FAQ's

Absolutely not!  Anyone that has the drive to explore can set off on a trail inside Joshua Tree National  Park.  There are numerous books, websites, and facebook groups that can answer questions and make suggestions on what to do and when.  There are, of course, a few very good reasons to hire a guide:

• Learning: A guide can share information and context that deepens your awareness and relationship with the desert landscape and ecology.  Hearing the stories and knowledge that a guide has to offer is perhaps the greatest reason to hire the service. What we have to offer is 21 years of experience on the trails and in the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park.
• Avoiding the Crowd: A guide can help you navigate to the places where you'll encounter fewer people and cars so that you can capture the silence and sense of isolation that deserts are known for. Spend more time on the trail and less time competing for space.
• Safety:  When you've got a guide, you've got someone that has your back.  Wandering Mojave Hiking Services will monitor the weather and trail conditions so that you can go farther, higher, and see more, knowing that getting lost will not be on your list of 'To Do's' for the day. Wandering Mojave's lead guide, Travis Puglisi, is a certified Wilderness First Responder that has completed the 11 Day course provided by NOLS.
• Respecting the Desert:  It may look barren and sterile to the untrained eye but Joshua Tree National Park contains an abundance of life, some of which is exceptionally sensitive. If hiking off trail is something that interests you it is important to do so responsibly in order to minimize negative impacts on the terrain. Wandering Mojave Hiking Services can assist you in being a responsible backcountry traveler.

Wandering Mojave Hiking Services’ Lead Guide, Travis Puglisi, has been living in the High Desert around Joshua Tree National Park for 21 years.  The money generated by hiking with him will stay in the local economy and help support a family that lives, works, and plays in the Morongo Basin. 

Yes. Any entity or individual who conducts commercial activities within the Park must have a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit that is issued by the National Parks Department.  Acquisition of this permit is dependent on many factors, two of which are First Aid and CPR certification and Proof of Insurance.  If you select one of our competitors be sure to request proof that they are active permit holders.  Wandering Mojave Hiking Services operates under Permit# JOTR-CUA-22041

All guides have the requisite First Aid and CPR certifications awarded by the American Red Cross. Lead Guide, Travis Puglisi, also has a certification from NOLS as a Wilderness First Responder. 

Yes.  We offer a 10% discount for Active Duty and Retired Military and a 15% discount for Teachers (K-12).  You must provide proof of status and the payment must come from individual providing proof of status.  Visit our Rates and Reservations to see the full breakdown on prices.  Discounts are only available to those who book directly through Wandering Mojave Hiking Services.  Third party bookings, such as Viator or 57Hrs will not receive discounts. We do provide discounts to locals. Please reach out for more.

Sorry, but no.  Wandering Mojave Hiking Services believes that for the guest to have the safest and most enjoyable experience direct contact is required.  Reach out to Lead Guide Travis Puglisi HERE .  If it’s a last minute reservation DO NOT hesitate to Call.  

Absolutely.  We love small groups because they're intimate but large groups can be really fun.  If you have a large group just let us know and we can typically accommodate. wanderingmojave@gmail.com. 

Absolutely.  Wandering Mojave Hiking Services would be happy to provide the support you need for routes you already have in mind.  Just let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll make sure the route is right for you and that the wayfinding happens as it should.

Owner/Operator and Lead Guide Travis Puglisi is the father of a 6 year old and believes that time shared by families outdoors is a crucial aspect of positive child development.  Children are absolutely welcome as members of the group.  A few important notes:

• Kids 15 and under are free.  This does not include overnight trips.
• Children are unpredictable by nature.  What this means is that if you reserve a Half Day or Full Day hike, but your child decides he/she isn’t up for it, Wandering Mojave Hiking Services WILL NOT pro rate or refund any shortened days due to a child-based detour.
• There’s so much fun to be had but the desert can be a taxing place with its heat, wind, and terrain, even for adults.  Unless a family has experience in being out for more than 5 hours at a time we suggest family’s opt for our Half Day outings.  We highly recommend The Scramble for children...they love it.

Yes.  Wandering Mojave can provide Daypacks/Hydration packs, trekking poles,  and all the gear needed for overnight adventures.  We DO NOT provide hiking shoes or boots.  If you're interested is renting gear please be sure to mention it when you Contact Us.

All guests who wish to secure a date with Wandering Mojave are required to make a minimum 20% deposit if the booking is made more than a month in advance.  Bookings made less than a month in advance pay the full amount. Hikes cancelled 14 days or more in advance of scheduled date will receive a full refund of deposit.  Hikes cancelled less than 14 days before a hike are not entitled to a return of deposit.  Any return of deposit with cancellation of 14 days or less is discretionary and will be determined by whether that slot is able to be booked.  We will withhold a $15 service fee for any refunds. Cancellations may be rescheduled.

While tipping is never expected, it is always appreciated! Our guides are continously learning more about the Mojave desert to better enrich your experience. It is our goal that your guide will exceed your expectations and give you the most personal and very best adventure. If you feel we've accomplished our mission and want to acknowledge that by offering your guide a gratuity, such gestures are most welcome. 

It would be almost impossible to take a step in Joshua Tree National Park without seeing something, but what that something is depends on location, time of year, and even time of day.  Red-tail hawks, jackrabbits, coyotes and lizards are ubiquitous and the opportunities to view and identify them are great.  If you’re interested in capturing glimpses of something larger or unique to the area such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, tortoise, Great Horned owls, and tarantulas for instance, then you really do have to be in the right place at the right time.  Wandering Mojave Hiking Services will do its best to create the ideal conditions for wildlife viewing but cannot guarantee that guests will spot these creatures.  If wildlife viewing is a principal interest please let us know and we'll discuss what that means.

Much like viewing animals in Joshua Tree National Park, viewing wildflowers is all about time and place. The fact is, there is almost always something blooming somewhere, it’s just a matter of getting there. Prime blossom season generally falls between late March to mid-May depending on temperatures, rain and snowfall from the previous winter and fall. If you’re planning your visit outside of this window and the bloom has moved to higher or lower elevations, then your ability to view them is entirely dependent on you or your groups ability to make it to those locations.  Wandering Mojave Hiking Services will do it’s best to facilitate the viewing of desert blossoms if flora is your primary interest.

The Mojave Desert is an arid climate. This means that even if it’s cold it is still dry and moisture is easily whisked away from your body by even the most gentle breeze.  For Half Day hikes we consider two liters as the minimum. For Full Day hikes a minimum of 3-4 liters should be carried. These amounts may increase during the warmer months. Depending on the situation and group size, the Lead Guide may be able to carry extra water so you can stay as hydrated as you need while hiking.

We love providing food when our schedule permits and when it makes sense for the client. When you complete the Intake From you can let us know if food is something you're interested in and then we can help you make the right decision based on logistics, timing, and your wallet. 

When physically exerting yourself you need a blend of protein, carbohydrates, and salts. See the following for what Wandering Mojave Hiking Services suggest for Half Day and Full Day outings so that you’re not hungry while out in the landscape.  When you make an inquiry with Wandering Mojave you'll be provided with a Prep Guide that outlines this information.

• Half Day
  • 1 “Bar” (Cliffbar or similar)
  • 1 piece of fruit that travels well (oranges and apples are great...bananas get squishy but work if packed smartly
  • 1/2 Sandwich
  • Something savory (salted nuts, jerky, crackers, chips)
  • Electrolyte packet
• Full Day
  • 1-2 Bars (Cliffbar or similar)
  • 1 piece of fruit that travels well (oranges and apples are great...bananas get squishy but work if packed smartly
  • Whole Sandwich
  • Something savory (salted nuts, jerky, crackers, chips)
  • Something sweet (dried fruit, chocolate, cookies/biscuits)
  • Electrolyte packet

When you make an inquiry with Wandering Mojave you'll be provided with a Prep Guide that outlines this information.

• Sturdy closed toe shoes...we can discuss what sturdy means during your intake process
• Long Sleeves and Long Pants advised, regardless of time of year
• Sun Hat...wide brim is great but ball caps work too
• Sun Glasses
• Sunscreen...especially if you don’t have a hat
• Daypack...18-22 liter capacity advised

Feel free to check out our Local Favorites page.

Direct bookings are typically invoiced using the Square Platform.  This allows you to make payment either by Credit Card or ACH (bank transfer).  If you are booking a month or more in advance a 20% deposit is required to hold the date.  The remaining balance is due upon completion of the hike and will be processed through an additional invoice.  Those booking less than a month in advance are required to pay the full amount.  If you are booking a large group (10+) a final balance is due 24 hrs prior to the hikes commencement.