Joshua Tree National Park Hiking

There are a great variety of hiking options in Joshua Tree, with hikes for every taste, from easy nature trails, trails to hidden oases to mountain tops if you are a peak-bagger. In both of my visits to the park I was able to fill three days focusing primarily on day hiking. Joshua Tree is truly a hiker's paradise.

Nature Trails

Arch Rock - 0.3 mile loop
From the Whitetank campground, this short loop takes you to Arch Rock, a 25-foot natural stone arch.

Barker Dam - 1.1 mile loop
The Barker dam trail takes you to an early 20th century dam that was built to hold water for cattle and mining use. A great spot for photos of the water and surrounding rock formations.

Cap Rock - 0.4 mile loop
An aptly named rock formation that has a boulder balanced on top like a cap.

Cholla Cactus Garden - 0.25 mile loop
The Cholla Cactus Garden is located at the transition zone between the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. This is the only area in the park where the conditions are created for the cactus to grow. It makes for a truly surreal sight.

Cottonwood Spring - 1 mile loop
Located near the parking area at Cottonwood Visitor Center, one of four springs in the area which features palm trees

Hidden Valley - 1 mile loop
This is a great little loop trail that takes you through an area that was once used as a cattle rustler's hideout.

Hi-VIew - 1.3 mile loop
A pleasant nature trail that begins at the Black Rock Canyon ranger station.

Indian Cove - 0.6 mile loop
This trail loops through the area near the Indian Cove campground.

Keys View - 0.25 loop
Keys View provides sweeping panoramic views into the Chocella Valley. A half-mile hike from the parking area takes you to the highest point in the park, Inspiration Point. Keys View is a must-see and the perfect place to catch a sunset.

Skull Rock - 1.7 mile loop
This nature trail begins at the Jumbo Rocks campground and features a rock formation that resembles a skull. The skull is viewable from the road. Also in the nearby vicinity of Skull Rock is Split Rock, a gigantic boulder that has a crack splitting it in two.

Hiking Trails

Boy Scout Trail - 16 miles round trip, 1-2 days
This is a beautiful scenic trail through the Wonderland of Rocks. It is more easily tackled as a one-way 8 mile hike if you have two cars to move you between your start and end point, either at Indian Cove or along the park road leading to the western entrance.

49 Palms Oasis - 3 miles round trip, 2-3 hours
This is a wonderful, moderately strenuous hike leading to a secluded oasis. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. It begins at the end of Canyon Road, midway between Indian Cove and 29 Palms. A must hike.

Lost Horse Mine & Mountain - 4 miles round trip, 3-4 hours
This is another moderately strenuous must hike that takes you through great scenery and to the remains of a ten-stamp mill once used to process gold. A short hike up from the mill takes you to the top of Lost Horse Mountain at 5,278 feet.

Lost Palms Oasis - 7.5 miles round trip, 4-6 hours
This is my favorite oasis hike and it leads to the largest grouping of palms in the park. You truly feel like you are wondering through remote territory to get to this one. The trail is relatively easy to follow, but make sure you pay attention and don't get confused by the desert washes that you will pass through. It is a moderate trail to the oasis overlook and then a bit more strenuous if you work your way down to the oasis. It's a rewarding place to have a snack or lunch before working your way back.

Mastodon Peak - 3 miles round trip, 2-3 hours
The moderate trail to Mastodon Peak provides sweeping views of the Eagle Mountains and the Salton Sea at 3,371 feet. Just below the peak are the remains of Mastodon Mine.

Ryan Mountain - 3 miles round trip, 2-3 hours
If you are going to make it to the top of one peak or were only going on one hike, this is the one to choose. The moderately strenuous trail is conveniently located off of the main park road in the Mojave section of the park and provides great views all the way to the top at 5,461 feet.

Warren Peak and Panorama Loop - 6-7 miles round trip, 4-6 hours
Located in the Black Rock Canyon area, this trail provides fantastic scenery. The trailhead begins near campsite #30. Moderately strenuous.