Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park

At a glance

Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Joshua Tree National Park is a 15h – 16h private experience in Las Vegas, United States, operated by GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide). Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 26 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $19.99 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF, Pre-recorded audio commentary (downloadable or streamable), This is a GPS-powered, self-guided audio tour that works through an app.

Quick facts

Duration

15h – 16h

Group

Private tour — only your group

Languages

English

Pickup

Meet at the start point

Confirmation

Instant confirmation

Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Cancellation

Free cancellation (see policy)

Overview

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 8h

   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.

2. Stop 2 · 1h

   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.

3. Stop 3 · 1h

   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.

4. Stop 4 · 1h

   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.

5. Stop 5 · 1h

   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.

6. Stop 6 · 1h

   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.

7. Stop 7 · 1h

   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.

8. Stop 8 · 1h

   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.

9. Stop 9 · 1h

   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!

Meeting point

Good to know

• 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions