California
Hiking the High Desert: Joshua Tree National Park & Palm Springs
Program No. 20819RJ
Fulfill a dream and come to the Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree National Park, where you’ll hike among spectacular canyons, palm oases, towering boulders and a Joshua Tree forest.
Participant Reviews
Based on 51 Reviews
SHOWING
This was my second Road Scholar trip. Both were hiking trips in the Southwest desert. The hiking was excellent, spectacular desert scenery, excellent commentary and all levels of hiking accommodated. I have gone hiking with several other companies and Road Scholar compares favorably.
— Review left February 16, 2026
Challenging but very enjoyable hiking experience. The desert was amazing and beautiful. What a rugged landscape. The other participants helped to make this a fun experience. Our guides, Mike and Kyle, were great.
— Review left November 18, 2025
This is a great trip for anyone who enjoys hiking in the desert. If you also want to learn more about desert plants or geology, I encourage you to read up a bit before the trip so you'll be able to recognize natural features. All the food was good, and the meals cooked for us at the hotel were excellent. Stuart has extensive knowledge of the desert in general and is a highly competent leader.
— Review left November 11, 2025
This trip allowed me to see a part of our country that I would most likely have never visited by myself. It was fabulous but even better were my fellow travelers. I wish geography made it easier to stay in touch with the wonderful people I shared Palm Springs & Joshua tree with!
— Review left November 11, 2025
This was my first trip with Road Scholars and it won't be my last! Our guides, Matt & Mike, were awesome; we were learning stuff when we didn't even know we were learning stuff! They were also alert to each hiker's experiences and quirks and foibles as it might impact things. And my fellow hikers were awesome. I loved the collegiality that quickly developed among us.
— Review left March 21, 2025
A very nice trip made a little difficult by hotter than normal weather for late February. Great scenery, accommodations and instructors. Definitely recommend for those who like desert scenery.
— Review left March 2, 2025
This program was as advertised: spirited in activity, educational in content, and enjoyable. Stewart was a great leader, and very knowledgeable.
— Review left February 24, 2025
I just got home from the Hiking the High Desert: Joshua Tree National Park & Palm Springs trip, and it was fantastic! The program energy level was rated as "spirited" - that turned out to mean 6-7 mile hikes over 3-4 hours every day, with frequent breaks to learn about the geology or plant life as we encountered it. We had a group of 17 and two guides, and that was a terrific size. Every person I met was friendly and supportive, and we had each others' backs over boulders and hilltops as necessary ... though Stewart and Kyle were there at all times, ensuring we were healthy and successful. The food was delicious and plentiful, and great care was taken to ensure that dietary requirements were met. Our bus rides (60-90 minutes each day to get to the site) were comfortable and punctuated by either singalongs or extra knowledge about the area. As a single woman traveler, I was nervous going in, but certainly didn't need to be, not on a Road Scholar trip. I'll see you all again!
— Review left February 24, 2025
This program is physically challenging, but well worth the effort. It takes you from the idea of the desert in your head and leaves you with the reality of its beauty and starkness.
— Review left February 21, 2025
I am pretty active on a daily basis but I did find this trip to be challenging. When hiking uphill, we hiked at a fairly fast pace with no stopping.
You also have to be able to haul your own weight up and have good balance during rock scrambles and while climbing up rock ladders and rock "holes".
I was pretty nervous each day but we all did fine due to the encouragement and confidence of our leaders.
Be sure to read the needed item list carefully. I did not bring enough clothing for cold weather. The tram ride to the mountain lodge requires a winter coat , hat, and gloves. I also had forgotten my rain parka, so had to use a cheap plastic cover up.
I had no idea that I would need a backpack with clips to attach my poles. Luckily, a friend had two clips for took mine, too.
I would describe this program as very challenging, unless you are pretty young and in excellent shape. We did have two ladies who were in their fifties and seemed to take all the challenges in stride.
— Review left February 16, 2025
Fun hiking in scenic and interesting locations! I enjoyed the challenge of rock scrambling.
— Review left February 15, 2025
A fantastic experience- the people were interesting, the hikes and pace were perfect. The leaders were fun and knowledgeable. The food was good the hotel it was a great location and a really nice spot. Everything about the trip was enjoyable.
— Review left January 27, 2025
As this was my 6th trip with Road Scholar, I would say I am a satisfied customer. Each trip I have participated in is unique in its own way. One of the great things as a returning traveler, you are familiar with how the trip flows and are able to answer questions the newer folk may have and not want to ask the Leaders. This trip combined aspects of other adventures with Road Scholars and led to another very enjoyable week. The educational value of the trip given by the leaders through their knowledge is one of the reasons I continue to come back to take Road Scholar trips.
— Review left November 18, 2024
Stewart and Mike were great guides, very knowledgeable. Hotel rooms very dated however staff was wonderful. Hotel orientation night dinner great as was each breakfast. Morning breakfast staff was 5-star!
— Review left November 3, 2024
Overall it was an enjoyable trip. Great group of people and we all got along. I thought our guide Kyle did a great job: he was positive, energetic, enthusiastic, had excellent trail navigational skills, and was willing to go the extra mile to provide great customer service. The hiking locations were enjoyable. I found the hiking days longer than expected, with very little time to rest, shower, & relax afterwards before our 6PM dinners.
— Review left March 4, 2024
If you love scrambling thru a boulder field - you'll love this trip. We came around a corner to find 2 big horn sheep staring at us. No guarantees - but you have to be there to see them!
Merle
— Review left February 26, 2024
Fantastic landscapes, varied terrain, endless hiking possibilities. An introduction to ecospheres and natural history in an unusual and rewarding area.
— Review left November 18, 2023
FIVE STARS
Excellent program. Be prepared; some hikes are Moderate. Great trails and scenery.
Our experienced guides handled Mom Nature’s unexpected moods this week with aplomb. Mike was patient and taught us hiking techniques; his love of geology was catching. Sandy was serene and always there for us. The engaging local history lecture was a surprising plus.
If you take this trip, you may come away with a strong appreciation for this special place.
— Review left March 8, 2023
Great Hikes. Great Scenery. The activity/difficulty level is higher that suggested. Our Leader Mike was knowledgeable, good at helping through the tough spots, unfortunately impatient and in some ways a little burned out.
— Review left March 6, 2023
A once in a lifetime experience and not to be missed!
— Review left March 4, 2023
You’ll feel like a kid again on this adventure! We climbed up ladders in beautiful canyons and were taught how to “walk like you own it” as we traversed big, steep boulders (a tip we learned from Mike, one of our two friendly and experienced trip leaders.) Be sure to bring your comfortable “rock hugging” walking boots and gloves for occasional boulder scrambling. Each interesting hike had a different character and each day we were treated to a perfect trailside lunch spot. One morning we hiked and then picnicked in a sunny, warm palm oasis followed by an afternoon high among mountain pine trees where were lucky enough to take a walk along a trail covered with fresh snow. Whether you’re thinking about coming with family, a friend, or by yourself, this is a great trip to meet other enthusiastic, friendly, and interesting hikers from all across the country!
— Review left February 17, 2023
Excellent Program!
— Review left November 7, 2022
This was my first Road Scholar trip. I wasn't sure what to expect, but with the information set ahead of the trip, I felt prepared. I enjoyed meeting new people and loved the hikes and scenery. I plan on taking another trip. The hard part is deciding which one.
— Review left March 21, 2022
A great trip to experience many facets of the Joshua Tree, Mt St Jacinto, and palm springs ecosystems. Nice hiking in beautiful and varied locales, with terrific trip leader.
— Review left March 12, 2022
I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the great terrain on the hikes. The group of travelers was fun and personable. The hotel was overall good, but inconsistent hot water in our rooms. Food was good, and they were very accommodating to various dietary needs.
— Review left February 27, 2022
Great trip. I thought it was a bit more strenuous with a brisk pace often while on the trails. The instructor was good about taking an occasional break but I would definitely do some endurance and strength training before you go. Disappointed in the Hyatt facilities but definitely centrally located. The trails were beautiful and the leaders were very knowledgeable and accommodating. Had a great time overall!
— Review left February 27, 2022
Wow. What a beautiful place to be in February. Sunshine and great hikes in 'out of the way' areas of the park made for a great time. Smaller group (16 folks) allowed us to really share and make new friends easily.
Will consider Road Scholar again for future trips.
— Review left February 26, 2022
Enjoyed the hiking experiences. Accommodations disappointing. Shabby and in need of many repairs. Several non-functioning amenities in the room. Pool/hot baths area dirty and disorganized.
However, the staff provided excellent service and were very accommodating. Food plentiful and satisfying.
Wonderful group of folks on the trip. Would deffinately consider future Road Scholar trips.
— Review left February 26, 2022
This trip was great, if challenging. Coming from low altitude in the winter time, temp at home was in the 20s and 30s, hiking in 90+ in the sun temps at significantly higher altitude uphill in the sand was difficult on my lungs and body. If you are doing the same drastic change, you might want to consider how it will affect you and plan accordingly.
The last days hike was probably not a good one since only 6 of 16 participants chose the primary route and the rest of us got no educational content that day.
Accommodations were great, leaders were great and knowledgeable.
— Review left February 22, 2022
The hikes were varied in scenery and intensity, and the participants were very friendly, kind and helpful to each other along the trails. The guides were pleasant and informative.
— Review left February 21, 2022
This program was excellent. Being from Pennsylvania I was not sure I would like desert hiking or find any beauty there, but after this high desert hiking experience, I found I love everything about the desert around Joshua Tree NP. When I returned home, I signed up for another Road Scholar desert hiking program.
— Review left February 20, 2022
I loved this program! Very exciting to see the Joshua Trees, walk in a slot canyon, and see the amazing rocks!
— Review left February 19, 2022
Great to go on Joshua Tree group hikes (that I could not of navigated safely myself) .
— Review left November 21, 2021
The Joshua Tree program was a wonderful desert and oasis experience! The hikes revealed unique insights into the area each day and included different hiking challenges, views, climates and experiences each day. Staying in Palm Springs provided a little desert luxury, entertainment and great accessibility from the airport. Our guides were outstanding and shared their great knowledge base with interest and skill.
— Review left November 20, 2021
Great trip. It’s more challenging than spirited. Stewart and Fil are a great team.
— Review left November 18, 2021
A fascinating area. The desert provides a lot of surprises and secrets. Well worth a visit.
— Review left March 18, 2020
Enjoyed this trip very much. Joshua Tree is a beautiful location and I learned a lot about the geology, plants, and nature of this park.
— Review left March 18, 2020
This excellent program included four days of hiking in varied and beautiful scenery. We hiked in high deserts, among towering rocks, through slot canyon and a palm oasis, and even through several inches of snow high above Palm Springs. Our two guides, Shane and Stewart, eagerly shared their knowledge of the history, geology, and plant life of these amazing landscapes. Please remember that it is very important to carefully read the descriptions of the hikes, including elevation gain, distance, and terrain. – and then train accordingly. These hikes are not walks in the local park! A couple of them were definitely on the high end of the “Spirited” category. If you are prepared for sand, rocks, ladders, cacti, and even ladders, you will have a great time. The hotel was comfortable, and the food was good. The ice cold drinks at the end of each hike were a very welcomed extra treat. Although the program is only for 5 nights, there many other excellent hikes and sightseeing opportunities available in the Palm Springs area if you can stay for a few extra days. I have posted some pictures of our week at www.ellieknesper.smugmug.com.
— Review left March 14, 2020
Be sure to train well before hiking this program.
— Review left March 12, 2020
just a fantastic experience in a great area, major scenic views.
perfectly organized and monitored by a very knowledgeable leader , Steward !
— Review left March 11, 2020
This is my second time participating in this program. I do recommend it. Unlike my first experience some years ago, this present one had optional hikes that were physically less challenging. Since my physical abilities changed after I sighed on, I very much appreciated these options. However, even these less demanding options greatly challenged a very few participants. Everyone needs to read the program description and call in if they have questions.
— Review left March 10, 2020
Beautiful Joshua trees!! Amazing rocks!! Lots of different cacti. The tram to the mountaintop was beautiful and exciting, as was the 6 inches of new snow at the top. The palm oasis was amazing. Great, but strenuous trip.
— Review left March 9, 2020
I enjoyed the diversity of the hiking in this program - palm trees, slot canyon, icy terrain, rocks. With the rock scrambling, icy conditions, etc. this is not just a walk in the park so come prepared to hike. Also, read the material that is sent ahead of time so that packs and water capacity are sufficient.
— Review left March 1, 2020
wonderful hikes in glorious desert scenery with two terrific guides.. loved it!
— Review left February 29, 2020
This trip in Joshua Tree National Park offered some great hikes with varied terrain and views. It was beautiful. Come prepared to do some vigorous hiking and enjoy the scenery. Palm Springs is a wonderful, upgraded location for this trip.
— Review left February 24, 2020
Loved the variety of the hikes and soaking in the heated pools at the end of the day. My perception of the Palm Springs area and southern California has changed.
— Review left February 17, 2020
Great trip! I'll be happy to submit my evaluation if I can get an active link to it.
Nina Fair
— Review left March 24, 2019
Stewart was a great leader, full of information. It was obvious that he was passionate about the mix of geography, topography, flora, and fauna. We were there during the super bloom at the south end of the park. The beauty was only surpassed by the fragrance. My favorite area was the Wonderland of Rock. Great park, great program, and a great bunch of new Road Scholar friends.
— Review left March 23, 2019
Joshua Tree hiking trip was a wonderful adventure. Each hike was of a different nature, and I had no idea of the variety within. Our National Parks are a jewel, and this one is no exception. Hiking it gave me an added appreciation.
— Review left March 14, 2019
Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing area with very diverse hikes. Our instructor, Stewart, had a wealth of information on the area and made sure we understood what we were seeing. The hikes were set up so we could walk a varying paces without feeling we needed to push ourselves beyond our capabilities. There were a few moments in the rock climbing and going through the canyons that were "what have I got myself into" moments but Stewart and Cutler made sure we were safe in all of our experiences.
— Review left March 9, 2019
This program was great! The leaders had to make adjustment to plans due to recent flooding. They did a great job of planning varied, interesting and challenging hikes! Ended spending the evening at the Street Fair in Palm Springs - fun to get a chance to see the town, enjoy the food, and some of the food/arts it had to offer. Loved learning about Joshua Tree and surrounding areas. Both leaders were very knowledgeable and more than willing to share their expertise.
— Review left March 1, 2019