Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park
25 Reviews
4.68 out of 5 stars Based on 25 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 92% of reviewers
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This adventure is highly rated and has met our top quality standards.
Los Angeles, USA
15 to 16 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
Overview
Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Joshua Tree National Park road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips, and directions play automatically, all based on your location.
You'll be guided to all of the park's famous highlights as well as lesser-known gems including a viewpoint at 5,185 feet with views over the entire Coachella Valley, a garden filled with hundreds of teddy bear cacti, and rock formations resembling a giant skull and a 30-foot granite arch.
Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you.
- Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location.
- Travel at your own pace
- Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed
- Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use
- Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates.
- Like having a tour guide along for the drive
Purchase one tour per vehicle.
What's Included
- Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
- Pre-recorded audio commentary (downloadable or streamable)
- Lifetime access (no expiration) with Customer support (chat/email)
- Suggested walking/driving itinerary with stop-by-stop directions
- This tour is NOT an entrance ticket to the park
- Offline GPS-enabled route map
- NO in-person guide or physical equipment (bring your own device & headphones)
- This is a GPS-powered, self-guided audio tour that works through an app
- Park Fees Not Included
Meeting Location
Meeting point
End point
California
USA
What To Expect
Book Online
Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your adventure begins.
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Joshua Tree National Park
Named for the twisted, spiky trees, there's so much more to see in this popular California national park with its rugged rock formations, breathtaking views, a wide variety of wildlife, and stark desert landscapes.As the audio guides play commentary based on your GPS location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule.
8 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Arch Rock Nature Trail
The 30-foot granite Arch Rock is an Instagrammable location in Joshua Tree National Park. Take a short hike to Arch Rock to see the natural arch within the granite formations surrounding White Tank Campground.Though it's spectacular at any time of day, try arriving around sunset for one of the park’s iconic photo-ops: a gorgeous thirty-foot span of granite beneath a pastel-hued sky. It’s a mere 1.4-mile out-and-back hike to the arch, but we recommend you tack on a second formation: Heart Rock. Although a bit lopsided, this formation really does resemble its name, and it's an understandably popular place to snap a photo with a loved one.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Barker Dam Trail
Barker Dam is a natural basin that was walled in 1902 to improve water storage for cattle ranchers - and it has fantastic scenery, short interpretative nature trails, and historical significance.The Barker Dam trail is a 1.3-mile nature loop, with some easy scrambling and interpretive panels. It passes the southern edge of the backcountry area known as the Wonderland of Rocks. It's not quite a true dam, it is actually a natural basin that was walled in in 1902 to improve water storage for cattle ranchers. Either way - it's quite a pretty sight.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Cholla Cactus Garden
The Cholla Cactus Garden is one of the most surreal sights in Joshua Tree National Park, with hundreds of furry-looking cacti, gleaming silver and gold in the day's fading light.You won’t want to miss the surreal sight of hundreds of teddy bear cacti gleaming softly in the sunlight. To be sure, while they may look fuzzy from a distance, these plants are most assuredly not related to teddy bears: their furry appearance comes from the thicket of spines that cover the stems. Beware - though they are pretty to look at, you really don't want to touch them, especially accidentally.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Hall of Horrors
Hall of Horrors is Hall of Horrors is a popular location with several rock formations that can be explored on dirt paths and is a popular destination for scrambling and rock climbing. This area is also surrounded by mountains and provides many scenic views.The namesake hall is a fun photo op for those comfortable with a little rock scrambling and is reached by circling around the right side of the first formation you see. The narrow dark corridor, or hall, is hidden in the second formation back from the road, it does require some exploration and a sense of adventure to find - but it's worthwhile.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley Nature Trail is an easy one-mile loop through Hidden Valley on a dirt and rock trail. This is a popular hike through a rock-enclosed valley surrounded by unique rock formations.A one-mile loop guides visitors through this small valley encircled by giant buttresses and granite domes. It was isolated enough to be used as a hideout for the McHaney Gang, outlaws, and cattle rustlers who were active in the 1870s and '80s.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Keys View
Keys View is a popular viewpoint perched on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, that provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.A ten-minute side-trip drive climbs up to an elevation of 5,185 feet, and it's the highest road in the park. From here you’ll have views of the entire Coachella Valley, from the San Andreas Fault and distant Salton Sea to Palm Springs and the snowcapped peaks of San Jacinto Peak and Mount San Gorgonio. A terrific view not to be missed.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Skull Rock
Skull Rock is a popular stop in the park, to see a rock that looks like a huge skull.As more rock eroded, more water accumulated, leading to more erosion until, as time passed, two hollowed-out eye sockets formed and the rock began to resemble a skull. From different angles and when the sun is shining at different levels, the skull changes its appearance and mood.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Split Rock
Split Rock is a gigantic boulder that's been split in two with a good short hike to the rock and a lovely picnic area to stop at. Imagine the forces that caused the boulder to split!
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
- Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
- Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
- Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
- Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
- Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
- Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
- Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
- Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
- Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
- Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-309754P41
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.68
25 reviews
Average 4.68 out of 5 stars based on 25 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
22
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
1
Additional Info
Similar Adventures & Tours
Special Offer
4 hours • Free Cancellation
4 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
$201.94
Special Offer
3 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
3 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.6 (5)
$98
3 hours • Free Cancellation
3 hours • Free Cancellation
$91.90
Special Offer
8 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
8 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
$1,164
Adventurers Who Bought This Adventure Also Bought
Special Offer
2 hours • Free Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.6 (2,162)
$38
45 minutes • Free Cancellation
45 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.5 (559)
$55.50
Special Offer
2 hours • Free Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.6 (1,761)
$38
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Top10Adventures® customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (PDT).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF.
- Pre-recorded audio commentary (downloadable or streamable).
- Lifetime access (no expiration) with Customer support (chat/email).
- Suggested walking/driving itinerary with stop-by-stop directions.
- This tour is NOT an entrance ticket to the park.
- Offline GPS-enabled route map.
- NO in-person guide or physical equipment (bring your own device & headphones).
- This is a GPS-powered, self-guided audio tour that works through an app.
The following is NOT included:
- Park Fees Not Included.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this adventure?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible adventure?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park will be included in your confirmation email from Top10Adventures®. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
- Pre-recorded audio commentary (downloadable or streamable)
- Lifetime access (no expiration) with Customer support (chat/email)
- Suggested walking/driving itinerary with stop-by-stop directions
- This tour is NOT an entrance ticket to the park
- Offline GPS-enabled route map
- NO in-person guide or physical equipment (bring your own device & headphones)
- This is a GPS-powered, self-guided audio tour that works through an app
- Park Fees Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
- Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
- Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
- Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
- Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
- Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
- Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
- Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
- Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
- Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
- Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
