Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour: Scenic Van Trip from Palm Springs
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes short, easy walks—participants should be able to stand and walk on uneven ground for up to 30 minutes.
Overview
Drive into Joshua Tree’s uncanny landscape without leaving your seat: a five-hour guided van tour brings you to key overlooks, easy nature walks, and boulder fields while a local guide fills in geology, history, and wildlife notes. Ideal for first-timers and groups seeking comfort with a strong dose of desert scenery.
Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour: Scenic Van Trip from Palm Springs
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A wind-scrubbed plain stretches away from the windshield—spiny yucca and stony hummocks under a sky so clean it seems to sharpen the horizon. The van hums along the paved ribbon into Joshua Tree National Park, and your guide points out the first ragged silhouettes: granite monoliths rising like toppled fortresses, Joshua trees clinging to slope and wash with arms thrown wide.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Carry a credit card for park entry
Park fees are no longer included; have a card ready when you arrive to pay the $15 entry per vehicle (effective 2025).
Bring layered sun protection
Temperatures swing quickly—sun hat, sunglasses, SPF, and a lightweight long-sleeve layer will keep you comfortable during stops and walks.
Hydrate proactively
Even though bottled water is provided, bring a refillable bottle and sip regularly—desert heat and elevation changes dehydrate faster than you think.
Wear sturdy shoes for scrambling
Short nature walks include rocky, uneven sections; closed-toe shoes with grip are strongly recommended.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Desert tortoise
History
The park sits on ancestral lands of the Serrano and Cahuilla peoples and later saw miners and ranchers working sparse springs and rocky terrain.
Conservation
Stay on roads and marked trails to protect cryptobiotic soil and fragile desert plants; carry out any trash and limit off-trail exploration to reduce erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Palm Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun hat and sunglasses
Shields you from intense desert sun during roadside stops and brief walks.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle (1–2L)
Reduce waste and stay hydrated between provided bottled water handouts.
summer specific
Light layering jacket
Mornings can be cool—a packable layer is useful for higher elevation overlooks.
winter specific
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Required for short walks across rocky, uneven ground at viewpoints.