💌 파스너스 활동으로 링크를 통한 구매 시 수수료를 지급받습니다.
Hi, everyone! I’m back with another post about a truly unforgettable experience.
If you’re planning a trip to LA, you might be thinking about the beaches, Hollywood, and city life. But trust me, you're missing out on something spectacular just a short drive away: Joshua Tree National Park.
This post is all about a tour I experienced recently, which completely changed my perspective on desert landscapes and night skies.
I'm talking about the Joshua Tree Stargazing Tour, which includes an amazing BBQ and photo opportunities.
It's a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of LA and immerse yourself in nature.
I hope this review helps you plan your own adventure, and I'm here to support your travel dreams.
[My Real Trip product image placeholder]
Why Go on This Tour? The Call of the Desert
Let's be real. LA is fantastic, but sometimes you need to escape the noise and neon lights.
The concrete jungle can get exhausting.
Joshua Tree National Park offers the perfect antidote—a vast, serene desert landscape that feels like another planet.
It's filled with unique, spiky trees and bizarre rock formations that create truly surreal scenery.
You might be wondering, Why bother with a desert trip from LA? Isn't it just a bunch of sand?
But trust me, it's so much more than that.
The park is famous for its incredible dark sky designation.
This means you get to see stars like you've never seen them before.
A tour like this isn't just about sightseeing; it's about connecting with nature in a profound way.
Plus, trying to navigate Joshua Tree on your own can be tough.
The park is huge, cell service is non-existent in many areas, and you really need a local expert to find the best spots for both sunset and stargazing.
This tour removes all that stress and lets you focus entirely on the experience.
It’s about making sure you capture memories without worrying about directions or logistics.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to see the American wilderness at its most stunning.
This place offers a level of peace and quiet that's hard to find anywhere else.
[Click here to compare Joshua Tree tours on MyRealTrip]
👉 [Travel product comparison link]
What Makes This Tour So Special?
I've been on a few tours in my time, but this one really stood out.
The main reason? The guides and the incredible value.
First off, the long drive from LA (around 2.5 to 3 hours) is completely taken care of.
Our guide made the journey fly by, playing great music and sharing interesting facts about the area.
It wasn’t just a shuttle ride; it was part of the experience.
The biggest highlight, however, has to be the combination of activities.
The tour includes a stop at Desert Hills Premium Outlets.
This gives you a chance to do some guilt-free shopping before heading into the wilderness.
It breaks up the drive and offers a nice transition before diving into nature.
But the real magic begins when we reach Joshua Tree.
Our guide took us to all the essential spots like Keys View and Cholla Cactus Garden, making sure we had ample time to take photos and soak in the views.
What truly sets this tour apart from others is the amazing BBQ dinner and star-gazing session.
I'm talking about delicious American BBQ steak, side dishes, and even s'mores for dessert.
It's not just a quick meal; it's a full-on desert dining experience under the stars.
The guides are also amazing photographers.
They know exactly where to stand and how to take those perfect Milky Way shots.
For a solo traveler like me, getting high-quality photos can be difficult, but here, it was effortless.
They were genuinely passionate about making sure everyone got their life shot (인생샷).
Tour Details: The Full Itinerary
Let's walk through what a typical day on this tour looks like, from start to finish.
The day starts early in the morning with a convenient pickup (depending on your booking, either from designated spots or sometimes even your hotel).
The first leg of the journey takes us from LA to Desert Hills Premium Outlets.
This is where you can grab some breakfast or brunch and enjoy around 2-3 hours of shopping.
It's great to stretch your legs before the main event.
After leaving the outlets, we head toward Palm Springs.
We make a quick stop to see the Wind Farm, a mesmerizing sight with hundreds of giant turbines.
It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and really emphasizes the scale of the landscape.
Then, we finally reach Joshua Tree National Park.
The tour covers several key spots within the park.
You get to see the iconic Joshua Trees up close and personal.
We visit places like Cholla Cactus Garden, which looks otherworldly with its dense cluster of teddy bear cacti (but don't get too close—they're spiky!).
Later in the afternoon, we head to Keys View, where you get a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley.
This is one of the best spots to catch the sunset, watching the desert colors change from pink to purple.
The grand finale is the BBQ dinner and stargazing.
We settled down in a designated area, and the guides cooked up a feast while the sun went down.
After dinner, it was all about the stars.
The guides set up their cameras and helped everyone capture breathtaking photos of the night sky.
It was a full day of adventure, seamlessly planned from morning till late evening.
The Highlight: BBQ and Stargazing
If I had to pick one thing that made this tour worth every penny, it would be the evening activities.
As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, the real show began.
The guides set up a delicious BBQ spread.
We had perfectly cooked American BBQ steak.
Honestly, it rivaled some of the best steak dinners I’ve had in LA.
The warmth of the grill and the smell of the food in the cool desert air created such a cozy, communal atmosphere.
We also had sides, snacks, and even marshmallows for roasting (s'mores!).
It felt less like a tour and more like a friends’ camping trip.
After dinner, it was time for stargazing.
The guides set up a camera for long-exposure shots, explaining how to capture the Milky Way.
They took individual photos for everyone, making sure we all got that perfect shot.
It’s truly incredible to see so many stars; a sight you simply can’t get in the city.
Lying back and staring up at the vastness of the cosmos, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't experienced in a long time.
It truly was a moment of healing.
A Few Travel Tips for Your Trip
Based on my experience and what I learned from other travelers on the tour, here are a few key tips:
First, be aware that cell service drops completely once you enter Joshua Tree National Park.
Don't panic! It’s actually a blessing in disguise because it forces you to disconnect and enjoy the view.
Be sure to download maps or communicate with family beforehand.
Second, dress in layers.
The desert heat in the afternoon can be intense, but once the sun goes down, it gets incredibly cold.
A light jacket or hoodie and long pants are essential for the evening stargazing session.
Third, wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dusty.
We did a fair amount of light walking on uneven terrain.
Fourth, bring water and snacks for the daytime portion, although the guides do provide drinks and food in the evening.
Finally, charge your phone and camera batteries fully before starting the tour.
You'll be taking a lot of photos!
Location Information
Joshua Tree National Park is located about 130 miles (210 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.
It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to drive there without traffic.
The tour usually picks up travelers from designated meeting points in LA or nearby areas.
The park itself spans over 1,235 square miles, covering parts of both the Mojave and Colorado deserts.
This tour is perfect if you don't want to rent a car and drive yourself.
Driving at night, especially after stargazing, can be tiring, so letting the guide handle the logistics is a major advantage.
It allows you to fully relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or long-distance driving.
Final Takeaway
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience during your trip to LA, I can’t recommend this tour enough.
It’s more than just a tour; it’s a full-day adventure that lets you witness the stunning beauty of the American desert.
From the unique flora of Joshua Tree to the spectacular BBQ dinner and the breathtaking stargazing, every part of the day was meticulously planned for maximum enjoyment.
It was a perfect blend of exploration, great food, and natural wonder.
Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this tour offers a hassle-free and enriching experience.
It’s an investment in memories that will last far longer than any souvenir.
I guarantee you’ll return to LA feeling refreshed and inspired.
[Book Your Unforgettable Joshua Tree Tour Today]
👉 [Tour product reservation link]
Review Spotlight: What Travelers Say (My Experience)
I've synthesized my experience with insights from other travelers' reviews to bring you this comprehensive look at the tour's strengths.
I remember meeting my guide, Kevin, early in the morning.
He greeted us with a smile and, wait for it, a fresh Starbucks iced coffee for everyone!
It set the tone perfectly for the whole day.
The first stop at Desert Hills Outlet was a great way to kick things off.
I was planning to just browse, but like many others, I ended up finding some great deals.
It was a fun, low-pressure start before heading into nature.
Once in the park, the guides truly shone.
The reviews often mention guides like Kevin, Jay, Sun, and Andy, and I can see why they get so much praise.
They don't just drive you around; they share fascinating stories about Joshua Tree's history and geology.
One thing I absolutely loved, which many other reviewers mentioned, was the guide's dedication to photos.
Even as a solo traveler, I didn't have to worry about getting good pictures.
Our guide made sure everyone got an in-character shot at all the major spots.
They even had props and knew all the angles for the perfect road shot and sunset pictures.
The BBQ dinner was definitely the highlight for everyone.
The reviews consistently rave about the steak and s'mores, and they are not wrong.
Eating BBQ steak under the vast desert sky while listening to great music in the background was an experience I won't forget.
The guides went above and beyond, making sure we had hot chocolate and ramen to keep warm as the temperature dropped.
Many reviews mention feeling like they were on a trip with a good friend rather than a tour guide.
The guides are known for being funny, kind, and incredibly attentive.
They even stayed late to ensure everyone got the perfect star photos, taking multiple shots until we were satisfied.
The tour creates a welcoming atmosphere where solo travelers feel completely at ease and part of the group.
It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime memory, and I'm so glad I chose this tour over going alone.
Tags: [Joshua Tree], [LA Day Trip], [Stargazing Tour], [Desert BBQ], [My Real Trip], [California Travel], [National Park], [LA Tour], [K-pop Tour], [Desert Adventure]