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.
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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Nov 2 - Nov 7, 2025
Starting at
2,199DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
2,849Nov 2 - Nov 7, 2025
Starting at
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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 4L 3D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner.
Palm Springs, CA
2
Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
Palm Springs, CA
3
Hiking Indian Palm Canyons, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs, CA
4
Hike Joshua Tree National Park
Palm Springs, CA
5
Instructor's Choice Hike in Coachella Valley
Palm Springs, CA
6
Departures after breakfast
Palm Springs, CA
At a Glance
Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park and the desert surrounding Palm Springs is an opportunity not to be missed. Famous for the other-worldly Joshua Tree and geologic formations that attract elite rock climbers, the park is a desert lover’s paradise where the Sonoran and Mojave deserts meet. In the Palm Springs area hike to palm oases where water brings abundance and has created the largest density of California palm trees in the world. Ride the thrilling Palm Springs Aerial Tram for sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas fault zone and distant desert peaks.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking up to 6.8 miles daily on varied terrain including sandy washes and rocky, established trails with loose footing; Some spots with passage of one person at a time; Some rock scrambling and use of hands required to navigate terrain and ladders; Elevation changes of 500-1,000 ft. on hikes; Seasonal shallow stream crossings and snow. Elevations of 4,500-8,500 feet. Participants will be required to carry a minimum of 2 -3 liter of water on hikes.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn about the unique natural history and human cultures of this desert region from expert naturalists.
- Explore Joshua Tree National Park, including the granitic maze known as the “Wonderland of Rocks.”
- Hike the “Indian Canyons” in the Palm Springs area and explore San Jacinto State Park, accessed by the aerial tramway.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Stewart Lasseter
Stewart Lasseter completed studies in geo-science, natural history and Spanish at the University of Arizona. He then studied as the protégé of a Native American healer, learning from her practices of wholeness, kinesiology, mind-body medicine, and dyslexia correction. He has years of experience bringing groups in touch with the natural world and has completed post-graduate studies in health sciences at Prescott College.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Stewart Lasseter
View biography
Stewart Lasseter completed studies in geo-science, natural history and Spanish at the University of Arizona. He then studied as the protégé of a Native American healer, learning from her practices of wholeness, kinesiology, mind-body medicine, and dyslexia correction. He has years of experience bringing groups in touch with the natural world and has completed post-graduate studies in health sciences at Prescott College.
Mike Young
View biography
Mike Young has lived in Arizona for 40 years, and taught math and geology at Yavapai College prior to his work with Road Scholar. To convey the Arizona landscape, Mike uses a broad range of topics including botany, natural history, and geomorphology. He has worked as a commercial boatman, designed and constructed his own home, and conducted field exercises throughout the intermountain West. He is an accomplished hike leader who inspires hikers of all skill levels.
Brendan O'Brien
View biography
Brendan O’Brien holds a Master of Science in Geography degree from Northern Arizona University and calls Flagstaff home. He has held jobs in the outdoor education field for much of the last decade with time spent as a Park Ranger in White Sands National Monument and a forest technician in Flathead National Forest. Brendan loves all the outdoor activities that Northern Arizona offers and especially its crystal clear night skies where he can enjoy his passion for star gazing.
Suggested Reading List
(6 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Hiking the High Desert: Joshua Tree National Park & Palm Springs
Program Number: 20819
Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis
In the middle of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas casinos use billions of gallons of water for fountains, pirate lagoons, wave machines, and indoor canals. Meanwhile, the town of Orme, Tennessee, must truck in water from Alabama because it has literally run out. Robert Glennon captures the irony—and tragedy—of America’s water crisis in a book that is both frightening and wickedly comical. Unquenchable reveals the heady extravagances and everyday inefficiencies that are sucking the nation dry.
Desert Lore of Southern California
Renowned western writer and former Publisher of Desert Magazine, author Choral Pepper evokes the mystery and magic of southern California's desert, spinning tales of lost mines, Indian myths, legendary characters and strange natural features. She enable the explorer to experience the stories beyond the vistas along byways and trails from the Palm Springs area to the Salton Sea, down the Colorado River, and through the desert parks from Joshua Tree to Anza-Borrego.
Palm Springs: The Landscape, the History, the Lore
Mary Jo Churchwell depicts the desert community of Palm Springs over the last 150 years, reveling in eccentric anecdotes and inspiring landscapes. With equal doses of history, nature and personal reflection.
Joshua Tree National Park geology
This book explores the geology and evolution of the Joshua Tree National Park landscape. With many full-color photographs and more than fifty diagrams that illustrate geologic events. You will discover the plate tectonics, regional geology and seismic activity that continue to shape this remarkable desert setting. This book is ideal for visitors, climbers and geology students alike.
Joshua Tree: The Complete Guide: Joshua Tree National Park
Stunning photographs showcase the wondrous landscape of Joshua Tree National Park in this unique guidebook. Joshua Tree National Park is a desert getaway that boasts some of the most dramatic and unexpected scenery in the Southwest. This edition features updated information, as well as a newly expanded section on the geology of the park. Fascinating chapters discuss the park's history, geology, and wildlife along with a guide to desert wildflowers and maps of more than 20 of the best hikes in the park. An indispensable guide for outdoor enthusiasts, rock climbers, and vacationing families on a budget, this beautiful guidebook will enhance any traveler's collection.
A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert
"Once in a generation, a guide to understanding a major North American landscape comes along. This book is such a touchstone, sure to become a classic. The emphasis here is on biodiversity, mutualism, co-evolution, and, especially, ethno-relationships—the long history of connection between desert peoples and their homeland, on both sides of the border.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Palm Springs, CA
Program Concludes
Palm Springs, CA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
12
| 5B |
4L |
3D |
Activity Level
Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park and the desert surrounding Palm Springs is an opportunity not to be missed. Famous for the other-worldly Joshua Tree and geologic formations that attract elite rock climbers, the park is a desert lover’s paradise where the Sonoran and Mojave deserts meet. In the Palm Springs area hike to palm oases where water brings abundance and has created the largest density of California palm trees in the world. Ride the thrilling Palm Springs Aerial Tram for sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas fault zone and distant desert peaks.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Learn about the unique natural history and human cultures of this desert region from expert naturalists.
- Explore Joshua Tree National Park, including the granitic maze known as the “Wonderland of Rocks.”
- Hike the “Indian Canyons” in the Palm Springs area and explore San Jacinto State Park, accessed by the aerial tramway.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Stewart Lasseter
Stewart Lasseter completed studies in geo-science, natural history and Spanish at the University of Arizona. He then studied as the protégé of a Native American healer, learning from her practices of wholeness, kinesiology, mind-body medicine, and dyslexia correction. He has years of experience bringing groups in touch with the natural world and has completed post-graduate studies in health sciences at Prescott College.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Mike Young
Mike Young has lived in Arizona for 40 years, and taught math and geology at Yavapai College prior to his work with Road Scholar. To convey the Arizona landscape, Mike uses a broad range of topics including botany, natural history, and geomorphology. He has worked as a commercial boatman, designed and constructed his own home, and conducted field exercises throughout the intermountain West. He is an accomplished hike leader who inspires hikers of all skill levels.
Brendan O'Brien
Brendan O’Brien holds a Master of Science in Geography degree from Northern Arizona University and calls Flagstaff home. He has held jobs in the outdoor education field for much of the last decade with time spent as a Park Ranger in White Sands National Monument and a forest technician in Flathead National Forest. Brendan loves all the outdoor activities that Northern Arizona offers and especially its crystal clear night skies where he can enjoy his passion for star gazing.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking up to 6.8 miles daily on varied terrain including sandy washes and rocky, established trails with loose footing; Some spots with passage of one person at a time; Some rock scrambling and use of hands required to navigate terrain and ladders; Elevation changes of 500-1,000 ft. on hikes; Seasonal shallow stream crossings and snow. Elevations of 4,500-8,500 feet. Participants will be required to carry a minimum of 2 -3 liter of water on hikes.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(6 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
- 2026
Date
- Feb 08 - Feb 13
- Feb 15 - Feb 20
- Feb 22 - Feb 27
- Mar 01 - Mar 06
- Mar 08 - Mar 13
- Oct 11 - Oct 16
- Oct 25 - Oct 30
- Nov 01 - Nov 06
- Nov 08 - Nov 13
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- 2026
- Feb 08 - Feb 13
- Feb 15 - Feb 20
- Feb 22 - Feb 27
- Mar 01 - Mar 06
- Mar 08 - Mar 13
- Oct 11 - Oct 16
- Oct 25 - Oct 30
- Nov 01 - Nov 06
- Nov 08 - Nov 13
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals | 5B | 4L | 3D |
1 expert-led lecture
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner.
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hyatt Palm Springs
Activity Note
Resort check-in available by 4:00 p.m
Afternoon:
Program Registration 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions in our private meeting room. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions. Transportation will be provided by 10 passenger vans during the program, unless otherwise specified. Throughout the program, our naturalist Group Leader will cover subjects including geology, geography, human, and natural history. We will hike as one group throughout the week with a hike leader in the front and a sweep towards the rear. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Dinner will be on site at the Hyatt conference room. Dinners include fresh garden salad, sides of hot vegetable, starch; and a nightly rotating option of entrees. Water, ice tea, lemonade, hot tea and coffee included. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyatt Palm Springs
Activity Note
Driving approx. 85 miles round trip; about 1.5 hours. Hiking between 4.5 and 6.8 miles on established trails. Prepare for sections of sandy wash walking, rocky trail sections and uphill elevation gain. Depending on terrain, route, group ability, and interest; approximately 6 hours in the field. Participants will be required to carry a minimum of 3 liter of water in their day pack for each hike.
Breakfast:
Enjoy a buffet breakfast in the hotel meeting room which includes a daily egg dish selections (for protein), potatoes and breakfast meat, oatmeal, toast and a selection of fresh fruit and juices and coffee.
Morning:
After boarding our vans, we’ll travel into Joshua Tree National Park. There are numerous hiking trails and destinations in the park and beyond. All of the hikes offer scenic landscapes with interesting natural history features. Trail selection and length of each hike for the day will be dependent on the weather, in particular unseasonably hot temperatures and/or windy conditions. Our group will begin the week with a hike on one or more trails in the national park and adjacent areas. Maze - Window - North View Trail combination loop hike: 6.8 miles, 853 ft. elevation gain. Be prepared for extended sandy wash walking and rocky and sustained uphill trail sections on established park trails. This hike offers a great cross-section of desert terrain, land forms, vegetation and far reaching view! Note: midway through this hike the Group Leaders will offer a shorter return to the trailhead on an extension of the Maze Loop Trail for those that choose not to continue on the extended length of the hike. This shorter hike option totals 4.7 miles and 360 ft. elevation gain for the day. 49 Palms Oasis Trail: 3.1 mile out and back trail on established park trail. 300 ft, elevation gain. Rocky conditions and sustained uphill hiking in sections.Tucked in the "corner" of a boulder lined basin - the 49 Palms Oasis is a picturesque native California Fan Palm grove that offers a cool sanctuary for numerous bird, animal, and reptile species. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Trail system: variable distances 1 - 4 miles. 200 ft. elevation change. Riparian and foothill terrain on established trails. Spring wildflowers on display in wet years! The Group Leaders will provide natural history commentary during today's hike at rest breaks as an introduction to the park and the Mojave Desert ecosystem.
Lunch:
Sack lunches along the trail. A rotating selection of sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookie and drink throughout the week.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our hike through incredible scenery, Upon the completion of our hike in the mid-afternoon, we’ll return to our accommodations.
Dinner:
Buffet dinner will be at the Hyatt hotel conference room.
Evening:
In the hotel meeting room, enjoy a presentation on a topic of regional significance by a local expert.
Day
3
Hiking Indian Palm Canyons, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hyatt Palm Springs
Activity Note
Driving approx. 20 miles total for the day; about 1 hour, with stops for hikes. Hiking approx. 5.5 miles throughout the day on 2 hikes. Hiking approx. 4 miles at Indian Palm Canyons; about 2.5 hours; established trails; elevation gain of approx. 400 feet. Hiking approx. 1.5 miles at the top on Long Valley trail; about 1 hour; elevation of approx. 8,000 feet; seasonal snow may be present.
Breakfast:
Resort buffet.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll set out for a hike in the Agua Caliente "Indian Canyons" just a couple of miles south of downtown Palm Springs. From the Visitor Center, the Victor Trail leads along the rim of Palm Canyon and features diverse Sonoran Desert vegetation and scenic overlooks, making it a popular hike. After about 2.5 miles, the Victor Trail descends to the head of Palm Canyon where we will hike along the canyon floor back to the Visitor Center and our vehicle. Palm Canyon is one of the largest oases in the world where the California Palm tree can be found. Cool and mostly shady, the canyon trail follows a stream which often still has pools and springs well into late spring.
Lunch:
At the shady Andreas Canyon picnic area on the banks of Andreas Creek amidst towering native palm trees and cool running water, we’ll enjoy our sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll transfer to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the "World’s Largest Rotating Tramcar." Once aboard, we will experience a breathtaking journey up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. The 10 minute ride begins at the Valley Station at an elevation 2,643 feet and ends at the Mountain Station with an elevation 8,516 feet. Getting off the tram, we will explore the pine clad environs of Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness on a hike along the Desert View Trail among spectacular Jeffery Pine and White Fir trees. From various lookout points, we’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the desert floor.
Dinner:
In the evening we will gather and walk to a local restaurant in downtown Palm Springs. We’ll enjoy plated meals with water, tea and coffee included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
After dinner, stroll through downtown Palm Springs back to the hotel at your leisure.
Day
4
Hike Joshua Tree National Park
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hyatt Palm Springs
Activity Note
Driving approx. 85 miles round trip; about 2 hours. Hiking between 4.5 to 6 miles depending on terrain and the route taken; approx. 6 hours in the field. Off-trail hiking at The Wonderland of Rocks due to few trails; sections of rock scrambling, maneuvering and use of hands to navigate terrain; stepping up, walking side hill on granite surfaces utilizing balance, flexibility and leg strength. Some spots with passage of one person at a time.
Breakfast:
Resort buffet.
Morning:
After boarding our vans we'll return to Joshua Tree National Park and explore more of the park, which encompasses 880,000 acres. For today's hike we will plan on hiking and exploring in the "Wonderland of Rocks" area - located in the very heart of the park. The exact hiking route through the Wonderland of Rocks is dependent on the group’s ability and the Group Leader’s discretion. Departing from the Barker Dam trailhead, the spectacular terrain encountered will include a maze of granitic boulders rising from an undulating landscape of ridges, small canyons and desert dry washes. Footing will be variable throughout the day. We will begin on a well-established mostly level trail visiting both ancient and modern cultural sites along the way. As the trail narrows, we will begin our approach to the Wonderland of Rocks. Depending on trail/weather conditions and group ability your Group Leader will proceed on a favorable route into the Wonderland of Rocks. All routes will lead to a dazzling array of granite boulder jumbles and secluded desert locations! For the "Jumble" route we will queue up as a group and navigate, sometimes one by one, a series of step ups and scramble moves through, over and on top of a series of granite ridges and inclined granite boulder surfaces. The granite surfaces exhibits a surprisingly gripping surface for our boots and foot steps. With clear directions and guidance - plus a helping hand at the ready from your Group Leaders, we will systematically proceed on our predetermined route through a series of step ups and lateral moves through the boulder field. From this relatively short, distance wise, portion of our hike we will gain passage into the Wonderland of Rocks proper and emerge into an open secluded park like landscape! Continuing, we will follow a network of desert stream beds and terraces stopping at points of interest for photos and trail side commentary by your Group Leaders.
Lunch:
Sack lunches along the way.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our hike through incredible scenery, Upon the completion of our hike in the mid-afternoon, we’ll return to our accommodations.
Dinner:
In the evening we will gather and walk to a local restaurant in downtown Palm Springs. We’ll enjoy plated meals with water, tea and coffee included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
After dinner, stroll through downtown Palm Springs back to the hotel at your leisure.
Day
5
Instructor's Choice Hike in Coachella Valley
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hyatt Palm Springs
Activity Note
Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon Hike: Driving approx. 50 miles to trailhead; about 1 1/4 hours. Hiking approx. 5 miles; about 4 hours; 820 ft elevation gain/loss. Sandy wash and rocky established trails; series of 4 to 8-foot ladders on Painted Canyon Hike. Whitewater and Mission Creek Preserve Hike: Driving 23 miles to trailhead; 40 minutes. Hike 6.5 miles; 650 ft elevation gain/loss. Well established hiking trails with some sustained uphill, uneven footing and a stream crossing (seasonal).
Breakfast:
Resort buffet.
Morning:
Today we will depart for one of the many great hiking destinations in the Coachella Valley or surrounding area. The hike location chosen for the day will depend on group interest, ability and the main determining factor - the weather forecast for the Coachella Valley for the day! Unseasonable hot temperatures or extreme Santa Ana wind events are real possibilities at any time of year. If present, these conditions will dictate the safer and more enjoyable hike locations for the group. Hike locations for the day may include: Mecca Hills: Ladder and Painted Canyon Hike in the eastern Coachella Valley. 4.5 mile loop hike, 820 ft. elevation gain/loss. Access to Ladder Canyon requires an initial short rocky ascent and a maneuver past a large boulder to a series of 4 - 8 foot high ladders. The ladders leads to a spectacular slot canyon that follows a narrow sinuous course before gradually opening up to ridge top views. The trail continues down into Painted Canyon and loops back to the trail head. Note: At the entrance of Ladder Canyon the Group Leader will offer an alternative route directly up Painted Canyon for a colorful and interesting in and out hike for those that choose to not to negotiate the ladders. Mission Creek Preserve to Whitewater Preserve. 6.5 mile one way; 650 ft. elevation gain. This is a "key exchange" hike. Half the group will start at each end of the trail and pass in the middle of the hike. The Whitewater Preserve offers stream side hiking along a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Gradual upstream grade leads to a stream crossing and an ascent out of the drainage to connect with the Mission Creek Trail. The Mission Creek Trail follows an intermittent stream through mixed chaparral and oak woodlands. The trail ascends to a drainage divide before descending into the Mission Creek drainage. Other hike locations Big Morongo Preserve, and surrounding San Bernardino National Forest locations, to name a few.
Lunch:
Sack lunches along the trail.
Afternoon:
Upon completion of our hike, we’ll transfer back to the resort with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
Dinner on your own. Tonight we will enjoy the "Palm Springs VillageFest' which literally occurs just out front of the hotel and continues down the length of the strip. This weekly street fair is consistently voted as Palm Springs number one community event featuring arts, crafts, food, and entertainment! The street fair offers a large variety of meal options. Your coordinator will provide dining suggestions to various eating venues in the area.
Evening:
Enjoy the desert evening with a bit of browsing time before returning to the hotel.
Day
6
Departures after breakfast
Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Meals:
B
Breakfast:
Enjoy breakfast buffet at the hotel. At breakfast we will gather for reflections on our week's adventures and say happy trails to our new found friends.
Morning:
Departures after breakfast. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 08, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026
- Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
- Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
- Feb 23, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
- Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
- Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
- Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026
- Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026
- Feb 22, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
- Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026
- Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026
- Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
- Oct 25, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
- Nov 01, 2026 - Nov 06, 2026
- Nov 08, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026
Participant Reviews
Based on 38 Reviews
Sort By:
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
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
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
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
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
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