Hiking

Get out and enjoy the park on your own feet.

NPS / Hannah Schwalbe

 

 

Know Before You Go

Please remember, pets are not permitted on any trails in the park, except for the paved Oasis of Mara Trail. For more information, visit Pets.

Leave information about your planned route and expected return time with a friend or family member before hiking. Check in with this person when you return. In an emergency, call 909-383-5651 or 911.

 

The Paul Miller Story

Paul Miller, from Ontario, Canada, planned to hike the 49 Palms Oasis Trail and return to his wife, Stephanie, at their hotel on July 13, 2018. He never returned.

The park launched a large search and rescue effort, but found no clues. As an avid hiker and photographer, Paul prepared well for this 3-mile roundtrip hike. Search and Rescue teams found Paul’s remains near boulders off trail December 20, 2019. Even the most prepared hikers can run into trouble and not make it back.

Honor Paul’s memory by following the below safety tips.

Safety Tips

• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back

• Bring plenty of food and water—even on short hikes

• Don’t force fluids—drink when you are thirsty

• Eat often—salty snacks are key for salt loss from sweating

• Rest in the shade

• Plan ahead and avoid hiking between 10am and 4pm during the summer
• Read more safety tips here before visiting Joshua Tree

10 Summer Hiking Essentials

1. Water - plain and some with electrolyte replacement.

2. Food - especially salty foods. Eat twice as much as normal.

3. First Aid Kit - band aids, ace wrap, antiseptic, moleskin, etc.

4. Map - while many trails are well-marked, maps are helpful tools.

5. Pack - to carry the essentials.

6. Flashlight/Spare Batteries - allows you to hike out during the cool of the evening.

7. Spray Bottle - fill with water for your own personal air conditioning system.

8. Sun Protection - hat and sunscreen to keep the sun off you and protect your skin.

9. Whistle and/or Signal Mirror - for emergency use.

10. Waterproof Clothing - poncho or jacket; especially useful during monsoon season (mid-July to early September).

 

Backcountry Hiking

To learn more about backcountry hiking opportunities, such as Boy Scout Trail or California Riding and Hiking Trail, visit our backpacking page.

Plants!

To learn more about the plants you'll see along the trail, check out our botanical trail guides.

 

Short Walks and Nature Trails

These trails are recommended year-round and some are wheelchair accessible. If hiking in the summer, start these trails before 9 am.

Trail	Trailhead Location	Distance Elevation	Estimated Time	Description
Arch Rock Trail	Twin Tanks Parking lot aka the Arch Rock Trailhead	1.4 miles (2.1 km) 100 feet	1 hour	A lollipop trail through sandy and rocky terrain. A .6-mile trail leads to a .2-mile loop. The arch is located halfway along the loop.
Bajada	South of Cottonwood Visitor Center; 0.5 mile (0.8 km) north of the South Entrance	0.25 mile (0.4 km) 20 feet (6.1 m)	15-20 minutes	Loop. Walk on a bajada and discover plants of the Colorado Desert on this easy path.
Barker Dam	Barker Dam parking area	1.1 miles (1.8 km) 50 feet (15.2 m)	1 hour	Loop. Explore cultural history and view a water tank built by early cattle ranchers. Watch for bighorn sheep.
Cap Rock	Cap Rock parking area, at the junction of Park Boulevard and Keys View Road	0.4 mile (0.6 km) 20 feet (6.1 m)	30-45 minutes	Loop. View boulder piles, Joshua trees, and other desert plants on this easy path.
Cholla Cactus Garden	20 miles (32 km) north of Cottonwood Visitor Center	0.25 mile (0.4 km) 10 feet (3 m)	15-30 minutes	Loop. View thousands of densely concentrated, naturally growing cholla cactus. Stay on the trail, wear closed-toe shoes, and be aware of prickly cactus.
Cottonwood Spring	1 mile (1.5 km) east of Cottonwood Visitor Center	0.1 mile (0.2 km) 25 feet (7.6 m)	10 minutes	Short walk to fan palm oasis with cottonwood trees. Fantastic birding location with plentiful shade.
Discovery Trail	Skull Rock parking area just east of Jumbo Rocks Campground	0.7 mile (1.1 km) 70 feet (21.3 m)	30-45 minutes	Loop. Connects Skull Rock and Split Rock Loop trails at Face Rock. Easy hike through boulder piles and desert washes.
Hidden Valley	Hidden Valley picnic area	1 mile (1.6 km) 100 feet (30.5 m)	1 hour	Loop. Discover a rock-enclosed valley that was once rumored to have been used by cattle rustlers.
Indian Cove	West end of Indian Cove Campground	0.6 miles (1 km) 50 feet (15.2 m)	30-45 minutes	Loop. Walk on a gently rolling path with a few steps. Take a closer look at desert plants and learn about their traditional uses by Native Americans.
Keys View	Keys View	0.25 miles (0.4 km) 25 feet (7.6 m)	30 minutes	Short, paved loop path is steep. Breathtaking views of the San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, and the Salton Sea.
Oasis of Mara	Oasis Visitor Center, Twentynine Palms	0.5 mile (0.8 km) minimal elevation	30-45 minutes	Loop. Explore a desert oasis on this easy walk. See how the Oasis of Mara has been used by wildlife and people throughout time. Pets on leash allowed.
Ryan Ranch	Ryan Ranch trailhead, about 0.5 mile (0.8 km) east of Ryan Campground	1 mile (1.6 km) 135 feet (41.1 m)	1 hour	Out and back. Enjoy an easy hike along an old ranch road and see a historic adobe structure.
Skull Rock	Skull Rock parking area just east of Jumbo Rocks Campground; also accessible from within Jumbo Rocks Campground	1.7 miles (2.7 km) 160 feet (48.8 m)	1-2 hours	Loop. Take an easy hike and explore boulder piles, desert washes, and of course the namesake Skull Rock.

 

Moderate Hikes

These hikes may not be recommended for summer. Use caution when hiking in the desert in the heat.

Trail	Trailhead Location	Distance	Estimated Time	Description
Hi-View	Northwest of Black Rock Campground	1.3 miles (2.1 km) from parking area. 3 miles (4.8 km) from visitor center. 400 feet (121.9 m)	1.5 hours	Loop. Hike up a steep ridge to discover the world of Joshua tree forests. Trail leads to a ridge on the western side of the park with panoramic views of the area. There are some steep sections, as well as a several benches to take a break and enjoy the view.
Lost Horse Mine	Lost Horse Mine trailhead off Keys View Road	4 miles (6.4 km) 550 feet (168 m)	2-3 hours	Out and back. Explore around one of the most successful gold mines in the park. Stay outside the fenced area to protect the millsite and mine. For a longer option, see Lost Horse Loop, under Challenging Hikes. Elevation change is 550 feet.
Mastodon Peak	Cottonwood Spring parking area	3 miles (4.8 km) 375 feet (115 m)	1.5-2.5 hours	Loop. An optional rock scramble takes you to the top of a craggy granite peak. The trail then loops around past an old gold mine. Elevation change is about 375 feet.
Pine City	Pine City trailhead at end of Desert Queen Mine Road	4 miles (6.4 km)	2-3 hours	Out and back. The highlight of this fairly flat trail is a dense stand of junipers and pinyon. The trail also goes to an old mining site.
Split Rock Loop	Split Rock picnic area	2.5 miles (4 km) 150 feet (45.7 m)	1.5-2.5 hours	Loop. Distance includes safe trip to Face Rock.
West Side Loop	Black Rock	4.7 miles (7.6 km) 785 feet (239.3 m)	2.5-4 hours	Loop. Explore the ridge and washes west of Black Rock Campground.

 

Challenging Hikes - Do Not Attempt in the Heat

The following trails should not be attempted during the summer or whenever it is hot out, because they are extremely dangerous due to sun exposure, temperatures, and dehydration risks. Every year visitors have to be rescued and sometimes perish on these hikes.

Trail	Trailhead Location	Distance Elevation	Estimated Time	Description
Boy Scout Trail	North end: Indian Cove backcountry board. South end: Boy Scout Trailhead.	8 miles (12.9 km) 1190 feet (362.7 m)	6 hours	One way. Go deep into the Wonderland of Rocks. Stay on trail to avoid getting lost among the boulders. Most hikers prefer to start at the south trailhead, inside the West Entrance, and finish at Indian Cove. Vehicle shuttle strongly recommended for hikers interested in doing the full length the trail.
California Riding and HIking Trail	Several	35 miles (56.3 km)	2-3 days to hike entire length	One way. Shorter hikes possible on sections of this long trail. Travel from Black Rock Canyon to the North Entrance of the park, passing through a variety of Mojave Desert landscapes.
Fortynine Palms Oasis	Fortynine Palms parking area, accessed off Highway 62.	3 miles (4.8 km) 300 feet (91 m)	2-3 hours	Out and back. There is a 300 foot (91 m) elevation gain in both directions, as you hike up and over a ridge dotted with barrel cactus. Beyond the ridge, descend to a fan palm oasis in a rocky canyon. Avoid this trail when it's hot out.
Lost Horse Loop	Lost Horse Mine trailhead off Keys View Road	6.5 miles (10.5 km) 550 feet (167.64 m)	3-4 hours	Loop. For a shorter option, see Lost Horse Mine, under Moderate Hikes.
Lost Palms Oasis	Cottonwood Spring parking area	7.5 miles (12 km) 500 feet (152 m)	5-6 hours	Out and back. Enjoy sandy washes and rolling terrain, then hike down into a canyon to explore a remote fan palm oasis. Climbing back out the canyon is strenuous.
Panorama Loop	Black Rock	6.6 miles (10.6 km) 1,100 feet (336 m)	3.5-4.5 hours	Loop. Hike up a sandy wash, then follow the ridgeline of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Enjoy scenic views, dense Joshua tree forest, and pinyon-juniper woodland.
Ryan Mountain	Parking area between Sheep Pass and Ryan Campground	3 miles (4.8 km) 1,050 feet (320 m)	1.5-2.5 hours	Out and back. Hike to the summit of Ryan Mountain. This is one of the most popular hikes in the park.
Warren Peak	Black Rock	6.3 miles (10.1 km) 1,110 feet (338.3 m)	3-4.5 hours	Out and back. Hike to the summit of Warren Peak. Enjoy panormaic views of the quiet western part of Joshua Tree.
Willow Hole	Boy Scout Trailhead - south end inside the park	7.2 miles (11.5 km)	4 hours	Out and back. Mostly flat trail along the edge of the Wonderland of Rocks. Travel through Joshua tree forests, boulder landscape, and sandy washes. Trail ends at willow trees.