Southern California’s Joshua Tree National Park can be a bit intimidating to take on all on your own; however, this Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour lets you explore the park in your own vehicle while navigating the area with a tour that leads the way. Just download the app on your smartphone, launch the app when you get the park, and follow the recommended route and speed limit.

Tour Joshua Tree National Park from the comfort of your own car
No time limit to use this tour within—it’s available until you’re ready to go
This tour helps you navigate the national park to see its highlights

What's Included

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

Type to search

Start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

Opening hours

7/27/2020 - 5/15/2025
Monday - Sunday : 06:00 AM - 11:30 PM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Joshua Tree Visitor Center

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Joshua Tree

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Samuelsons Rock

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Willow Hole

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hemingway Buttress

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Intersection Rock

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Cap Rock Trail

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Lost Horse Valley

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Lost Horse Mine

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Queen Valley Road

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Skull Rock

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Oasis Visitor Center

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Palm Springs Visitor Center

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Palm Springs Art Museum

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Palm Springs Walk of Stars

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Palm Springs Air Museum

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Coachella Valley

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

General Patton Memorial Museum

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Amazing savings: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio

Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Q: Once I book the tour, can I change the travel date?

A:Yes, though you don’t need to worry about changing the Travel Date if your plans change because the tour is valid forever. You get access to the tour from the moment you book, regardless of when you actually plan to travel.

Nov 2021

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

584 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 584 reviews

great!

Cautney_N, Apr 2024

Great! Eassy to use and unerstand. Psst! Don't forget to write a review. Get all your thoughts down while they’re fresh. Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I'm so delighted you found my Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour easy to use and understand! If you plan to discover more of California's unique landscapes and iconic sights, consider exploring my California Audio Tour Bundle. This bundle includes tours of Big Sur, Silicon Valley, the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, 17 Mile Drive, and many more amazing locations. Enjoy your travels, and we look forward to bringing more fascinating stories and insights on your next adventure!

Good audio tour while driving in the park.

Rob_D, Apr 2024

Good audio tour that you can listen to at your pace in the park. Worked great and enhanced the experience of driving and hiking in the park. Download ahead of time when you have cell service. Works great using GPS markers even when you don't have cell service in the park.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Rob, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the Joshua Tree Audio Tour and found the tips on downloading ahead of time and GPS functionality helpful! For those looking to dive deeper into California's stunning landscapes and rich history, our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle is the perfect next adventure. With over 14 unique self-guided audio tours, including iconic spots like Big Sur, the Pacific Coast Highway, and Yosemite National Park, there's much more to explore at your own pace. Happy exploring, and don't hesitate to reach out if you're looking for more incredible destinations!

Fun affordable tour with my family

Erica_G, Apr 2024

Tour details helped us learn about Joshua Tree and made the experience fun. It told us the best places to hike and places to stop for pictures:)

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Erica, it's lovely to hear how our Joshua Tree National Park Audio Tour added fun and insight to your family's exploration! I'm delighted you found the hiking and photo spot recommendations helpful. Our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle awaits more adventures across the Golden State, featuring over 14 self-guided tours. From the scenic trails of Big Sur to the star-studded Hollywood and the majestic Yosemite to the historic Silicon Valley, there's a wealth of experiences to uncover at your own pace. We're here to assist if you or your family wish to dive deeper into California's wonders or have any questions. Thank you for choosing us for your journey, and we hope to accompany you on many more!

Awesome for families!

Ali_K, Apr 2024

The whole family (three kids - 11, 9 and 7) loved the tour and the little stories, facts and explanations it afforded us as we explored this wonderful park. I cannot recommend this tour enough!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Ali, it's fantastic to hear that your family enjoyed the Joshua Tree National Park Audio Tour! We're thrilled that the stories, facts, and explanations enhanced your exploration. For more family adventures across California, our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle offers over 14 self-guided tours, from the mesmerizing Big Sur coastlines to the iconic Silicon Valley and the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite National Park. Thank you for your kind words, and we hope to accompany your family on many more explorations!

Family of 5 audio tour of Joshua Tree

Karl_U, Apr 2024

Excellent audio tour, very easy to use. Download your tour in advance and the open the app, connect your phone to Bluetooth when you enter the park and the gps location on your phone, even without a signal, will automatically trigger the tour as you go through the park. We loved the overviews of each site and made it easy to make sure we didn’t miss any hikes.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I'm delighted to hear your family had a fantastic experience with the Joshua Tree audio tour, Karl! It’s great to know the app’s ease of use and GPS-triggered storytelling enhanced your visit, ensuring you didn’t miss a thing. If you’re keen on further explorations, our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle offers a wealth of adventures, from the coastal beauty of Big Sur to the urban landscapes of San Francisco and the natural wonders of Sequoia & Kings Canyon. Discover more of California's diverse beauty at your own pace. You can find this bundle where you booked your Joshua Tree tour—I look forward to guiding you and your family on more memorable journeys!

Most informative

Sue_D, Mar 2024

The audio tour added much to our enjoyment and understanding of the park. Explanations of the origins of tge geology, the vegetation - especially the unique Joshua Trees (not really trees) , historic and more recent inhabitants and much more.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I am so glad to hear the Joshua Tree audio tour significantly enhanced your visit, Sue! If you're ready to dive deeper into the wonders of California, our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle offers a rich array of explorations. From the majestic Big Sur to the historic streets of San Francisco and the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, there's so much more to discover at your own pace. Check out where you booked your Joshua Tree tour to access these engaging self-guided audio tours—excited for you to uncover more fascinating stories and beautiful landscapes with us!

One of the best ways to visit Joshua Tree Park on your own terms!

Herbert_A, Mar 2024

A great way to visit Joshua Tree on your own terms! After a bit of stress in downloading the tour itself with spotty WiFi, all went well. The commentary was excellent and stayed with us along the drive… Bravo! Guided tours can be great but the desert can be a good place to visit with personal quiet space.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

It's great to hear you had a fantastic time exploring Joshua Tree alone, Herbert! It seems that your efforts to overcome the initial download hiccup paid off with a memorable adventure. Our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle is an excellent option if you want to discover more of California's beauty. The bundle covers everything from the coastal views of Big Sur to the iconic streets of San Francisco and more. You can explore each destination quickly and dive deeper into its beauty. You can find this extensive bundle where you booked your Joshua Tree tour. Are you ready for more self-guided explorations?

Perfect for all levels of interest

Victoria_W, Mar 2024

Interesting content and worked well for our condensed schedule because we could engage in the parts of the tour we wanted to. Will definitely use this app again!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

I'm happy to hear the Joshua Tree tour fits perfectly with your schedule, Victoria! If you're eager for more, our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle offers a wealth of exploration, from the coastal views of Big Sur to the urban landscapes of San Francisco and beyond. Dive into the variety at your own pace. Check out where you booked the Joshua Tree tour to unlock this adventure-packed bundle—excited for your next journey with us!

Perfect audio guide

Tony_Z, Mar 2024

The narrative was excellent. Provided the information along the route as we drove. Stopping when we passed and started again at each significant point.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

I am so glad you enjoyed the narrative and flow of our Joshua Tree audio guide, Tony! If you're keen to keep exploring, our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle is packed with unique locations just waiting to be discovered, from the scenic Big Sur to the iconic streets of San Francisco. Dive into these adventures at your own pace. You can find this extensive bundle where you booked the Joshua Tree tour. Ready for more memorable journeys!

great audio tour well worth the cost!

Jeannine_H, Mar 2024

very good detailed narration and information that truly enhanced our driving experience through the national park

Response from Host, Mar 2024

I'm thrilled you loved the Joshua Tree tour, Jeannine! The detailed info brings the park to life, right? If you want to explore more of California, our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle has everything you need, from the Pacific Coast Highway to Yosemite. Find where you booked the Joshua Tree tour to snag this epic bundle. Happy travels!

Enjoyed

eric_r, Mar 2024

The sites chosen and commentary were excellent I wish we had managed are time better Initially little confusing in terms of starting point

Response from Host, Mar 2024

I'm glad you loved the Joshua Tree tour, Eric! Downloading tours beforehand is a great way to maximize your trip. Want to see more of California? Our California Self-Guided Driving Bundle covers everything from Big Sur's霧濛濛 (wù méng méng) shores to Yosemite's iconic landscapes and beyond. Look wherever you booked the Joshua Tree tour to find this all-encompassing adventure. Happy exploring!

Enjoyable Tour

Brandy_B, Mar 2024

We truly enjoyed the auto tour! We started off from the Joshua Tree Visitors center and took a few optional/recommended turn-offs. The drive portion was quick (a couple hours) but offered many options for 1/4 mile to a couple hour long hikes; so doing some prep work would be helpful and not just relying on the auto tour if that's what you're looking to do. Audio and GPS aligned perfectly. My kids worked on their JR Ranger badges and the audio tour even helped with a few of those answers! We were with family that was local to Palm Springs and they enjoyed learning more about the area history. Tips: -Download app and audio prior to arriving to Joshua Tree (as it mentions) because there truly is little to no Internet -I could not use the app through Android Auto, but once I unplugged from my USB and linked via Bluetooth through the media, we were able to play through the cars speakers (even in a rental) without issue.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Brandy! We're delighted you and your family enjoyed the Joshua Tree Driving Audio Tour. Your tips on downloading the app and audio in advance and using Bluetooth for audio playback are constructive for future travelers. We're glad the tour could assist with your kids' Jr. Ranger badges and that even your local family members found it informative. If you want to explore more of California's beauty, consider checking out my Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle, offering over 14 self-guided tours across the state. Happy exploring, and we hope to see you on another adventure soon!

All the behind insights...

Mike_F, Mar 2024

All the behind insights to Joshua National Park was very informative. Looking forward to driving this tour again next year.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

That's awesome to hear, Mike! We're thrilled you enjoyed our Joshua Tree National Park Audio Tour's insights. If you plan to delve deeper into California's wonders, consider checking out my Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle. With over 14 self-guided tours, you'll uncover more hidden gems and fascinating insights across the state. Happy travels and we look forward to having you back for another adventure next year!

Horrible!

PamelaL_H, Mar 2024

I purchased this driving audio experience but when I reached my destination, Joshua Tree, it would not open and I did everything I was told to do. I had to purchase the $30 entrance fee to enjoy the Joshua Tree experience. You got my money, and I was not able to experience the self drive audio tour. Very disappointing since I traveled from Ohio to see this National Park

Response from Host, Mar 2024

I'm so sorry about your experience, Pamela! I haven't encountered this issue before and would love to learn as much as possible about what happened so I can fix it — please email me. I have refunded you, and I also hope to be able to gift you one of my other tours so that this is not your only experience with my product. I look forward to your email and hope to make this right ASAP.

Not worth it

Kevin_H, Feb 2024

App was frustrating to use and audio didn't work most of the time. The information provided wasn't all that interesting

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Kevin, I'm genuinely sorry about your disappointing experience with the Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour. It seems like you faced some unexpected challenges, and this isn't the standard we aim for. I'm eager to understand more about what went wrong and how I can correct it – please email me directly. I assure you that I'll process your refund promptly, and I'd also like to offer you one of my other tours for free, hoping to provide you with a much better experience. Your feedback is invaluable, and I'm here to make things right. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Great way to learn the history and current information about Joshua Tree!

Kristi_K, Feb 2024

Was such a neat way to learn about the area all within the comforts of your own vehicle. Would not have enjoyed it as much without the commentary

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Kristi, it's lovely to hear that you had such a positive experience with my Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour, finding it a convenient and informative way to explore the area. If you're interested in further explorations, especially of deserts and national parks, you might enjoy my California Self-Guided Driving Bundle. This collection features over 14 different audio tours designed to guide you through California's stunning landscapes and rich history at your own pace. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I hope your future travels are just as enriching!

Good experience

Deborah_H, Feb 2024

The narrated tour was great for our first trip to the park. It gave us just enough information and called our different excursions/hiked we could take to extend our time in the park.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Deborah, it's wonderful to hear that you had a good experience with my Joshua Tree National Park Audio Tour. If you're interested in exploring more, consider our Action+ Tour Bundle, which includes over 100 self-guided tours designed to offer a flexible and enriching travel experience.

Awesome Joshua Tree Tour

Catherine_T, Feb 2024

The guide was easy to listen to. Pointed out all the best trails and hikes. The historical information was excellent.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Catherine, I'm thrilled you had a fantastic experience with my Joshua Tree National Park Audio Tour. If you want to explore more, don't forget to check out my Action+ Tour Bundle for over 100 more self-guided tours.

We named the speaker Josh

Katie_J, Feb 2024

This was great!! So helpful and made our drive so interesting. 10/10 would do an audio tour again. :)

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Katie, I'm thrilled you enjoyed my Joshua Tree National Park Audio Tour. I am Glad my tour made your drive through the park more enjoyable. If you want to explore more, don't forget to check out my Action+ Tour Bundle for over 100 more self-guided tours.

National Park for a reason

Joanne_D, Feb 2024

Driving through Joshua Tree National Park is a must if you’re in the area. It was our second visit. Using the audio tour made our experience even better. It filled in with fun stories and useful information. It was easy to set up and use. You won’t be disappointed.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Joanne, it's wonderful to hear that my Joshua Tree National Park audio tour enhanced your second visit. If you want to explore more, don’t forget to check out my Action+ Tour Bundle for over 100 more self-guided tours.

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