4-Day Joshua Tree Adventure
Explore the unique ecosystem of two Southern California deserts!
Spend your days hiking among the stunning wildflowers, and your evenings under a canopy of stars.
Trip Length
4 Days

Intensity
Moderate

Group Size
8 Persons

Trip Dates
October 12 – 15, 2023
Activities
Camping
Hiking
Included
Round trip transportation
Campsite reservations
Tent, sleeping pad, and group camping gear
Medically-trained, naturalist guide
All meals indicated in itinerary
Park entry fees
Not Included
Gratuity for your guide
Sleeping bag (available to rent for $50) Meals on the road or in town (see itinerary) Personal camping gear (see pack list)
$1550
Trip Info
At the convergence of the Mojave and Colorado deserts lies Joshua Tree National Park – a destination like no other. The park’s location boasts stunning wildflower blooms and the growth of the iconic Joshua Tree. Spend four days hiking the trails of the park – from its lush valleys to tall peaks. Marvel at its night skies, which are some of the best in the world for stargazing.
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. As a whole, Joshua Tree experiences only a few rainy days per year.
Group
Good Trippers can be any age but most of our travelers are in their 30s – 50s.
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 public trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, we’d be happy to make any itinerary private! Email info@goodtripadventures.com.
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 includes four days of hiking back-to-back so it’s best for travelers who are comfortable being active for most of the day, multiple days in a row. Some hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodations
- Three nights camping in Joshua Tree National Park
- Pricing is based on double occupancy accommodation
- Single supplement available for an additional $200 per person.
Accomodations for 4-Day Joshua Tree Adventure
Flights
Please plan to arrive at Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs (within 30 minutes of airport) by 10:00 AM EST 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).
Flights for 4-Day Joshua Tree Adventure
4-Day Joshua Tree Adventure Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Palm Springs and meet your guide by early afternoon. After arrival, you’ll stop for a lunch break in Palm Springs (lunch not included) before continuing on to Joshua Tree. We’ll warm up with a short, 3 mile hike to 49 Palms Oasis. We’ll then continue on to our campsite at Indian Cove where we’ll set up camp, eat a hearty dinner, get to know one another, and review our full adventure.
Meals: L, D
Day 2
This morning, we’ll head out bright and early to catch the sunrise from the top of Ryan Mountain (3 miles round trip). Feeling energized from our morning, we’ll continue the day on the trails with a hike to Lost Horse Mine or along the famous Boy Scout Trail (depending on trail and weather conditions). In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner in town (not included) before another night back at camp.
Meals: B, L
Day 3
We’ll pack up camp this morning and prepare to see even more areas of this unique park with short hikes to Hidden Valley and Barker Dam, with roadside stops at Skull Rock and Cholla Gardens. After a short walk to the Cottonwood Oasis, we’ll settle into our new home for the night at Cottonwood Campground, where we’ll toast to our final night under the stars!
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4
For our final morning, we’ll squeeze in one more sunrise hike to the top of Mastadon Peak (2.6 miles round trip) for some final picturesque views of the desert. After we pack up, we’ll head back to Palm Springs for afternoon departures and goodbyes!
Meals: B, L
4-Day Joshua Tree Adventure 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 20 degrees or below
- Pack cover
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity)
- Recommended Gear and Personal Items
- Hiking poles
- 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
- 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
- Light gloves
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
- Recommended Clothing
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes
Packing list for 4-Day Joshua Tree Adventure
4-Day Joshua Tree Adventure
$1550