Joshua Tree Camping: Good Trip Scouts
Discover the desert beauty of Joshua Tree National Park on our beginner-friendly camping trip, perfect for those eager for a taste of the outdoors in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
TRIP DATES:
March 11 – 14, 2027
October 14 – 17, 2027
Trip Length
4 Days
$1375 Per Person
Embark on an unforgettable four-day adventure from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree, where breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences await. Journey through the heart of the Mojave Desert, camp under the stars, and explore iconic sites like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Keys View.
This trip is suitable for beginners or folks looking for an adult summer camp experience. Trade friendship bracelets, sing songs around the campfire, and pick out constellations in the night sky, all while learning critical camping and outdoor skills.
Activities
- Hiking & Interpretive Tours
- Camping
Included
- Medically-trained, naturalist guides
- Hands-on training to get comfortable camping
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodations as outlined below
- Group camp equipment
- Sleeping pad & tent
- All meals as outlined below
- Park entry fees
Not Included
- Gratuity for your guide
- Sleeping bag (available to rent for $50)
- Personal camping gear (see pack list)
- Flights to and from the destination
WEather
Spring and Fall are wonderful times to visit this region. Daytime temperatures are relatively mild compared to the heat of summer, reaching highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s. Evenings can get quite cold, dropping as low as the mid to upper 40s. Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. Rain is uncommon during these seasons.
Intensity- Moderate
Hiking days will usually include about 6 total hours on the trail, covering anywhere from 5-8 miles on the day with moderate elevation gain. This trip is suitable for beginners and novice hikers looking to build community.
Accommodations
- Three nights camping in Joshua Tree National Park
- Pricing is based on double occupancy accommodation
FLights
Please plan to arrive at the Los Angeles airport by 12:00 PM PST on Day 1. Your guide will pick you up shortly after arrival. Alternatively, your guide can collect you from your accommodation or another central point in Los Angeles (within 30 minutes of the airport) by 10:00 AM PST if you choose to arrive a day early.
Your guide will transport the group to the airport to arrive by 2:00 PM PST on Day 4. Please plan a departure after that time. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to book a hotel, please be prepared to find personal transportation from the airport to your accommodations (via Lyft, taxi, etc).
Take a trip that lets you immerse yourself in the park. Our guides are master naturalists, botanists, geologists, historians, and – most importantly – relentlessly curious! This is more than a sightseeing tour; it’s about learning and connecting with this desert sanctuary!
Day One
Arrive in LA and meet your guide by early afternoon. You’ll make the ~3 hour drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Your guide will help facilitate camp setup up where you’ll learn how to pitch a tent, site selection, safety considerations, and more! You’ll then set off on a sunset hike. Watch the desert light up as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, as we share a picnic dinner. We’ll enjoy a beautiful star walk back. Your Good Trip guide will tell you all about the stars and how they’ve fascinated humans for thousands of years. We’ll settle back in at camp and get ready for a weekend of adventure ahead!
Meals: D
Day Two
We’ll start our day with some more lessons on camping and responsible outdoor stewardship. You’ll learn about Leave No Trace principles and Wilderness Survival skills, as well as how to properly pack a backpack and what you should always have on a day hike. We’ll go over map-reading skills and trip planning logistics as well. This afternoon, we’ll embark on a group scavenger hunt where you’ll put your newly learned skills to the test. We’ll hike through Joshua Tree National Park as we aim to check off everything on our scavenger hunt!
Meals: B, L, D
Day Three
We’ll wake up bright and early this morning for a sunrise hike through the park. Your guide will tell you all about the flora and fauna of the area, including the park’s namesake plant – Joshua Tree! Following our morning hike, we’ll head back to camp to play some games and learn more about how to camp on our own. Tonight will be our farewell dinner! We’ll trade friendship bracelets, share highs and lows of the trip, and discuss future goals we have for recreating outside.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Four
Our final morning! We’ll work together as a group to pack up our gear and load it into the van. We’ll make the ~3 hour drive back to LAX for your departing flights.
Meals: B
*Itinerary is subject to change due to park conditions, trail and road closures, safety concerns, and timing adjustments. Your guide will always work with you to provide the best experience and keep you informed of any changes in plans.
Packing LIst
Required Gear
- Day pack (15-30 liters recommended)
- Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person)
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent), rated to 15 degrees or below
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles (2L total capacity)
- Lip balm with SPF
Recommended Gear & Personal Items
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
- Travel pillow
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
- Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Small, quick dry towel
- Journal + pen
- Trekking poles
Required Clothing
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes
Trip FAQ’s
What will we eat?
Meals may be prepared by guides, picked up as boxed lunches, or enjoyed in restaurants. We prioritize seasonal, fresh ingredients and local suppliers in all regions. We can cater to most dietary requests and allergies with advanced notice. Be sure to include this information in our client intake form when registering for your trip!
Who else will be there?
Good Trippers can be any age and everyone is welcome!
We get families, couples and friends, but most of our travelers come solo! We have hiking trips for all abilities, just make sure to review the Intensity section for information about what to expect on your trip. All group multi-day trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, we’d be happy to make any itinerary private! Email info@goodtripadventures.com.
Do I need to tip my guide?
Tipping is a common way to say thanks to your guides for all their hard work. While it’s never expected, it’s always appreciated! A good rule of thumb is to tip 10-20% of the total trip cost, split among the guides. Alternatively, many guests choose to tip $25-$50 per day, per guide. You can either autopay gratuity when checking out, or you can pay the guide in person. Ultimately, the amount is up to you and should reflect the level of service you feel you received. Whatever you choose, the guides will appreciate it!
Do you offer payment plans?
We are here to help! We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your needs. Reach out to us for more information on how we can assist you with payment options. Regardless of the payment plan implemented, full payment must be received by 30 days in advance of the trip start.
Are there age requirements?
They say age is just a number and we (mostly) agree! However, due to legal restrictions and group dynamic considerations, we do have a minimum age of 18 on our public group departures. But there’s no maximum!
If you have someone under 18 in your group, we can accommodate all ages on a private adventure, so let’s talk!