Private Tour
Private-36 Hour Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park
Overview
Available languages
1 day 12 hours
Mobile ticket
The best part about walking out into the wilderness is the feeling you get when you realize you are not racing the sun to be back to the car before dark. It's a sense of being liberated from life's daily trappings. You will not be able to check your email, post to Instagram, or be stuck in traffic. To spend 36 hours in the Mojave Desert is an intimate experience in the changing of light and the rhythm of desert life. Depending on what you and I decide, we might opt for continuous motion, wherein we start in one location and hike until it's time to set up camp, or we can do it basecamp style where we pick a location and spend all of our time bouncing back and forth between camp and whatever peak, canyon, or rock feature your eyes and ambition are drawn to. This used to be a 24hr trip but at the end of every trip everyone has always wanted it to keep on going.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
After working together to select the time and place of our meetup we'll set out into Joshua Tree National Park for up to 40 hrs of exploration. Depending on the time of year and prevailing weather, we can explore remote canyons, slowly curving trails, or mountain tops, while discussing the flora, fauna, and history of the region. Our campsite will be in the wilderness where there's never a chance of running into another soul. Every outing includes snacks, dinner, and breakfast. Backpacks, tents, sleeping systems, water containment, and a set of binoculars are also included.
What‘s Included
Sleeping System (if required)
High quality freeze dried meals that are available for every dietary need.
Tent (if required)
Backpack (if required)
Caffeinated or Decaf. Vegan or full fat whipping cream. However you take your morning brew I've got you covered.
Sweet, salty, and calorie rich trail food for all dietary needs.
What is more important than water in the desert? Nothing. Since it's the most crucial part of desert survival I will provide to ensure that you have enought.
Fresh fruits for everyone. Granola or oatmeal depending on conditions.
Joshua Tree National Park Entrance Fee
Hiking Clothes and Shoes
Options
36 Hours in the Desert
The Best Gear: Therm-a-rest sleeping kits. MSR Tents. Osprey backpacks.
Duration: 1 day 12 hours: Trip length is adjustable based on your availability.
Quality Food. Plenty of Water: Top quality backpacker meals. Fresh fruits and veggies. Homemade trail mix and granola. Everything you need to succeed.
Customized Route: We'll design a route designed entirely for your groups abilities and interests. You won't find these routes in guide books.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Consider a wander and skip the rush hour on the Park highway.
jacquelinecL3558IZ,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wandering Mohave 3 day 2 night backpacking trip Nov. 2-5. This is my husband and I, 2nd trip with Wandering Mohave. This was a Birthday trip. First of all, Travis (owner) is a great communicator, fun and filled with knowledge and enthusiasm. He listens to your wants, desires and will customize a trip for you and/or your family. 1 Day outing with kids, 1 overnight to remember what it was like to backpack, 2 days overnight and away from civilization for days. Also, mileage and or preferences of vistas or places. He has a vast knowledge and infectious passion of nature that really brings Joshua Tree National Park to life. You will see flora, fauna, flowers, insects, perhaps if lucky tortoise tracks, bluebirds, tarantulas yes! All up close and personal among those famous Rocks. Last year, we were fortunate enough to find a couple indigenous artifacts. Consider a wander on your trip to Joshua Tree and skip the rush hour on the Park highway.
Unforgettable Desert Experience at Joshua Tree
NorthStar03490350291,May 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went on a desert hike and spent a night cowboy camping in Joshua Tree National Park with Travis who was exceptional—knowledgeable, kind, attentive, respectful, and deeply in tune with the environment. It was a truly memorable experience. I felt completely safe and at ease the entire time, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The guide’s professionalism and quiet confidence made the trip both inspiring and deeply relaxing. Highly recommended for anyone looking to connect with the desert in a meaningful and authentic way.
Stop thinking about it and book with Wandering Mojave!
jdyan2023,Dec 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spend two nights in Joshua Tree and it was everything we hoped for. Travis filled our brains with information and kept us safe and comfortable as we made our way through incredible landscapes. We went in being very aggressive with our plan and Travis did an amazing job of paying attention to how we were holding up and made pivots exactly when they were needed to ensure our hike remained fun and the right amount of challenging. Would we hike Joshua Tree again, hell yeah! Would we do it with Travis....we wouldn't do with anyone else! If you are considering Wandering Mojave, stop considering and just book.
Epic First Family Back Country Camping Trip
emilyfZ5456JT,Apr 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Travis supported our family to have our first back country camping trip and it was awesome. I don't think we would have spent a full week out without the support he offered, which was very meaningful to our family. He was a great guide and new favorite person of our 5 year old son too. I would totally book another trip with him! Thanks so much <3
Adventure in the Mohave.
lag1914,Dec 30, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family of 4 enjoyed an awesome overnight adventure with Travis in the wilds of Joshua Tree National Park. Travis was super easy to work with and very communicative pre-trip. He took care of all the details and all we had to was show up and be ready for adventure. My boys are 15 and 12. It was the 12 year old’s first backpacking experience and Travis was very helpful in getting him set with the proper gear. He found us an amazing remote campsite. We loved bouldering and summiting the next rock after rock for endless unique views. Sunset was amazing, the camping food was good and the tents/sleeping bags warm and cozy. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to explore Joshua tree off the beaten path, learn a ton about all things Mohave desert and have a lot fun doing it.
awesome overnight trip
anolen3,Dec 29, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing overnight trip in Joshua Tree with Hollis. Hollis and I met outside the park and then travelled together to a backcountry camping trail. She was extremely prepared with all the appropriate equipment and gear required for an overnight in the park. We set off on an introductory hike and Hollis shared her extensive knowledge of the local ecology and geology. She found the perfect spot to set up camp and off-load our gear, and then we set out on a longer hike to an abandoned mine. Later we enjoyed a warm meal before bed, and although it was a bit too overcast for star-gazing, we enjoyed the evening listening to a nearby owl and learning more about the park. The next morning we packed up and enjoyed breakfast with a stunning view, and another hike that involved some more rigorous scrambling / climbing. The entire experience was amazing and exceeded my expectations. Hollis is skilled, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and (as an added bonus) she is incredibly personable. In real time, she adjusted our trajectory to make sure that the hikes suited my skill level and that I felt safe but challenged. Her curiosity for the natural surroundings was evident, and she shared knowledge that was tailored to my interests (plant medicine). Also, as a solo female traveler, I felt very safe throughout the journey. Having a guide absolutely elevated my experience in the park and I would recommend a day hike or overnight trip with Wandering Mojave to anyone visiting JT!
Outstanding Family Overnight trek
Victoria O,Oct 28, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Travis, this was one of the best bonding experiences our family has ever had. We were all total trekking/camping novices at the start and usually a lot more comfortable in the city HOWEVER, you really opened our eyes to the joys of the great outdoors. We had an amazing overnight trek, you made it fun, informative & importantly, i felt very safe under you guidance. For other British families out there, Travis is the absolute real deal - basically California's version of Bear Grylls. Friendly, incredibly passionate about Joshua Tree Park & very knowledgable about all the inhabitants, from the plants to the animals. Highly recommend this trip to any families wishing to experience a truly unique experience with their kids. We loved it 😊 Thank you Travis.
Inspirational
V6073PCchristinad,Oct 12, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Travis was an expert guide, taking me through the beauty of nature and the surroundings and sharing his love of the area in a very inspirational way. He responded very well to my desires and needs, and made me feel at one with nature. It was an exceptional trip and I would really recommend him.
So Much Gratitude for Your Excellent Guidance
jennsQ1562RC,Sep 2, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even though our trip to Joshua Tree was in the swelting off-season when Wandering Mojave was officially closed and unable to lead us on a tour, Travis took our call, listened to our interests and limitations, and designed the perfect morning hike for our family. We were struck by his generosity and thorough approach to detail. Not only did he provide a flexible itinerary of amazing sites, but he also advised us on logistics, like how to plan meals and other safety concerns. Left to our own devices, we would have had a very different visit. Our experience was a strong reminder that the right knowledgeable human is SO MUCH better able to help you cultivate the visit you're looking for in comparison to an online search, especially when that human is Travis. Thank you!
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