Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour

The journey, in full

This is a long hike through Joshua Tree’s southern Colorado Desert. It’s very scenic, but there’s little to no shade and can be brutally hot from spring to fall. Bring water and sun protection, but be prepared to be wowed by the landscape and the palm oasis at the trail’s end. You can also just take a brief look at the oasis by the trailhead, and move on to the next stop. Pay the park fee here, use the restrooms, or ask the rangers questions. Learn more about the quirky ocotillo plant in this little pull off. Teddy Bear chollas look furry and cute but nothing could be further from the truth: walk carefully among thousands of mature chollas along a short nature trail. Just don’t get poked, and wear good close-toed shoes. This beautiful natural arch is one of the largest in the area and is a popular spot for photographers. Have fun climbing around the rocks! Hike through iconic rock formations on this easy trail. This popular boulder looks a bit like a skull that’s melted in the desert heat. Please park carefully, as the roadside plants are fragile. Ryan Mountain is one of the park’s best hikes, and affords adventurers a 360-degree view of the valley and surrounding area. Yet another cool rock formation of rounded gneiss boulders in the middle of the desert. The site of an attempted (and ill-fated) 1970s funeral, Cap Rock is one of many iconic gneiss formations in the park. This moderate-level hike will bring you out to Lost Horse Mine, where gold ore was famously mined and stolen by one of Joshua Tree’s ne'er-do-wells, Johnny Lang. This lovely overlook offers gorgeous sunset views over Palm Springs, and you can also see the San Andreas Fault. Note, if you take the trail counterclockwise, make sure to turn left at the fork in the trail (just before the petroglyphs) to return to the Barker Dam parking lot. If you continue straight, you'll go to the Echo T parking lot, which is further away. Vault toilets are available. This fun little nature trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, with rock formations to climb on and plenty of cool desert flora to take pictures of. Vault toilets are available. This is the last chance to stop before re-entering the park for information, a flush toilet, or a quick bite to eat. Ask questions, view exhibits, and maybe buy a souvenir or two at Joshua Tree’s newest visitor center. Use the restroom, browse the gift shop, and enjoy a brief trail around an oasis.