California · National Park
Joshua Tree tours, or self-guided
Checked Oct 26, 2026 · Source: NPS + NOAA
The NPS lists 7 self-guided tours, 4 visitor centers and 8 guided-style activity tags for Joshua Tree (checked Oct 26, 2026). We do not print operator prices because we have no licensed price feed. 3 road or trail alerts are active. Compare a real quote in the calculator.
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A guided price may or may not include the $30 vehicle entry fee, parking and meals. We print no operator prices because we have no live, licensed price feed. Enter a real quote and we prefill the park fee.
Self-guided tours the NPS publishes
Joshua Tree to 29 Palms Audio Tour
This audio tour starts at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center in the town of Joshua Tree and ends in Twentynine Palms, CA. This tour is designed to help visitors explore and learn about Joshua Tree Time: 1–3 h. 22 stops.
29 Palms to Joshua Tree Audio Tour
This audio tour starts at the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in the town of Twentynine Palms and ends in Joshua Tree, California. This tour is designed to help visitors explore and learn Time: 1–3 h. 20 stops.
Cottonwood to Joshua Tree Audio Tour
This audio tour starts at the South Entrance near Cottonwood Spring and ends in the town of Joshua Tree, California. This tour is designed to help visitors explore and learn about Joshua Tree Time: 1–4 h. 25 stops.
Joshua Tree to Cottonwood Audio Tour
This audio tour starts at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center in the town of Joshua Tree and ends at the South Entrance near the Cottonwood Area. This tour is designed to help visitors explore and learn Time: 1–4 h. 27 stops.
Geology Tour Road
Learn about the geologic forces that shaped Joshua Tree National Park. This tour is on a rough dirt and gravel road so 4-wheel drive is recommended and high clearance in needed beyond Paac… Time: 1–3 h. 6 stops.
Hi-View Walking Tour
The High View Nature Trail is a 1.3 mile loop. Total elevation gain on this trail is 400 feet (122 meters). There are several steep sections with steps. Hiking this trail in a counterclockwise Time: 1–2 h. 11 stops.
Indian Cove Orientation Audio Tour (Beta)
This short tour orients campers and hikers around the Indian Cove Area. Reservations for Indian Cove can be made at recreation.gov. Time: 12–30 min. 3 stops.
Source: NPS API tours, checked Oct 26, 2026. These cost nothing beyond entry.
Guided-style activities the NPS tags here
- Guided Tours
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Horse Camping (see also camping)
- Horse Trekking
- Horseback Riding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Source: NPS API activity tags, checked Oct 26, 2026. A tag means the activity exists, not that a company runs it daily.
Visitor centers
- Joshua Tree Visitor Center (passport stamp): Located in downtown Joshua Tree just five miles from the West Entrance, the Joshua Tree Visitor Center offers educational exhibits, a bookstore, and visitor resources.
- Black Rock Nature Center (passport stamp): Located in the heart of the beautiful Black Rock Campground, the Nature Center offers a bookstore, art gallery, visitor resources, and a picnic area. Visitors can chat
- Cottonwood Visitor Center (passport stamp): Located on Pinto Basin Road, approximately 7 miles north of Interstate 10 (exit 168), the Cottonwood Visitor Center is a convenient stop for those entering and exiting…
- Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center (passport stamp): The Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center is located in downtown Twentynine Palms and features educational exhibits, a bookstore and giftshop, and visitor information.
Source: NPS API visitor centers, checked Oct 26, 2026.
Road and trail alerts that affect tours
Park Closure Geology Tour Road Temporarily Closed
The park received a significant amount of rain. Due to flooding, Geology Tour Road is temporarily closed. Please use caution while traveling on all other roads in the park.
Caution Partial Trail Closure of West Side Loop
There is a partial trail closure of West Side Loop trail in the Black Rock area to allow for trail crew and volunteers to conduct trail repairs. Sections of West Side will be closed to all forms of traffic, Equestrians
Caution Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure
Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.
Source: NPS API alerts, checked Oct 26, 2026. Check the park page before you drive.
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