Many vehicles can handle off-road trails, however, you should ask yourself a few things first. Your vehicle should be 4WD with 9-inches of differential / axle clearance. For example, a 4-Runner, Tacoma, or Jeep Wrangler for noted 4×4 trails. Some trails only require high clearance AWD such as a Subaru Outback, Toyota Rav4, Honda CRV
Determining whether your vehicle can handle off-road trails depends on several factors. Here are some considerations to help you assess your vehicle’s off-road capabilities:
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Vehicles equipped with 4WD or AWD generally perform better off-road than two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicles. The additional traction provided by all four wheels can help you navigate uneven terrain.
Ground Clearance: Off-road trails often have uneven surfaces, rocks, and obstacles. A vehicle with higher ground clearance is better equipped to clear these obstacles without getting stuck or damaged. Trucks and SUVs tend to have better ground clearance than sedans and smaller cars.
Tire Selection: The type of tires on your vehicle plays a significant role in off-road performance. Off-road or all-terrain tires with a more aggressive tread pattern provide better traction on unpaved surfaces.
Approach and Departure Angles: The angles at which your vehicle can approach and depart from obstacles without getting stuck or damaged are important. Off-road-oriented vehicles typically have improved approach and departure angles.
We prioritize safety and aim to create memorable experiences. Our tours are not designed for thrills but rather as ecologically conscious adventures.
To guarantee your safety and comfort, we conduct a comprehensive 14-point safety inspection on all our vehicles before each tour. Additionally, our vehicles undergo routine and thorough safety and mechanical inspections by our mechanic, coupled with regular maintenance to ensure optimal functionality. Our guides stay in constant communication with our office, and every vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Moreover, all our guides are certified in CPR and First Aid.
In the event of rain or snow, all our tours are subject to rescheduling if JTNP closes trails.. It’s advisable to dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions.
The California desert encompasses various microclimates, and any rainfall is typically brief and isolated.
If you choose to cancel your tour due to inclement weather, our standard cancellation policy applies. However, when feasible, we offer the option to reschedule your tour to a different day at no additional cost, contingent upon available space.
In the event that we have to cancel a tour due to weather or safety considerations, you have the choice of receiving a full refund, rescheduling your tour at no charge (subject to availability), or opting for a gift card equal to the full purchase price. These gift cards have no expiration date and can be used for any future tour.
Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a unique and visually stunning destination known for its otherworldly landscapes. Here are some of the key features and things you can expect to see in Joshua Tree:
Joshua Trees: The park is named after the Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia), a distinctive tree species with spiky leaves that gives the landscape a surreal appearance.
Rock Formations: Joshua Tree is famous for its rugged rock formations, including large piles of boulders and monolithic rocks. Popular areas for rock climbing and bouldering include Hidden Valley, Wonderland of Rocks, and Ryan Mountain.
Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, coyotes, jackrabbits, and a diverse array of bird species. Keep an eye out for these creatures, especially during the cooler hours of the day.
Hiking Trails: The park offers a range of hiking trails catering to different skill levels. Popular trails include the Barker Dam Loop, Hidden Valley, and the Ryan Mountain Trail, providing opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes.
Cholla Cactus Garden: This area of the park is known for its dense concentration of cholla cacti. It’s particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset when the sunlight illuminates the spines of the cacti.
Keys View: For panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, San Andreas Fault, and the distant San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountain ranges, head to Keys View. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Arch Rock: A short hike takes you to Arch Rock, a natural arch formation that is especially popular for photography. It’s an excellent spot to visit during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Desert Flora: In addition to Joshua Trees, the park is home to a variety of desert plants, including creosote bushes, ocotillos, and a wide array of wildflowers during the spring.
Remember to bring plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting during the hotter months, as the desert climate can be harsh. Joshua Tree National Park offers a unique and captivating desert experience, attracting nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
There are restrooms available on all tours (some are hours apart). If you have concerns about the availability of restroom facilities during the tour, please speak to your guide privately before you depart so that he or she can plan bathroom stops as needed.
Our guides will pass by numerous destinations listed in the itinerary, but not all will include stops for exploration due to weather conditions at the time. We aim to provide a comprehensive experience within the allocated time. If you have specific sites of interest, please inform your guide, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your requests.
We do not provide bottled water and snacks on our tours. A minimum of 1 gallon of water per person and appropriate meals for the day should be packed in.