We were told this is a must do but hear us out if you happen to be in the same situation as us. We stayed in a hotel in Twenty Nine Palms so we can have easy access to the park. However, the tour starts in Palm Desert which is an hour drive from the actual park entrance, then the van takes you to the oasis, and then to the park entrance an hour back, then you go on a very bumpy road in a hummer which is fun and have a sweeping view but not as good of a view if you would just get to the view point on your own in the park itself on the paved road. Then you drive in a van another hour back to Palm Desert and then we had to drive the same hour back to our hotel. The alternative is to just go to the park yourself on the paved road if you just want the view. However, if the open top, cold wind in your face, and bumpy road experience is your thing then this is a must do but stay in the hotel close to Ralphs in Palm Desert. Tour Operator Tip: offer an alternative to join the tour just for the Hummer and skip the hour to and back to Ralphs.