A multitude of ranger-led seminars and guided hikes are available. They change annually but might include topics such as "Meet the Joshua Tree," "Clever Desert Plants," "Rock of Ages," and "Oasis Walk," as well as guided hikes on many of the park's popular trails and evening campfire talks on weekends. Throughout the wildflower blooming season, and especially during Easter week, special walks visit the most abundantly flowering areas.
The Park Service also conducts guided tours of the historic Keys Ranch . From October to May, tours run twice and thrice daily ($5 adults, $2.50 kids 6-11 and seniors). Daily tours are offered at 10am and 1pm, and sometimes in the evening at 7pm. You can make advance reservations by calling tel. 760/367-5555.
Visitors can go more in-depth by enrolling in a workshop offered by the Desert Institute, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 (tel. 760/367-5535; www.desertinstitute.homestead.com). The institute's course catalog covers subjects ranging from desert survival and orienteering to poetry and sculpture; workshops typically run one to three daily sessions and cost $60 to $210.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
