Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
A Mix of Hiking & Cultural Activities
October 21 - October 26, 2026
Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
October 21 - October 26, 2026Highlights
- Hike in the Mojave Desert Landscape
- Explore Joshua Tree National Park
- Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tram
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for things to see and do
- And More... See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Wednesday, 21 October 2026: Arrive Palm Springs; Welcome Dinner (D)
Welcome to Palm Springs! Schedule your arrival no later than 5:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour begins promptly at 6:00pm in the lobby of our hotel. We will make introductions and then enjoy dinner together to get better acquainted. Overnight Palm Springs - 5 nights
Thursday, 22 October 2026: Walking Tour; Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (B)
Discover Palm Springs' fascinating history on a guided walking tour, exploring how pioneering women transformed a small farming community into a glamorous retreat for celebrities and socialites. Soar above the desert on the world's largest rotating tramway, ascending Chino Canyon's dramatic cliffs for spectacular panoramic views during the scenic 10-minute journey. Don't miss the Desert View Trail at the summit—an easy 2.5-mile loop offering stunning valley vistas just a short, steep walk from the visitor center. After some downtime, those interested can enjoy Palm Springs VillageFest, which takes place every Thursday evening. It features a diverse array of artists and entertainers and might be the perfect way to finish a wonderful day.
Friday, 23 October 2026: Indian Canyons Hike; Free Afternoon (B,L)
This morning we set out for a hike in Palm Canyon, one of three spectacular canyons within the Indian Canyons just miles south of downtown Palm Springs. Palm Canyon Creek winds through this arid landscape, nourishing the largest grove of towering California fan palms in existence. We'll explore the Victor Trail and Palm Canyon Trail—a scenic 3-mile loop with moderate elevation changes that showcases diverse desert vegetation and breathtaking overlooks. While considered moderate, this rocky trail can be challenging for those unaccustomed to hiking. After enjoying a relaxing picnic lunch, we may venture on another brief hike before returning to Palm Springs, where you'll have the afternoon free to recharge and explore at your leisure.
Saturday, 24 October 2026: Joshua Tree National Park (B,L)
Today will be spent exploring at the nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua trees are slow-growing survivors that have adapted to harsh desert conditions and traditionally symbolize hope. We'll begin at the Visitor Center to get our bearings before your Tour Leader guides you on several short yet rewarding hikes that showcase this extraordinary park. Prepare to be amazed by the magnificent geological formations and their wonderfully whimsical shapes.
Sunday, 25 October 2026: Day at Leisure; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Today is yours to further explore and enjoy the Palm Springs area. Your Tour Leader can provide suggestions and help connect travelers with similar interests. She'll have an itinerary for a morning of adventure if you'd prefer to join her rather than venturing out on your own. This evening, we'll share wonderful memories over our Farewell Dinner.
Monday, 26 October 2026: Return Home from Palm Springs (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Make your return flight at your convenience. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
October 21 - October 26, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$2,632.00Single Room
$3,490.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
More than 1/2 Full
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals or activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses
- Any gratuities for WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Friday, 24 Apr 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Thursday, 23 Jul 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Sunday, 6 Sep 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Sunday, 6 Sep 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
October 21 - October 26, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: PSP - Palm Springs, CA (Palm Springs International Airport)
Arrival Date: Wednesday, October 21. Arrive by 5:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: PSP - Palm Springs, CA (Palm Springs International Airport)
Departure Date: Monday, October 26th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use shuttle or taxi service.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Palm Springs, CA: Hilton Palm Springs
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$206.00 Roomshare pp $375.00 Single Occupancy
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
October 21 - October 26, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 40% Easy
- 40% Moderate (multiple days hiking and extensive walking)
- 20% Strenuous (possible heat, one challenging hike)
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O=Other). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature and weather vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You Will Need—
- Athletic wear — you will be walking/hiking on this tour.
- Hiking shoes
- Daypack
- Refillable water bottle
- Sweater or jacket for chilly evenings and for the ride up the Aerial Tram (it can be cold on top!)
You May Also Want—
- Swimsuit and coverup — the hotel has a pool
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Collapsible Hiking Poles
- Smart-casual wear if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners.
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- We strongly recommend you bring only one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides will be paid on your behalf.
- You are responsible for tipping shuttle and ride-app drivers, wait-staff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
October 21 - October 26, 2026SPACE RESERVATION REQUEST
If becoming a member and signing up for a tour at the same time, you only need to fill out this form.
Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.