Joshua Tree: Open Air Hummer Tour & Keys Point Overlook

Summary

Open-air hummer climbs, wild rock trails and valley views stretch forever

You’ll feel wind on your face as you ride an open-air Hummer into Joshua Tree’s wild heart, climb up to Keys Point for endless views, and wander ancient rock trails with a local guide who knows every plant and story here. Expect real desert air, snacks when you need them most, and moments of quiet that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, the wind keeps you awake better than coffee,” our guide Tom grinned as we climbed into the open-air Hummer just outside Joshua Tree. I had no idea what that meant until we hit the first stretch of sand and the cold morning air slapped my cheeks awake—like, really awake. The sun was barely up but already painting everything gold and pink. I could smell creosote and something almost sweet in the air, maybe from those weirdly beautiful Joshua trees themselves. Tom started pointing out different plants, telling us which ones were older than America. He’d grown up nearby and you could tell he loved this place—he even stopped once to let a lizard cross the dirt track. It’s funny what sticks with you.

The drive up to Keys Point was bumpier than I expected (hold onto your hat if you’re sitting in the back), but every time we stopped, it felt like someone had switched on a wider lens for my eyes. At the overlook, Tom showed us how far you could see—the Salton Sea glinting way off to one side, Mexico somewhere in the haze beyond that. He pointed out the San Andreas Fault below us, tracing its jagged line with his finger like he was showing us a family secret. I tried taking photos but honestly, none of them caught how huge it all felt or how quiet it suddenly got when everyone stopped talking at once.

I took the optional mile walk through those granite formations—felt rough and cool under my palm when I leaned on one to tie my shoe—and wandered between spiky Joshua trees that looked like they’d been drawn by Dr. Seuss after a long night out. There was this moment where Tom explained some old Cahuilla stories about these rocks and for a second I forgot about my phone buzzing in my pocket or anything else outside this strange desert world. Snacks tasted better than they should’ve (maybe because I’d worked up an appetite scrambling over boulders) and bottled water never felt so necessary.

If you’re thinking about a day trip to Joshua Tree from Palm Springs or Yucca Valley, riding in that open-air Hummer is half thrill ride, half slow-motion nature lesson—with plenty of weird laughter when someone inevitably gets dust in their teeth (me). I still think about that silence at Keys Point sometimes—it’s not something you find just anywhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Joshua Tree National Park Hummer Tour

• Depart from Palm Springs Art Museum
• Shuttle to Joshua Tree city
• Switch to H-1 Military Hummer
• Climb to Keys Point overlook
• View valley and Mexico from overlook
• Optional one-mile walk with guide
• Optional half-mile walk at rock formations

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Joshua Tree Hummer tour?

No hotel pickup is included; tours depart from Palm Springs Art Museum or Yucca Valley Welcome Center.

How long does the open-air Hummer adventure last?

The full tour lasts about 5 hours if departing from Palm Springs with shuttle transfer.

What should I wear for this day trip to Joshua Tree?

Dress in layers since it’s often 20–30°F cooler in the park; wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Are snacks and water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water and snacks are included on this Joshua Tree Hummer tour.

Is there any hiking involved on this tour?

There are optional walks: one mile through granite formations and another half-mile loop around rock formations.

Can pregnant travelers join this adventure?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to rough terrain.

When is this open-air Hummer tour unavailable?

The tour does not run December–February due to cold temperatures at high elevation.

What’s special about Keys Point during this tour?

You get sweeping views across Coachella Valley to Salton Sea and even Mexico on clear days from Keys Point overlook.

What’s included

Your day covers general admission into Joshua Tree, all transport by rugged H1 Hummer (plus shuttle if starting from Palm Springs), bottled water whenever you need it, light snacks along the way, plus a certified wilderness guide who shares stories as you explore—just don’t forget your camera or an extra layer for those chilly winds at higher elevations.