Tours/Palm Springs/Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour
Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour
3.3(9)Palm Springs1–2 hours
VIATOR3.8(4)TRIPADVISOR3.0(5)
+8 photos
At a glance
Duration
1–2 hours
Price from
$10 / person
Location
Palm Springs, United States
Rating
3.3 / 5 · 9 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Adventures with Action
Meeting point
Begin from Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead, 74485 National Park Dr. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Description
Expand your journey through Joshua Tree National Park with this self-guided walking tour of the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. This secluded valley is known for its stunning rock formations and plentiful desert flora… but it was also once a hideout for a gang of dangerous cattle rustlers! As you explore, you’ll learn about the geology of this place, its plant and animal life, the gang that once hid here, and so much more. This is Joshua Tree’s most popular trail for a reason!
After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Next available
Sun, Oct 11
Adult (ages 5+)
$10
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour
Itinerary
Joshua Tree National Park
Pass by
Your tour of Joshua Tree begins at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. From here, you'll drive through this weird, one-of-a-kind park where two deserts meet. Along the way, get ready to marvel at the bizarre Joshua trees for which the park is named, embark on awe-inspiring hikes, and catch a sunset you'll never forget.
Note: The tour is over 0.92 miles long, with more than 16 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Hidden Valley
60 min
Welcome to Hidden Valley Nature Trail! This amazing hike is one of the most popular in all of Joshua Tree, and for good reason! It’s relatively easy, takes less than an hour, and features some seriously cool rock formations!
What's included
Included
Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.
Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
3.3
9 reviews
5
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How it compares in Palm Springs
Starting price $10 is 93% below the typical $139 for tours of similar length in Palm Springs
Excurgo comparison of 134 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share a tour by using separate earbuds. We recommend using headphones or earbuds for clearer audio and to avoid disturbing nearby guests.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour take?
Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour lasts about 1–2 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour cost?
Prices start at $10 per person for this Palm Springs experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
Can I cancel Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Begin from Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead, 74485 National Park Dr. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 3.3 out of 5 across 9 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Adventures with Action.
Reviews(9)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
T
Tracie_D
February 9, 2026 · via Viator
Just So-So experience
The self guided walking tour of Hidden Valley trail worked as described. Some of the “stories “ provided were interesting, most were not. It was helpful in keeping us on the trail as signage is poor in Joshua Tree NP.
Operator response
Tracie, I’m glad to hear that my Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour worked as described and helped keep you on track, especially since signage in Joshua Tree can be limited. I also appreciate your thoughts on the stories and feedback like this. It’s really helpful. I’d love to know which parts you found less interesting or what you feel could be added to make the experience more engaging. If you’re open to sharing more details, I can pass them along to my team as we continue refining the tour. Your input truly helps improve the experience for future visitors.
1
11DeniseB
February 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Tip ahead
One tip.....know what the heck a Joshua tree looks like before ask a person who thought I was crazy!!
Nice park and cute town.
Operator response
Denise, thank you for the laugh and for sharing your experience. I love your tip—Joshua Trees do have a way of keeping people guessing at first. I’m glad you enjoyed the Hidden Valley walk and took in both the park and the town’s charm. If you ever find yourself back in the area, I recommend my Palm Springs and Joshua Tree Self-Guided Driving Audio Tours Bundle for a more extensive experience. It combines the best of Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, allowing you to enjoy their unique beauty and stories at your own pace.
J
Jefferson_H
January 9, 2026 · via Viator
Waste of Money
This was a waste of money. The narration only came on when I approached particular spots, but with no internet there in that isolated area (no bars at all) the narration only came on for 3 of the spots. What a disappointment.
Operator response
Jefferson, thank you for sharing your feedback. I’ve already seen your review on TripAdvisor and I truly appreciate your thoughts. I’d love to understand more about what happened. Please feel free to reach out directly if you’d like to provide more details, and I’ll be happy to assist.
J
jeffersonh366
January 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Unusable
This was a waste of money since there is no internet access there in Hidden Valley. The app was unusable in those conditions, so I think I might have heard 3 selections over the mile-long course out of 20 selections that should have broadcast. The hike was well laid out by the park service, but I was very disappointed that I wasn't hearing anything from the app since it was location based, and wouldn't broadcast with no internet connection.
Operator response
Jefferson, I’m sorry to hear about your experience! Once the tour is downloaded beforehand, the stories work fully offline and are designed specifically for that functionality. It seems you heard only 3 audio stories, which means you may have been only listening to the demo. I’m happy to replace or refund this tour for you since you didn’t really get to use it.
L
Linda_B
October 30, 2025 · via Viator
Detailed, Fun, and Educational
Very detailed, fun, and educational tour! This was a great way to enhance my hike! Excellent narration and timing was perfect.
Operator response
Linda, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed my Joshua Tree’s Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour! It’s great that you found the narration detailed, fun, and educational — and that it enhanced your hike with perfect timing. If you’re ready for more adventures, check out my All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour, featuring Big Sur, Palm Springs, Hollywood Homes, Yosemite, and more!
K
Kelly_G
May 9, 2025 · via Viator
Incredible tech companion!
Funny, informative, and helpful – if you’re solo, this is a great companion for that hike. It also works offline on your phone and keeps you on track, lest you take a wrong turn here or there (I did!). The hike, especially in the early evening, is absolutely stunning – definitely worth taking both the tour and this guide along with you!
Operator response
Kelly, I’m so glad you enjoyed the Hidden Valley tour. It’s great to hear it kept you on track, even with a wrong turn or two. Glad that it made your solo hike more fun and informative. Early evening is such a stunning time out there, and I’m thrilled the guide helped you soak it all in. If you’re planning more scenic road trips, check out my All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour, which features Big Sur, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and more. Happy travels!
E
Erica U
March 14, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A different excursion
Well, interesting that the pictures showed a self guided walking tour. That’s what I read and expected. So I took an Uber from downtown. The man at the entry desk looked at me like I was crazy when I said I wanted to do the walking tour. According to her, there was no such thing, nor some kind of little shuttle, which i had also read was possible. Everything else said a car was definitely necessary. Just walking around wasn’t ok, according to her. So, i was kind of stuck. There’s nothing, really nothing, else there. I was totally immersed in my audiobook (my friend, Amy Gamerman’s just published, Amazon’best of Jan, ‘The Crazies’, about Montana ranchers and billionaires battling over multi-generational land for (or not) windfarms. So, i just walked, and walked, and walked (13,000steps, it turned out). That’s when I noticed that my book had devoured all but 1% of my battery (consider yourself warned!) So, rather than walk all the way back to Palm Springs, especially without my book, I ordered an Uber, saying I had no idea where I was (there wasn’t a clue) and couldn’t respond to any questions or confirmations. Bless Uber, a car pulled over. I would have jumped into any car, but it was Andy, the German Uber driver, as he introduced himself. It was a beautiful day, sunny, comfortable temperature and I wasn’t hiking, so I was fine, not even thirsty.
I bought a little packet of Joshua tree seeds, so, if all goes well, i will grow my own Joshua Tree.
So bring extra batteries or an extra phone
Operator response
Erica, thank you for sharing your experience with our Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour. There was a misunderstanding at the park entrance; this tour is indeed a walking audio tour with a specific route outlined in our app that should be followed to enjoy the audio narratives of the area. Before your next visit, please have a National Park pass to enter Joshua Tree National Park. Bring extra batteries or a power bank to enhance your tour experience without interruptions. We hope your Joshua tree seeds flourish and you give the tour another try with these tips in mind!
8
863gracei
March 4, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Was narration meant to sound silly?
I found the reader’s tone almost humorous rather than factual. It felt like he was narrating a child’s experience. It was distracting so I turned it off.
Operator response
Grace, Thank you for your feedback on my Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour. I'm sorry to hear that the narration's tone was not to your liking. Our goal is to provide an engaging and informative experience, so your insights are invaluable for future improvements. Could you share specific elements that were distracting? Any suggestions to enhance the tour's factual delivery would be greatly appreciated.
A
Adventure32852001475
June 17, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Must do
It was fantastic. We learned a lot about the geology and the history behind this place. A great way to learn about and explore the trail.
Operator response
Amanda, I’m thrilled you learned so much about Joshua Tree Hidden Valley's geology and history! Those are fascinating aspects of the park. Explore more National Parks with my 25+ Park Bundle (Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, etc.) Happy travels!
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Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley Self-Guided Walking Tour
