BEST HIKES IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
You’ll feel like you’re in a cartoon setting when you hike through Joshua Tree National Park. Mormon immigrants came across the desert to see the trees with their limbs extended, welcoming them to the land. They named the tree Joshua after the biblical character.
The Best Joshua Tree Hiking Trails
How to Get to Joshua Tree
Driving is the best way to reach Joshua Tree National Park. We visited Joshua Tree National Park during a road trip across California. You can fly to Palm Springs and rent an automobile or see it as part of the larger California Road Trip. It’s 140 miles from Los Angeles. You can take a shorter trip if you are short on time. This Jeep Tour departs from Palm Springs and takes you through rugged backcountry roads, Coachella Valley, and remote Joshua Tree areas, all in a climate-controlled SUV.
You don’t want to go hiking alone? This personalized guided hiking tour takes you to the desert on a one- or two-day hike. The guide will adjust your level of comfort and skill with you.
Ryan Mountain Trail
Ryan Mountain Trail hikers will need to carry lots of water because it can get very hot up there. This park is deserted so you won’t find much shade, so heat is expected. The hike is approximately 2.9 miles long and is moderately strenuous in the summer heat.
Ryan Mountain’s hike will take you up to 1069 feet. Although climbing up Ryan Mountain is more brutal, you’ll climb many stone steps. However, these steps provide excellent footing. You will be rewarded with stunning views along the way. The summit views offer spectacular views of sunrises and sunsets.
Park Boulevard is approximately 2 miles east of Keys View Road to reach Ryan Mountain’s trailhead. You will find the turnoff for the trail, as well as a parking area and restrooms.
You don’t need a car to enjoy this Driving Tour of Joshua Tree. This Driving Tour of Joshua Tree will show you Joshua Tree National Park’s highlights, including Hidden Valley, Colorado and Mojave Deserts, Park Visitor Center, Hidden Valley, Keys View, and Keys View for optional nature walks.
Hidden Valley Trail
This is an excellent Joshua Tree hike for everyone. This is a very popular trail for both beginners and professionals. Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a loop trail that runs for 1 mile and has an elevation gain of 114 feet.
Hidden Valley Trailhead can be found at Hidden Valley Picnic Area, about 20 miles from Oasis Visitor Center. Picnic tables are available if you need to grab a bite before setting out.
Before you reach the valley floor, you’ll need to scramble on rocks. This will allow you to better look at the old rock formations. You will find Joshua trees everywhere, creating a stunning desert landscape wherever you go. It is a shorter hike than other Joshua Tree National Park hikes, but hikers love it because of the stunning landscapes.
It’s a great Joshua Tree trail for families with young children because it isn’t too strenuous and offers breathtaking views. Many informative signs can be found along the route, which is excellent for learning more about geography.
Warren Peak Trail
This Joshua Tree hike will take you to the Little San Bernardino Mountains at elevations greater than 5000 feet. The Warren Peak Trailhead can be reached from the Black Rock Campground, near campsite 30. You can also see the Black Rock Canyon and access the Black Rock Canyon Trail or Black Rock Spring.
You will encounter several junctions before reaching the trail. Look for signs that read WP to ensure you get there. Warren Peak Trail is a steep and rugged climb that is considered difficult but worth it.
You will see the Coachella Valley, Mojave, and Mount San Gorgonio, the highest point in Southern California. Although it’s a long hike, it’s a great day hike if you stay at Black Rock Campground. Make sure to reserve your campsites in advance.
Skull Rock Nature Trail
This trail is approximately 1.8 miles long and one of Joshua Tree National Park’s easiest. This trail offers excellent opportunities for novice rock climbers. This trail is full of fantastic rock formations and boulders you can climb. The Skull Rock is the real star and looks like a giant, peach-colored skull.
It is trendy, so you should go early to ensure quieter hikes. The trailhead is located at Jumbo Rocks Campground, Skull Rock parking lot. Like the Mojave Mound Cactus or the Desert Trumpet, you’ll see stunning desert plants along the way.
The Joshua Tree Trail is ideal for families who want to enjoy a short hike and climb on fun rock formations.
Lost Palms Oasis Trail
This Joshua Tree hike is a great way to enjoy a stunning night sky without being affected by night pollution. The Lost Palms Oasis Trail, a 7.2-mile hike with a 10.2-foot elevation gain, is a long hike. Because of the rock formations, the Lost Palms Oasis trail can be considered problematic.
You won’t find shade on Joshua Tree hikes, so make sure you go early and late to avoid the California heat. No matter when you visit, ensure you have sunscreen and a hat. The trailhead is next to the Cottonwood Visitor Center, which can be found on Cottonwood Springs Road.
Barker Dam Nature Trail
On your Barker Dam Trail trek, you will see a dam, giant boulders, and 2000-year-old petroglyphs. It is a 1.3-mile hike through Joshua Tree National Park. This hike can be considered easy.
The Barker Dam Trailhead can be reached by driving approximately one mile past Hidden Valley Campground. From there, you will find the Hidden Valley Trail. Parking is available at Barker Dam, but arriving early is best because the parking lot can get crowded on weekends. The Wonderland of Rocks Trailhead also allows you to access the trail.
Barker Dam, built in 1900, was named after the cattle ranchers who made them. Although you may not see water at the dam daily, chances are higher in winter and spring. Continue past the barrier to reach the cave housing the ancient petroglyphs.