Joshua Tree: Scenic Hummer Tour & Ancient Rock Walks

Summary

Giant boulders, hidden petroglyphs, endless sky and wild stories

You’ll ride through Joshua Tree in an air-conditioned Hummer or van with a local guide who knows every story behind those wild rock formations. See ancient petroglyphs on a short walk, watch climbers tackle giant boulders, and catch views stretching all the way to Mexico if you’re lucky with the weather. This day trip leaves you with more than just photos—it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how the morning started—one minute I was shivering outside the Palm Springs Art Museum, next thing I know I’m climbing into this beast of a Hummer with three strangers and our guide, Miguel. The air smelled like creosote and dust. Miguel tossed us cold water bottles and grinned, “It’s cooler up in Joshua Tree, trust me.” He wasn’t kidding—the temperature dropped as we climbed out of town, windows fogging slightly from the A/C fighting desert sun. We passed through Yucca Valley where a guy waved at us from his porch (maybe he does that to every tour van), then suddenly those weird Dr. Seuss trees started popping up everywhere.

Inside Joshua Tree, everything just got bigger—rocks stacked like some cosmic game of Jenga, sky so blue it almost hurt my eyes. Miguel had this way of pointing out stuff without making it sound like a lecture. “That’s Skull Rock,” he said, “and yeah, people say it looks like a skull but I think it’s more like a potato.” We watched climbers inching up vertical faces—my palms got sweaty just looking at them. There was this one spot where you could see for miles; Miguel said if the haze lifted you could spot Mexico. I tried squinting but mostly just saw heat ripples and maybe the shimmer of the Salton Sea way out there.

We stopped for a short walk near some old cowboy dam—Miguel showed us faded petroglyphs tucked under an overhang. The rocks felt warm under my hand; someone before me must’ve touched that same spot. I liked how quiet it got when everyone else wandered off to take photos. Just wind in the cholla cactus and that dry mineral smell you only get in high desert places. Snacks came out—trail mix mostly—and someone cracked a joke about surviving on raisins if we got stranded (not funny at the time but kind of is now).

On the drive back down to Palm Desert I leaned my head against the window and watched those strange trees disappear behind us. It’s funny—I didn’t expect to feel so small out there among all those ancient rocks and silent spaces. Still think about that view sometimes when city noise gets too much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Joshua Tree National Park highlights

• Tour park with professional geology guide
• Visit most photographed park locations
• Walk to Indian cave drawings and old dam
• See enormous rock formations from San Andreas Fault
• Optional 30-minute guided walk at rock formations
• View popular rock climbing formation
• Optional hike past Indian petroglyphs and water source
• Enjoy panoramic view to Mexico and Salton Sea

Top questions

How long does the Joshua Tree scenic tour last?

The tour lasts around 4-5 hours depending on your starting point and stops.

Is park entrance included in the price?

No, Joshua Tree park entrance fee ($15 per person) is not included.

What vehicles are used for this tour?

You’ll ride in an air-conditioned H2 Hummer or touring van depending on group size.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included for all guests during the trip.

Is hotel pickup available for this Joshua Tree day trip?

The tour includes pickup from select locations such as Palm Desert or Palm Springs Art Museum.

Will we have a local guide during our visit?

Yes, an expert national park guide leads your group throughout Joshua Tree.

Are there any walks or hikes included?

There are optional guided walks to see petroglyphs and old cowboy sites—nothing too strenuous.

Can infants or young children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during stops.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Palm Desert or Palm Springs Art Museum (depending on your choice), all transportation by air-conditioned Hummer or van, bottled water and snacks along the route, plus guidance from an expert who knows Joshua Tree inside out. Park entry fee isn’t covered so bring $15 per person for that—but everything else is sorted for you.