Joshua Tree Day Tour
Hidden Valley
Step into the legendary Hidden Valley, a breathtaking oasis surrounded by towering rock formations and ancient Joshua trees.
As you wander the scenic trail, you’ll discover a secluded world of rugged beauty, once rumored to be a secret hideout for cattle rustlers. Whether you’re hiking, rock climbing, or simply soaking in the desert serenity, Hidden Valley is a must-visit gem in Joshua Tree National Park!
Key’s View
Stand atop Keys View and take in one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Joshua Tree National Park, where the desert stretches endlessly beneath you. From this stunning vantage point, gaze across the Coachella Valley, spot the shimmering Salton Sea, and even see Mexico’s distant peaks on a clear day. Whether you visit at sunrise or sunset, Keys View offers an unforgettable, picture-perfect moment high above the desert floor!
Cholla Cactus Garden
Step into the enchanting Cholla Cactus Garden, where thousands of spiky, golden-hued cacti stretch across the desert, glowing like a sea of fire at sunrise and sunset. This magical landscape offers a rare glimpse of the Teddy Bear Cholla, beautiful yet deceivingly sharp, creating one of the most unique and photogenic spots in Joshua Tree National Park. Wander the easy boardwalk trail and immerse yourself in this surreal, otherworldly desert wonderland!
Skull Rock
Discover the eerie beauty of Skull Rock, a massive boulder sculpted by wind and rain into the haunting shape of a human skull. As you explore the surrounding trails, you’ll weave through a maze of towering rock formations and iconic Joshua trees, creating the perfect backdrop for adventure. Whether you’re climbing, taking epic photos, or simply marveling at nature’s artistry, Skull Rock is a must-see wonder in Joshua Tree National Park!
What to Expect on the Joshua Tree Day Tour
Tour Itinerary and details
Departure: Fall–Winter–Spring
Duration: 8–9 hrs
What’s included:
Parking Fees
Park Entrance fees
Complimentary pick-up and drop off from select hotels
Knowledgable local guide
What to bring:
Hat
Cap
Sunglasses
Water bottle
- Sunblock
Walking shoes
Layer
What’s not included:
Meals
Guide gratuity
Visit Joshua Tree National Park Website for more information.
📍 8:00 AM – Pick-up & Departure
Comfortable drive from Long Beach to Joshua Tree.
Commentary on Southern California’s desert landscapes, history, and wildlife.
Quick rest stop if needed.
🌿 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM – Joshua Tree Visitor Center
Brief stop to learn about the park’s history, ecology, and wildlife.
Opportunity to grab maps, souvenirs, or use restrooms.
11:00 AM – 12 PM – Hidden Valley
Easy one-mile loop hike through stunning rock formations.
Perfect for photos and learning about Joshua Tree’s unique flora.
12:15 – Keys View Overlook
Scenic overlook with panoramic views of Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault.
Short walk to enjoy breathtaking desert landscapes.
12:45 PM – 1:15 PM– Lunch Break at Picnic Area
Enjoy a packed lunch at a shaded picnic area.
Option to grab food in town before entering the park.
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Skull Rock & Jumbo Rocks
Explore Skull Rock, a famous rock formation shaped like a skull.
Walk among massive boulders and take epic desert photos.
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM – Cholla Cactus Garden
Short walk through a surreal landscape of cholla cacti.
Learn about desert plant life and enjoy a unique photo stop.
2:30 PM – Drive back to hotel
2-3hrs drive
What Our Customers Say
We did a sea kayak & hiking tour today with Sam. Rest assured, utilizing Rafiki Tours will be the best decision you can make if you want a truly personalized experience....
Read More
I had the pleasure of joining Raffiki Tours for a 5-day trip to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life..........
Read More
My family had an amazing time kayaking and hiking in Dana Point! Sam is a great tour guide with awesome stories and insight into the local wildlife.........
Read More
Samuel tiene un tacto genial. Al haber sido asistente aéreo en una aerolínea internacional, tiene no sólo múltiples conocimientos de l......
Read More
Meeting Sam was the best decision I did during my visit to LA, it didn't feel like a tour at all and more of friends just getting together with a friend showing....
Read More
Sam is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. He took care of all the details for our Joshua Tree Day Tour and we saw all the best spots. He had great....
Read More
We did the Half Day Dana Point Kayak and Hike and had such a great experience. We were in town for our anniversary......
Read More
We had such a fantastic time on the half day Kayak and had I ke adventure in Dana Point yesterday!
The whole experience.......
Read More
I had such a great time kayaking and hiking with Sam! It was honestly one of the best experiences I've had. The .......
Read More
An unforgettable trip to San Diego.
It’s was a private tour. Sam our tour guide was extremely patient with us. We covered places .......
Read More
Very friendly and highly accomodating tour. We were on a very tight time crunch and got to see a lot of Hollywood .......
Read More
Sam was such a wonderful guide! The kayak tour took a little over an hour and is completely doable for a family of four who enjoy the water......
Read More
This was an incredible way to explore Dana Point in both the water and on land. Sam was an amazing guide - very personable......
Read More
We did a sea kayak & hiking tour today with Sam. Rest assured, utilizing Rafiki Tours will be the best decision you can make if you want a truly personalized experience....
Read More
I had the pleasure of joining Raffiki Tours for a 5-day trip to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life..........
Read More
My family had an amazing time kayaking and hiking in Dana Point! Sam is a great tour guide with awesome stories and insight into the local wildlife.........
Read More
Samuel tiene un tacto genial. Al haber sido asistente aéreo en una aerolínea internacional, tiene no sólo múltiples conocimientos de l......
Read More
Meeting Sam was the best decision I did during my visit to LA, it didn't feel like a tour at all and more of friends just getting together with a friend showing....
Read More
Sam is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. He took care of all the details for our Joshua Tree Day Tour and we saw all the best spots. He had great....
Read More
We did the Half Day Dana Point Kayak and Hike and had such a great experience. We were in town for our anniversary......
Read More
We had such a fantastic time on the half day Kayak and had I ke adventure in Dana Point yesterday!
The whole experience.......
Read More
I had such a great time kayaking and hiking with Sam! It was honestly one of the best experiences I've had. The .......
Read More
An unforgettable trip to San Diego.
It’s was a private tour. Sam our tour guide was extremely patient with us. We covered places .......
Read More
Very friendly and highly accomodating tour. We were on a very tight time crunch and got to see a lot of Hollywood .......
Read More
Great experience and an interesting tour, included the main landmarks and places in San Diego. Keep up the good.......
Read More
We had San Diego tour , it was a really nice one and the city is amazing ! I loved the Spanish garden !! Samuel is.......
Read More
From he moment we arrived, he made us feel like family. He was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and truly caring.......
Read More
We had an amazing day with Sam as our tour guide! From the moment he picked us up in Huntington Beach,.......
Read More
As someone who likes exploring the world and has been to 14 countries, I enjoyed this tour, getting the experience.......
Read More
Went on an OC Bike and hike tour as I wanted to explore Orange county top attractions with my friend. Sam organised.......
Read More
Sam was such a wonderful guide! The kayak tour took a little over an hour and is completely doable for a family of four who enjoy the water......
Read More
This was an incredible way to explore Dana Point in both the water and on land. Sam was an amazing guide - very personable......
Read More
It was the perfect activity in Dana Point. Rafiki Tours created the perfect experience. Kayaking atound the Island and several......
Read More
My husband and I had a fun for kayaking and hiking to the cave tour with Sam. Sam is very easy going and encouraging.......
Read More
Wonderful half day spent on and along the water with my teen daughter. Our guide was knowledgeable.......
Read More
Sam was a knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic guide. He had a well-planned itinerary , and gave us the.......
Read More
Useful Links
Our Tours
- Hollywood Day Tour
- San Diego Day Tour
- Joshua Tree Day Tour
- OC Hike & Bike Tour
- Dana Point Kayak and Hike
Get Updates
Join our community for news about Rafiki Tours adventures
Find us
- Setting & privacy
- Faqs
- Support