Outdoor Adventures in Joshua Tree Other than Hiking

There’s tons of great hiking opportunities in Joshua Tree National Park, but if you’re looking for a different type of outdoor adventure, you may be surprised to learn there’s plenty of other ways to spend your day outdoors in the area. From Hummer tours to aerial trams, here’s some of our favorite non-hiking outdoor activities!

Guided ATV Tours

ATV Experience offers guided ATV Tours in Chirico Summit in the southern entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. The guided tour takes guests on a desert trail system through their permit with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on the Meccacopia Special Recreation Management Area. Guests often see deer, rabbits, ground squirrels, Red Trail Hawks and eagles. Occasionally visitors also see snakes, coyotes, tarantulas and the endangered desert Tortoise. Guides will allow the customer to drive the ATV as long as they have a valid drivers license. ATV Experience can accommodate small families or large groups of up to 20-25 people. You can get more information on ATV Experience here.

On-Site ATV Rentals

If you’re looking to ride ATV’s without a guided tour then Off Road Rentals is for you. Located just west of Palm Springs, Off Road Rentals has been renting quads/ATV’s for over two decades. Because Offroad On-Site Quad Rentals is on private property, no driver's license is required under California State Law. All riders must watch a safety film and participate in personal instruction. New and inexperienced riders must first practice on the flatlands. There are flat sandy areas, gentle grades, hills, dips, and steep grades - a variety of riding terrain for riders of different skill levels. Click here for more information on Off Road Rentals.

Falconry Adventures

For an experience you’re bound to remember forever, check out JT Falconry Adventures to book a tour interacting with various birds of prey against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert. Your guide will introduce you to hawks and/or falcons and discuss the characteristics of the birds, the principles of falconry, conservation, rehabilitation and more. Their educational demonstrations can be suited to fit any size and demographic. To find out more and book with JT Falconry Adventures, check out their website.

Rock Climbing for All Skill Levels

Joshua Tree is a world famous rock climbing destination, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a professional to climb here. The Climbing Life Guides offers guided climbs for individuals, pairs, families and large groups. No experience is needed; your guide will ensure your safety, provide all the gear, and teach you everything you need to know. You can find out more on The Climbing Life Guides website.

Adventure Hummer Tours

Want to feel the wind in your hair an the sun in your face? Take an open-air Hummer Tour with Adventure Hummer Tours and see the San Andres Fault Line and ride 4X4 off road trails in Joshua Tree National Park. This adventure is suitable for all ages as their military Hummers are incredibly smooth in desert terrain. The open air Hummers allow you to fully experience the sights, sounds and smells of the desert. Adventure Hummer Tours operates out of the Palm Springs area. For more information on a Hummer Tour check out their website here.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram

Located just south of the National Park, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a unique way to spend your day. These are the world’s largest rotating tramcars! They will take you on a 10-minute, 2.5 mile ride beginning at 2600ft and ending at Mountain Station at an elevation of 8516ft in Mount San Jacinto State Park. As you ride the aerial tram you’ll watch the ecosystem transition from desert terrain, up the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, and into the alpine climate of San Jacinto. For more information, check out the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway website.

Sunflower HarveyJanuary 26, 2020