Black Rock Zone Backpacking

NPS/Renata Harrison

With stunning landscapes, scenic vistas, and hundreds of square miles of designated wilderness, Joshua Tree National Park offers outstanding backpacking opportunities. Backpacking is only recommended for those with the proper backcountry skills and gear. Camping is only permitted in specified backcountry zones and designated campgrounds. Camping is not allowed at trailheads, along roadsides, and in day-use areas.  

The Black Rock Zone features a wide variety of hiking trails through mountains, washes, ravines, and valleys. It has great views from the high peaks and ridges and provides habitat for large Joshua trees, pinyon pine, and juniper. With higher elevations of 4,000 - 5,500 feet, this zone offers cooler temperatures than most zones. During the colder months, freezing temperatures are common. 

Trails: This zone offers many options for loop hikes. Some of the popular hiking trails include the Panorama Loop (6 miles round-trip), the West Side Loop (5 miles round-trip), Eureka Peak (20 miles round-trip), and California Hiking and Riding Trail (37 miles one-way). Other trails include Burnt Hill, the Canyon View Loop, and the Fault Line trail. 

Permits: A permit is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. A permit costs $6 and allows for a group size of 1 to 12 people to stay up to 14 nights. Permittees are allowed to stay up to three consecutive nights in an individual zone. Permits may be booked up to 6 months in advance. They can be acquired in one of three ways: 
 
1. Visit Recreation.gov and book a permit online. 
2. Call 1-877-444-6777 and book a permit through a Recreation.gov agent. 
3. Visit the permit office at our headquarters located at 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA. It is located in office building 100 near the flag pole. The permit office is open 8 am – 4 pm. In person same-day permits will be available up until 4 pm at the permit office. Permit office hours may be subject to change based on demand and staff availability. 
 

Check out our Backpacking Webpage for more information on rules and regulations, backcountry zones, and booking a permit.   

Details

Duration

2-15 Days

Activity

Backcountry Camping

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

A permit costs $6 and allows for a group size of 1 to 12 people to stay up to 14 nights. Reservations can be made on recreation.gov.

Location

Black Rock Backcountry Trailhead

Reservations

Yes

A permit is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Permits may be booked up to 6 months in advance. They can be acquired in one of three ways:

1. Visit Recreation.gov and book a permit online.
2. Call 1-877-444-6777 and book a permit through a Recreation.gov agent.
3. Visit the permit office at our headquarters located at 74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA. It is located in office building 100 near the flag pole. The permit office is open 8 am – 4 pm. In person same-day permits will be available up until 4 pm at the permit office. Permit office hours may be subject to change based on demand and staff availability.

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

The dirt trail consists of both hard-packed and sandy sections with rocks, vegetation, and other obstacles. Manual wheelchairs are allowed on the trail but it is recommended to check trail conditions at a visitor center first. Service animals are allowed but must be kept on a leash and all human food and waste rules apply to service animals. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on trails. 

More accessibility information is available here.