Drive a 66-mile loop through Joshua Tree with an offline audio guide that points out geology, ghost mines, and easy hikes. One purchase covers the car and the narration is valid for a year — perfect for pacing your own desert day.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull off the two-lane road and the landscape changes: stunted, spiky Joshua trees tilt like sculpted sentinels while rounded granite boulders loom and invite inspection. The car becomes your observatory — the audio guide nudges you to stop, step out, and feel wind that smells faintly of creosote and sun-baked rock.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required for the driving portions; short hikes range from easy to moderate and need basic mobility.
Wildlife
History
The park contains relics of the gold rush and turn-of-the-century mining (Lost Horse Mine) and is on lands traditionally used by Serrano, Cahuilla and Chemehuevi people.
Conservation
Joshua Tree’s fragile soils and cryptobiotic crust recover slowly; stick to roads and trails, pack out trash, and avoid collecting wood or plants.
Reserve your spot on the Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download Before You Go
Install the Action Tour Guide app and download the Joshua Tree tour over Wi‑Fi; cell signal in the park is unreliable.
Carry Plenty of Water
Bring at least one liter per person for short walks and more if you plan to hike; summer temperatures can spike quickly.
Time Your Drive
Start early or late to avoid midday heat and get the best light for photos; some stops are best at golden hour.
Respect Fragile Desert Soil
Stay on designated roads and trails to avoid damaging cryptobiotic crust and plant communities.
Refillable water bottle (1+ liter per person)
Hydration is critical in the desert — there are limited reliable water sources.
summer
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Short hikes and scrambling over boulders require traction and foot protection.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
Open desert and reflective rock increase sun exposure all year but especially in summer.
summer
Portable phone charger/power bank
Keeps your device powered for GPS, photos, and running the downloaded audio tour.