Joshua Tree national park self-driving audio tour

This self-guided driving tour begins at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center and follows the park road through this one-of-a-kind national park. As you leave civilization behind, hear about the Cahuilla tribe who once called this place home and get your introduction to Jim McHaney, who terrorized the townsfolk with his band of ruffians.

Then, of course, you'll see the eponymous Joshua trees themselves. Get the facts on why they look like they do and what the early Mormon pioneers thought they meant.

Continue on to a hiking trail that leads you to one of the park’s strangest sights: a bunch of rocks with cryptic spiritual inscriptions on them, left by an odd recluse almost 100 years ago. Discover some of the wildlife, from the pint-sized roadrunner to the elusive bighorn sheep.

After that, head down to Lost Horse Valley and hear the dramatic tale of how it got its name. It involves horse theft, a risky move, and a tense encounter with the McHaney Gang. Beyond this valley, Keys Point awaits, the most popular vista point in the park, where visitors and locals flock to catch the sunset.

Up next, swing by the ominous Skull Rock and get a chance to visit some old, abandoned mines in Queen Valley. Then, head to an observatory that’s perfect for stargazing and end up in the Oasis Visitor Center.