Joshua Tree National Park Tours and Programs
Discover Joshua Tree with guided walks, talks, and evening programs under the stars given by park rangers and volunteers. Learn how humans, wildlife, and vegetation have adapted to survive in the desert, and how geologic forces have shaped this arid land.
Keys Ranch tours meet at the Keys Ranch locked gate inside the national park. Ranger Naturalist Programs at Sky's the Limit meet at Sky's the Limit Observatory and Nature Center located at 9697 Utah Trail in Twentynine Palms, California. Reservations are required for these programs and must be made through Recreation.gov. Tickets are not available at visitor centers.
Arrive early to allow time for parking or check-in. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Programs take place outdoors, but may be canceled during inclement weather or if there is a danger of lightning.
Please bring a hat, wear sunscreen, and carry plenty of water with you. For evening programs, bring warm layers and a flashlight.
Discover Joshua Tree with guided walks, talks, and evening programs under the stars given by park rangers and volunteers. Learn how humans, wildlife, and vegetation have adapted to survive in the desert, and how geologic forces have shaped this arid land.
Keys Ranch tours meet at the Keys Ranch locked gate inside the national park. Ranger Naturalist Programs at Sky's the Limit meet at Sky's the Limit Observatory and Nature Center located at 9697 Utah Trail in Twentynine Palms, California. Reservations are required for these programs and must be made through Recreation.gov. Tickets are not available at visitor centers.
Arrive early to allow time for parking or check-in. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Programs take place outdoors, but may be canceled during inclement weather or if there is a danger of lightning.
Please bring a hat, wear sunscreen, and carry plenty of water with you. For evening programs, bring warm layers and a flashlight.
Need to Know
- Meeting Place
Keys Ranch tours begin at the Keys Ranch locked gate and parking area (not at the visitor center).
Ranger Naturalist Programs at Sky's The Limit meet at Sky's the Limit Observatory and Nature Center located at 9697 Utah Trail in Twentynine Palms, California (not at the visitor center).
Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Siri, or similar automated navigation systems for directions to Keys Ranch. Routes can be misleading and incorrect.
- Reservations Required
Historic Tours of Keys Ranch and Ranger Naturalist programs at Sky's the Limit are available by reservation only. Reservations are available up to 60 days in advance and until the day before the tour. No walk up tickets are available. Tours and programs frequently sell out and reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for you and/or your party. All visitors must have a ticket, including infants. Tickets are not available at the national park or visitor centers. Tickets and reservations are available only through Recreation.gov. Visitor Centers cannot make changes to existing reservations.
- Booking Window
Reservations for ranger programs can be booked up to 60 days in advance. Advance tour reservations end at 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time Zone) prior to tour date. No walk up tickets are available. Due to temperature extremes, tours may not be available in May, June, July and August.
- Time Zone
Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Pacific Time zone and observes daylight savings time.
- Be Prepared
Sturdy walking shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and a hat will add to your comfort. Dress in layers to be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Pets
Pets are not permitted on tours and nature trails and cannot be left unattended in vehicles. Service animals are allowed in accordance with federal law.
- Strollers
Strollers are prohibited on Keys Ranch tours and on the Sky's the Limit nature trail. Infant backpack or carriers are permitted. Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older on all tours.
- NPS App
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps, information, and more!
Booking Windows
Tour reservations can be booked up to 60 days in advance if tours are published 60 days from today's date. Advance tour reservations end at 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time Zone) prior to tour date. No walk up tickets are available. Due to temperature extremes, tours may not be available in May, June, July and August.
Changes and Cancellations
Cancellations must be done at least 48 hours before your scheduled tour time for a full refund less the non-refundable per-ticket reservation fee. Refunds will not be given for tours cancelled or modified less than 48 hours before the scheduled tour time.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms CA 92277-3597
Phone Number
760-367-5522
