Drive a curated loop through Joshua Tree with GPS-triggered storytelling, short hikes, and panoramic viewpoints. This app-based audio tour lets you explore highlights like Keys View, Ryan Mountain and Barker Dam at your own pace—no guide, just local insight and offline maps.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You start on an empty two-lane highway as the sun lifts off the San Andreas horizon; Joshua trees puncture the skyline like odd, patient guards and the air tastes of creosote and sun-baked rock.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–14 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels if you limit yourself to short stops; some trails (Ryan Mountain, Lost Horse) require moderate uphill effort and stable footing.
Wildlife
History
The park sits on lands long used by Cahuilla and Serrano peoples and later saw a gold-mining rush—Lost Horse Mine’s remnants are a visible link to that era.
Conservation
Stay on durable surfaces to protect cryptobiotic soil, pack out waste, and obey seasonal fire restrictions; visitor choices have an outsized impact on this fragile desert ecosystem.
Reserve your spot on the Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download the tour before you go
The tour works offline but must be redeemed and downloaded on Wi‑Fi before you enter the park to ensure GPS-triggered narration functions without cellular data.
Carry at least 1 liter of water per hour in summer
Desert heat can dehydrate you quickly—carry more water than you think and refill where facilities exist (e.g., visitor centers).
Beware of cholla and fragile plants
Teddy Bear Cholla look inviting but puncture skin; avoid brushing past them and stay on durable trail surfaces to protect cryptobiotic crust.
Time hikes for morning or late afternoon
Popular viewpoints like Keys View and Barker Dam fill at sunset—start hikes earlier to avoid crowds and extreme midday temperatures.
Hydration system (2–3L)
Keeps you hydrated during exposed hikes and long drives between stops.
summer
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protects feet on rocky, uneven trails and when scrambling on boulders.
Sun protection (wide-brim hat, SPF, sunglasses)
Sun is intense year-round—shade is scarce so protect skin and eyes.
spring
Light insulating layer
Desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset; a warm layer helps for evening overlook visits.
winter