🌲 Boulders & Bristles: A Fall Hummer Tour of Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
There is a mystical, otherworldly energy that radiates from the High Desert of Southern California. Joshua Tree National Park isn’t just a destination; it’s a mood. For this adventure, I traded our typical couple’s trek for a high-energy girls' trip, exploring the rugged terrain from the back of an open-air Hummer with six of my girlfriends. From the iconic silhouettes of the Yucca trees to the cinematic soundtrack of U2’s Joshua Tree for our journey, it was a day defined by desert magic.
🧭 At a Glance
Park: Joshua Tree National Park, California
Official Site: www.nps.gov/jotr
Month of Visit: November
Duration: Half-day
Crowd Level: Moderate
Park Film 🎥: Joshua Tree: Spirit of the Desert is shown at the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms. We did not stop at any Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Centers, so I will need to see the film when I return to the park.
Vibe: Mid-century desert chic meets rugged frontier.
🥾 The Journey
Our day began in the heart of Palm Springs. We took a short walk from our hotel, The Triada, to the Palm Springs Art Museum for our pickup. We started in a shuttle van, but the real adventure began when we arrived at the California Visitor Center in Yucca Valley. That’s where we traded our van for a rugged, open-air H1 Hummer.
As we crossed the park boundary via the West Entrance, our driver queued up U2’s Where the Streets Have No Name. Hearing the opening chords of The Joshua Tree album while physically entering the landscape that inspired it was a "goosebumps" (and for some, tears) moment. The album served as our soundtrack for the entire drive between these stops:
The Hidden Valley Scramble: We set out on a portion of the Hidden Valley Trail, a place once used by cattle rustlers to hide their herds. We hiked until we reached a giant boulder formation that begged to be explored. A few of us scrambled up the granite to the top, looking out over the desert from dizzying heights.
The Valley Overlook (Keys View): Our next stop was a breathtaking lookout point perched at over 5,000 feet. On this clear November day, we could see the entire valley laid out before us—from the skyline of Palm Springs all the way out to the shimmering Salton Sea and the lakes beyond.
Intersection Rock: We pulled up to a towering monzogranite monolith known as Intersection Rock. This is the legendary "home base" for rock climbing in Joshua Tree. It was fascinating to watch the climbers tackle the vertical cracks and slabs while we took a short walk to enjoy the 360-degree views.
✨ Must Experience Perspectives
The Hummer Tour
Highlights from the high perch of our Hummer, and the occasional stops:
Hidden Valley: A legendary rock-enclosed valley once rumored to be a hideout for cattle rustlers, and perfect for a light hike and a fun boulder scramble.
Valley Overlook (Keys View): At over 5,000 feet, this overlook offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, the San Andreas Fault, and the distant Salton Sea
Intersection Rock: A world-famous climbing hub and an iconic spot for photography of the monzogranite boulders—massive, rounded formations look like they were stacked by giants.
The "Must-Return" Experiences
While our Hummer tour was the perfect way to get a high-level sense of the park’s scale and spirit, Joshua Tree is a place that rewards those who stay a little longer and wander a little deeper. On the next trip, in addition to watching the park film at the Visitor Center, these are the top spots I’m planning to round out the experience:
Barker Dam Hike: A 1.1-mile loop that leads to a historic water tank. It’s one of the rare spots in the park where you can find water, making it the best place to spot Bighorn Sheep.
Cholla Cactus Garden: Located in the Pinto Basin, this is a dense "forest" of teddy-bear cholla. At sunrise or sunset, the needles supposedly catch the light and glow.
Arch Rock & Heart Rock: A short hike leads to a spectacular 30-foot natural arch and a perfectly heart-shaped boulder nearby.
Skull Rock & Jumbo Rocks: While we saw the boulders from the road, I want to spend time actually walking the 1.7-mile loop to see the famous skull formation up close and explore the "jumbo" rock piles.
Hall of Horrors: This is a popular spot for its narrow slot canyons tucked between massive boulder piles.
Stargazing: Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park. Next time, I’m staying past dark with a blanket and a thermos to see the Milky Way in all its desert glory.
🎒 The Logistics
Lodging: The Triada Palm Springs, a stylish and comfortable Bonvoy property perfectly located for a Girls’ Trip to Palm Springs, but not necessarily for exploring the park.
Food: The tour provided water and light snacks, but I was glad I brought jerky sticks and nuts for extra protein.
Park Access: We booked a group tour with Adventure Hummer Tours via Viator. The guided tour with transport from Palm Springs was ideal for our group.
📝 Pro-Tips and Lessons Learned
Breakfast Strategy: Start your morning with a solid, filling breakfast. The Hummer tour didn't return to Palm Springs until the afternoon, and there are virtually no food stops once you enter the park.
Layer Up: Even on a beautiful November day, the wind in an open-air Hummer can be very chilly. Dress in layers and bring a sweater or a light jacket.
BYO Snacks: While tours provide the basics, having your own stash helps manage the desert heat and energy dips.
💡 Final Thoughts
Joshua Tree is a place that demands you slow down and look at the details, but seeing it the first time via Hummer with a group of girlfriends added a memorable layer of fun and excitement. It’s a place where the reality actually lives up to the hype of the music lore. While this tour was the perfect “teaser,” I’ll be returning to slow down and dive deeper into the landscape. This park is definitely worth more than a few hours—it’s a place where I want to return to hike the trails, chase the sunset, and wait for the stars to take over the desert sky.
💬 Have you ever visited a place specifically because of a song or an album? Or have you ever visited a place that you immediately knew you had to return to before you even finished the first trip? Let me know in the comments below!
