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:
Wandering Mojave Hiking Services’ Lead Guide, Travis Puglisi, has been living in the High Desert around Joshua Tree National Park for 20 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-20055
Lead Guide, Travis Puglisi has the requisite First Aid and CPR certifications awarded by the American Red Cross as well as a certification from NOLS as a Wilderness First Responder.
Yes. We offer a 10% discount for Active Duty and Retired Military and Teachers (K-12). You must provide proof of status and the payment must come from individual providing proof of status. During the hot months in the desert (Mid-July through Mid-September) we offer a 12% discount to all guests. During this time Military and Teacher discounts do not apply. 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 AirBnB Experiences and ExploreOrigin.com will not receive discounts.
Yes. Generally speaking, fewer people hike in the desert between Mid-June and Mid-Septmber due to significantly hotter temperatures. That does not mean you cannot hike during this time, it simply means you must choose routes carefully in order to account for the comfort and safety of the group. Summer in the desert is a very special time and there are certain plants and animals that are more prominent during this time of year. We’d encourage you to give it a try. Wandering Mojave Hiking Services offers a 12% discount during these months and prefer to offer Half Days over Full Days, although Full Days are still an available option. Visit Rates and Group Options to see the full breakdown on prices.
While Wandering Mojave Hiking Services understands that not all groups fall within our preferred range of 5, it is important to maintain these numbers for reasons of safety, impact on Joshua Tree National Park, and the quality of experience our guests have. If you feel that you have a special situation and would like Lead Guide Travis Puglisi to consider making an exception to the policy please contact by email at 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 way finding happens as it should.
Owner/Operator and Lead Guide Travis Puglisi is the father of a 4 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
Yes. Wandering Mojave can provide Daypacks/Hydration packs, trekking poles, and water bottles. 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 guest who wish to secure a date with Wandering Mojave are required to make a minimum 20% Deposit. Hikes cancelled 14 days or more in advance of scheduled date will receive a full refund. 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 for less is entirely discretionary.
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; Mule Deer, BigHorn Sheep, Tortoise, Great Horned Owl, 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 bee sure to check out the Three F's (Flora, Fauna, and Folks) theme on in the Ways to Wander section. Also, we always have a set of binoculars on hand incase there's something in the distance.
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 and 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. Be sure to check out the Three F's (Flora, Fauna, Folks) in our Ways to Wander section.
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 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.
Normally food is a standard inclusion but we have temporarily suspended the provision of food for both Half Day and Full Days hikes during the current health crisis. If you would like to see all of the ways we have adapted our business practices to "flatten the curve" during the novel corona virus outbreak please click HERE
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.
You can see the adjustments we're making to our business practices HERE.
Once you've secured your reservation with Wandering Mojave we'd be happy to discuss lodging options in the high desert. We'll have a Local Resource Page available soon for all kinds of services.
We break every reservation into two payments. A 20% deposit that reserves a specific date o dates for your group and a Remaining Balance payment after your hike has been completed. These transactions are handled using the Square Invoice platform and all invoices are sent and paid via email.
Copyright © 2020 Wandering Mojave Hiking Services - All Rights Reserved.
Permit#: JOTR-CUA-21038
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.