's regulations and availability of
campgrounds beforehand.
Cash and Cards: Carry some cash for emergencies. It's also a good
idea to have a credit or debit card for larger expenses.

10. MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
Here are some must-see attractions within the park:
Joshua Trees: These iconic trees are synonymous with the park and can be found
throughout its vast expanses. Take a moment to appreciate the distinctive beauty of
these unusual, spiky trees that give the park its name.
Hidden Valley: This enclosed valley offers a picturesque setting surrounded by towering
rock formations. It's a great spot for a short hike, rock climbing, or a picnic.
Keys View: Visit this viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Coachella
Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and even glimpses of the Salton Sea on clear days. It's
especially stunning during sunrise or sunset.
Cholla Cactus Garden: Walk among dense clusters of cholla cacti in this unique desert
garden. The golden light at sunrise or sunset enhances the beauty of these spiny cacti.
Skull Rock: This popular rock formation resembles a skull and is a fun spot to stop and
take pictures. It's located along the main road and is easily accessible.

11. MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
Here are some must-see attractions within the park:
Arch Rock: Another famous rock formation, Arch
Rock, showcases a natural arch that you can walk
through. It's a relatively short hike from the White
Tank Campground.
Jumbo Rocks: This campground is nestled
among massive rock formations, offering a
unique camping experience. Take a stroll
through the area and marvel at the impressive
granite boulders.
Ryan Mountain: For a more
challenging hike, ascend Ryan
Mountain to enjoy panoramic
views of the park from the
summit. The trail is steep but
rewarding, especially during
sunrise or sunset.

12. Hidden Valley: A 1-mile loop trail through a picturesque valley surrounded by
massive rock formations. Time: 30 minutes.
Barker Dam: A 1.3-mile loop trail that takes you to a historic dam and offers
scenic views. Time: 1 hour.
Cholla Cactus Garden: A quarter-mile loop trail showcasing a dense
concentration of cholla cacti. Time: 15-30 minutes.
Skull Rock: A short walk from the parking area to a unique rock formation
resembling a skull. Time: 15-30 minutes.
Arch Rock: A 0.5-mile loop trail leading to a natural arch formation. Time: 30-45
minutes.
HIKES
QUICK:
The park has some phenomenal hikes — and not just for experienced hikers!

13. Ryan Mountain: A 3-mile round trip hike to the summit of Ryan Mountain,
providing panoramic views of the park. Time: 2-3 hours.
Lost Horse Mine: A 4-mile round trip hike to the historic Lost Horse Mine, offering
insight into the park's mining history. Time: 2-3 hours.
Mastodon Peak: A 2.5-mile loop trail featuring a climb to the top of Mastodon
Peak and views of the surrounding desert. Time: 1-2 hours.
49 Palms Oasis: A 3-mile round trip hike to a palm oasis with stunning views along
the way. Time: 2-3 hours.
HIKES
MODERATE:
The park has some phenomenal hikes — and not just for experienced hikers!

14. Mt. Ryan and Lost Horse Loop: A 6.5-mile loop trail that combines the Ryan
Mountain and Lost Horse Mine hikes. Time: 4-5 hours.
Boy Scout Trail: A challenging 8-mile point-to-point trail that traverses varied
desert landscapes. Time: 4-6 hours.
HIKES
LONG:
The park has some phenomenal hikes — and not just for experienced hikers!

15. SAMPLE
ITINERARIES
You can enjoy the park at your
own pace with the self-guided
audio tour from Action Tour Guide.
This flexible tour can be
completed in one day or spread
over multiple days. Since it is valid
forever and offers unlimited
usage, you don’t have to worry
about seeing everything in one
visit.

16. One-Day Itinerary:
Start your day by entering the park early in the morning. Make sure the app and
tour inside are downloaded before you leave your stay. (There is basically no signal
at the park).
When you reach your desired entrance to the park, hit the ‘Start’ button on the
app to begin the tour at the entrance. Just follow the route line and the audio
plays automatically.
Drive along Park Boulevard a stop at the Must-See points highlighted on the tour
(marked in the tour as “Must-See”):
Quail Mountain
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Keys View
Skull Rock
Split Rock Loop Trail
Arch Rock Nature Trail
Cholla Garden
Keys Ranch
Barker Dam
Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas like the Hidden Valley
Picnic Area.
Plan for one or two short hikes (see Hikes section).
If you are looking to exit from the park from the South Entrance (Cottonwood
Visitor Center), you can take a leisurely stroll through the Cholla Cactus Garden to
admire the dense concentration of cacti. This area is particularly beautiful during
“golden hour” (the hour before sunset).
SAMPLE
ITINERARIES

17. Day 1: Follow the one-day itinerary mentioned above. As mentioned there as well,
please make sure you have the app and tour set up before you get to the entrance.
Day 1 night: Return to the park at night to view the night sky. Joshua Tree is a
designated Dark Sky park with stunning views of the stars.
Day 2: Return to the park to embark on 2-3 medium hikes or one long hike (see
Hikes section).
Remember to exit from a different spot than you did on Day 1! This will allow you
to explore the entire park. All routes are covered by the tour.
Leave the park by late afternoon so you can enjoy the Free Palms Springs Bonus
Stops.
Two-Day Itinerary:
SAMPLE
ITINERARIES
Check out our Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving
Tour for more.