Last updated: February 13, 2024
Thing to Do
Maze Zone Backpacking
NPS/Anna Cirimele
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 Maze Zone offers a variety of trails to choose from and features sandy washes, rocky ridgetops, and sweeping landscape views. This zone offers multi-day loop options when connecting to trails in the surrounding zones. Elevations range from ~3,000 to 4,200+ feet.
Trails: The North View Loop (4.5 miles), the Maze Loop (5 miles), the Window Loop (1.8 miles), the Big Pine Trail (1.6 miles one-way), the Burro/Rocky View Loop (4.5 miles), and the North Canyon Trail (1.6 miles one-way).
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.
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.
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 wheel chairs are allowed on the trail but it is recomended 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 as well. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on trails.
More accessibility information is available here.
More accessibility information is available here.