Hike Hi-View Trail

The view from the trail looking towards San Gorgonio, the tallest peak in Southern California.

NPS / Lian Law

The Hi-View Trail is a 1.3-mile loop hike in the Black Rock area. The hike ascends 400 feet of elevation gain and reaches a high point with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Along the trail, you will see large Joshua trees, pinyon pine, and juniper trees. This area of the park tends to be slightly cooler and less busy than other areas of the park.  

To access the trailhead, take the road west from the campground entrance (past the horse camp and water tank) to the parking area/trailhead at the end of the road. On busy days when parking is limited, visitors may use the horse camp area as overflow parking. Hikers cannot park in a campsite unless they have reserved that campsite. 

Alternatively, hikers can add more mileage to their trek by starting from the parking lot between Black Rock campground sites 20 and 21. This would turn the hike into a “lollipop” loop and be a total of 3 miles. 

Bring a good map when hiking in the Black Rock area because many trails crisscross and intersect. 

This trail has limited shade and unreliable cell service. Summer hikers should start this trail before 8 am and bring plenty of water. Always check the weather forecast before heading into the park and consider changing plans if the weather conditions are too extreme. Hikers should always tell a safety buddy where they are going and when they plan on leaving the park. 

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

The trailhead for the Hi-View Nature Trail

To access the trailhead, take the road west from the campground entrance (past the horse camp and water tank) to the parking area/trailhead at the end of the road. On busy days when parking is limited, visitors may use the horse camp area as overflow parking. Hikers cannot park in a campsite unless they have reserved that campsite. 

Reservations

No

Season

Winter, Spring, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

The Hi-View Trail contains various terrain types, including deep sand, hard pack dirt, and uneven rocky surfaces. This trail begins on a flat sandy trail and gradually gets steeper. On the steeper sections, there are installed rock steps to ascend/descend. The trail widens to a 6+ feet across in some areas but is as narrow as 2 feet in certain areas. 

The trail is not accessible for people using wheelchairs.

Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on trails, but service animals are welcome. Service animals must remain on a 6-foot (1.8 meter) leash at all times.