Private Tour
Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
I am a 22 year resident of the Mojave Desert and log over 500 miles annually on foot within Joshua Tree National Park. Over the years and miles I've cultivated an awareness of landscape, ecological systems, and local culture that when contextualized by the trail becomes a narrative experience I'm eager to share.
I landed in Joshua Tree after dropping out of college in 2001. Back then you arrived by chance or a friend of a friend said you had to check out the rocks, feel the energy, and camp under the stars.
I fell in with the gathering characters, an assortment of dirtbag climbers, avant artists, practical new age visionaries, and entrepreneurs...an amalgam of identities that would go on to create the image of the High Desert that is so coveted today.
I am legally permitted to guide within Joshua Tree National Park and happy to host you. I know my stuff and I want you to know it too.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Can your experience be easily modified to cater to different fitness levels? Yes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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
Daypack
Water is provided in either re-usable 1.5 liter bottles or 2-3 liter hydration bladders.
Private transportation
Gratuities
Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Fee
Lunch
Snacks
Options
Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
Reviews
120 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An unforgettable experience with Wondering Majove
Renea H,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our half-day Joshua Tree hiking trip with Travis at Wondering Mojave was absolutely exceptional. Travis expertly navigated the park, leading us away from the crowds and into quieter, less-traveled areas that truly showcased Joshua Tree’s unspoiled beauty. Every turn revealed incredible vistas, from sweeping desert landscapes to striking rock formations, and it felt like we were discovering hidden gems most visitors never see. Travis’s knowledge, thoughtful pacing, and clear love for the Mojave made the experience both relaxing and inspiring. This hike was the perfect balance of adventure and immersion, and it gave us a deeper appreciation for the park’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for an authentic, memorable Joshua Tree experience, Wondering Mojave is the way to go.
Hike Joshua Tree with a true Expert
SoFlaBeachgirl,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Travis was such a fantastic guide. He is a person who lives and breathes Mojave/Joshua Tree. It totally blew my mind how knowledgeable he was about everything....climate, plant life, animals, history, geology, etc. He was fascinating. The passion he has for this part of the US stands out all through the tour. Our tour was leisurely and not intense, based on our preference. Travis will tailor your tour to whatever you want to do and see, and at what kind of intensity level. Highly recommend Wandering Mojave with Travis.
Hiking with a Joshua Tree expert
Stuart J,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Travis was such a fantastic guide. He is a person who lives and breathes Mojave/Joshua Tree. It totally blew my mind how knowledgeable he was about everything....climate, plant life, animals, history, geology, etc. He was fascinating. The passion he has for this part of the US stands out all through the tour. Our tour was leisurely and not intense, based on our preference. Travis will tailor your tour to whatever you want to do and see, and at what kind of intensity level. Highly recommend Wandering Mojave with Travis.
Worthwhile experience
Vacvoucty,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sarah is an excellent guide. She modified the experience to match our skill set. She was a great teacher, too , and engaged our son in learning. Overall would definitely do this again!
Awesome tour at Joshua Tree
Annalena W,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend this tour to see the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park. I always learn so much about the parks and the history with a tour guide and this trip did not disappoint. Hopefully you will be lucky to be there when the ground is in bloom!
Our tour guide was super...
Lisi H,,Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and took us on some really adventurous paths, my two kids loved it!
This was a wonderful...
Shanon M,,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful hike. Hollis was an excellent guide ensuring that she was able to tailor a hike to our interests and abilities. We learned a lot about local flora and fauna, the sensitive desert eco system and gained a deeper understanding of the park origins. Hollis was great and I would highly recommend her for your next hike in the park.
Beautiful Desert Adventure
Julie B,,Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time with Hollis as our guide. She shared a wealth of information about the plants, animals and terrain of Joshua Tree National Park. She took us off the beaten path to see some amazing sites. We even got to experience snow in the Park. The guided hike was everything we hoped for and a very special way to celebrate a daughter's 30th birthday,
Absolutely fantastic
664trinak,,Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hollis was an amazing guide. The whole experience from beginning to end was fantastic. She was able to gauge our ability and challenge us perfectly where we were able to thoroughly enjoy the hike and feel like we accomplished something special. Her knowledge of the area, geology and Botany was detailed and interesting. Loved her enthusiasm and passion it was infectious.Was an amazing day and a highlight of our trip.
We met our guide early to...
Jane T,,Mar 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We met our guide early to arrive at the trailhead before sunrise. That was our preference. We hiked for several hours, stopping often to look at plants and discuss geology. Our guide, Hollis, was very knowledgeable and knew how to explain complex topics clearly. It was good to take the tour early in our stay at Joshua Tree because we recognized various plants and rock formations when we later hiked on our own. Hollis gave us very useful information about trails we might like.
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