Joshua Tree Guided Hike: Experience Local Expertise
4.9
91 Ratings
Joshua Tree
Join our Joshua Tree guided hike and experience the expertise of a 22-year resident of the Mojave Desert. Discover the landscape, ecology, and local culture through a captivating narrative journey.
Duration:
4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Joshua Tree National Park - After finalizing our meet up location and start time, we’ll start out on a Half-Day Hike that best matches your group’s interests, abilities, and objectives. We’ll focus on what is important to you or your group before you arrive so that I can design a customized route that exceeds your expectations. These hikes may be either leisurely or strenuous, depending on what your group is in the mood for. The mileage and pace are almost always adaptable in real time. Apart from stewarding you safely through the terrain, I’ll discuss the flora, fauna, unique geology, and cultural history of the region. Plenty of time will be set aside for taking in views, having snacks, and discussing in greater detail the unique environment presented by Joshua Tree National Park. Routes can be designed for both experienced and novice hikers. During Daylight Savings Time Mar. thru Oct. and sometimes busy holiday weekends, we will have either a morning (6:30-7am meet) or afternoon (12-12:30pm meet) hike available. Nov. thru Feb. are more flexible. We cannot guarantee availability of either morning or afternoon hikes upon booking. Please reach out prior to booking if you are not available for either time.
What's Included
- Complimentary bottled water
- Convenient daypack
What's Not Included
- Private transportation
- Gratuities
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Sunhat
- Sunblock
- Hiking Shoes
- Lunch
Additional Information
For 22 years, I’ve lived in the Mojave Desert, hiking more than 500 miles in Joshua Tree National Park each year. Through the years and over countless trails, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the landscape, ecological structures, and local customs. This knowledge, coupled with the narrative of the trail, turns into a story that I’m thrilled to relay to you.
I made Joshua Tree my home after leaving college in 2001. In those days, people were drawn here either by happenstance or by the recommendations of a close acquaintance, attracted by the promise of feeling the energy among the stones and camping under a blanket of stars.
I found my place amidst a crowd of colorful personalities, a medley of rough-and-ready climbers, forward-thinking artists, pragmatic spiritual dreamers, and budding business owners. Together, we formed the unique patchwork that has shaped today’s much-desired image of the High Desert.
I am lawfully authorized to carry out guiding activities within Joshua Tree National Park and would be delighted to welcome you. I have a wealth of knowledge and I’m excited for you to learn about it too.
- Can your experience be easily modified to cater to different fitness levels? Yes
Location
6573 Park Blvd
Park Boulevard
Joshua Tree National Park is about 800,000 acres which means there are many possible meeting locations, but we most often meet at 6573 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA. This location is right across the street from the Park's western Visitor Center (6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(91 Ratings)
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Amy
Apr 5, 2024
Excellent guided hike, all to ourselves! - We wanted to learn about the park and get off the beaten path and Wandering Mojave delivered beautifully! Our guide, Hollis (apologies if I spelled it wrong!😉) was very knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic. And even though we got caught in the rain towards the end, it was still a great experience and we would definitely recommend this company!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_r
Mar 27, 2024
Fabulous scramble in the Mojave - We had a wonderful morning with Hollis. She is a walking encyclopedia on botany, ecology, native culture. Very easy to talk to, we felt comfortable asking tons of questions. She took good care to warn us of cactus or other danger, taught us safe scrambling techniques, and took us on a hike we would never feel comfortable navigating on our own. I have already recommended to my friend.
Review provided by Viator
Brenda_w
Mar 27, 2024
Worth every penny! - Heather was the most outstanding guide for our JTNP trip. She knows so much about the history, the stories, the flora and fauna. The trip met and surpassed all expectations. And she is FUN! She has a great sense of humor and is wickedly funny. JTNP is not for the inexperienced (which we are) and this was the best way to visit the park.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_s
Mar 25, 2024
Great Hike! - Trav was great. Full of interesting facts. Rick climbing was challenging and fun. Thx for everything!
Review provided by Viator
Dilanthin_m
Mar 20, 2024
Great day in the Desert 🏜️ - My husband and I had a wonderful half day walking with our guide Hollis learning about the Mojave desert near Joshua Tree National Park. Hollis was extremely knowledgeable about the plants and animals that inhabit this beautiful park and also about conservation of this protected area. She also provided us with information about Joshua Tree and places we could visit in the town and also in Tucson area which we were visiting next.
Hollis made our first trip into the Desert 🌵 areas of California and Arizona very interesting and left us wanting to do more of these activities next time we visit the USA.
Review provided by Viator
Jessica_s
Mar 18, 2024
Amazing tour for a family - Our guide Hollis was incredibly knowledgeable! She knew all about geology, hydrology, botany - you name it!
Review provided by Viator
Shuyih2024
Mar 14, 2024
Beautiful hike - Our guide Travis is friendly and knowledgeable. He took us to a less trodden path which offered spectacular view with few people. Since it’s a private tour, he can customize the route based on our preference and physical abilities. We leant a lot of the plants and the eco system of the JTNP from him which we didn’t expect. It was a great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah_b
Mar 9, 2024
Amazing time in the desert - We had a most enjoyable hike. None of us had been to a desert before and Hollis shared her vast knowledge with us. The 4.5 hours hike was very manageable for all of us and we are in or approaching our 70's. Thank you so much Hollis. We'd love to return.
Review provided by Viator
Bette2
Mar 3, 2024
Amazing experience in JT! - I had the most amazing experience as a first timer in Joshua Tree with Hollis as my guide. We went to Pine City on a relaxing hike and saw Joshua Trees, Pinyon Pines, Junipers, Chollas, wonderful desert barrel cacti to name but a few of the amazing plants. The rock formations were awe inspiring and the view from our lunch break into the Sonoran desert was a highlight. Coming from Europe, it's a landscape and ecosystem I have never experienced before. I cannot wait to return. Hollis is an exceptional guide with deep knowledge and a genuine passion for the environment. Book with Wandering Mojave and get an authentic experience. Thank you Hollis and Travis!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_k
Feb 26, 2024
Other-worldly. - Great Hike - very knowledgeable guide. Truly a fun experience; one not to miss. The park is amazingly beautiful.
Review provided by Viator
