JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

  Sit back in comfort and take in the beautiful vistas of Joshua Tree National Park. We've picked the most beautiful stops inside the park for nature walks, photos and, of course, a picnic. We'll marvel at desert flowers, cacti, the amazing Wonderland of Rocks, and the iconic Joshua Trees (actually, not trees but a variety of yucca). You'll learn lots about protecting the flora and fauna of this fragile ecosystem. It is a long bus ride, but there's lots of scenery, trivia quizzes, food and drink along the way. Here's the itinerary:     STOP AT OASIS VISITORS' CENTER (and Mara Palm Oasis) PHOTO STOP AT SKULL ROCK SCENIC OVERLOOK AT KEY'S VIEW - scenic overlook at 5000 ' elevation PICNIC LUNCH AND GUIDED HIKE AT HIDDEN VALLEY - the most beautiful loop trail in the park! WILDFLOWER LOOP AT CAP ROCK - get your cameras ready STOP AT HADLEY'S FRUIT ORCHARD - date shakes and shopping!

* This is a pricier tour than normal. Studio tours are rather expensive, but offer a rare chance to see firsthand how movie magic is made. Having been on the tour several times, I highly recommend it. The tour price includes entry into both Warner Brothers Studios and the Autry.