This early morning exploration focuses on the deep geological history embedded in the desert landscape. Participants will hike short distances to striking rock formations while learning how ancient processes shaped the terrain over millions of years.

Your instructor will explain rock composition, erosion patterns, and the forces that continue to shape the desert today. Along the way, participants are encouraged to observe textures, layers, and formations that tell the story of past environments.

The experience is designed to be accessible and engaging while fostering a deeper understanding of the natural forces that built the desert landscape.

This class takes place at Geology Tour Road.
Anyone may attend! No expertise or experience is required.
Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is not included in the cost of enrollment. Please purchase your park pass ahead of time by visiting the NPS website.
No meals or equipment are provided.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation; carpooling with other participants is encouraged.

This class is leisurely. It requires less than 2 miles of walking, limited shade, uneven terrain, and little elevation gain. We’ll be walking a short distance along a road that sometimes is a wash (like many desert roads) (i.e. the first part of the loop in the Geology Tour Road, going clockwise). There will be some very minor scrambling to get to rock surfaces we want to examine.

Required Items:

Water (1 - 2 liters per person)
Appropriate hiking attire
Food and snacks
Closed-toe athletic shoes
Sun protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended
Daypack
Camera (optional)
A full tank of gas (or full charge for EVs) prior to arriving at the meeting location

Discount Policy: Only one discount may be applied per registration. Discounts cannot be combined. Eligible discounts include Friends & Family, Teacher, Veteran, Active Duty Military (and spouses), Park Lover Member, and Student discounts. The highest applicable single discount will be applied at checkout.

Meet Your Instructor: Meet Your Instructor: Arch McCulloch spent most of his undergraduate years studying the natural sciences before being seduced by the dark side. After decades spent in windowless rooms writing software and analyzing data security, he found himself at the end of a dirt road in the Mojave Desert, where he volunteers with local environmental organizations, and searches for his lost roots.

Photo Credit: NPS/Jesmira Bonoan

Contact the host of Geology of Joshua Tree Guided Hike