1h 43m. The popular trail to the Fortynine Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park has been temporarily closed so that bighorn sheep can have undisturbed access to the water. 1. Drive on Onaga trail for 2.4 miles and turn right onto Joshua Lane. Joshua Tree National Park. It's a long hike that feels even longer at over seven and a half miles . Explore one of 3 easy hiking trails in Joshua Tree or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Looking for the best hiking trails in Joshua Tree? Ryan Mountain. This trail and the Hall of Horrors trail are two of the best places in the park to photograph the Joshua Trees. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 18 scenic trails in the Joshua Tree area. Barker Dam Nature Trail is one of the best trails in Joshua Tree for beginner hikers. Cholla Cactus 1. 13:12. Dogs: No dogs. The current cost is $30 for a 7-day visitor car pass or $25 for a 7-day motorcycle pass. It's best accessed from the North Entrance and could be combined with nearby Arch Rock or Pine City. The miners actually had to cart the gold ore up the trail to the mine . Ryan Mountain is the second highest peak in all of Joshua Tree, so get ready for uninterrupted views of . 1000 ft elevation change! The scenery is some of the best in Joshua Tree and you get to do some rock scrambling. 3. The hike is nowhere near a stroll. From I-10, take CA-62 north 18.3 miles to the town of Yucca Valley. LOCATION: Keys View Road near the intersection with Park Boulevard. 1000 ft elevation change! Top trails ( 38) Ryan Mountain Trail. This trail showcases the Lost Horse Mine, which was one of the most profitable mines in the era before Joshua Tree National Park was established. Arch Rock Nature Trail. Ryan Mountain. "The . link Copy Link. Cholla Cactus Garden. Best Time To Visit: Sunrise Hiking Time: 3 Hours Distance: 2.5 MileS Lost Palms Oasis. It provides fantastic views of the western half of the park and the giant piles of boulders that make up Joshua Tree's most . This hike is one of the most popular trails in the park so plan accordingly. This short nature walk takes you on dirt paths and boardwalks through the cactus garden. Boy Scout Trail. Time we took: 2 hours 35 mins. 3. Length: 6.4-mile loop. You can purchase the entrance pass online ahead of time or at the Joshua Tree National Park entrance gate. While it's a short trail, you will have to climb over a 1000 ft for 1.5 miles from the desert sands to the summit. The popular trail to the Fortynine Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park has . Skull Rock is a well-known sight in Joshua Tree—a rock that looks like a skull. It is heavily trafficked and only 1.3-miles long. Ten minutes south of Barker Dam, between Sheep Pass and Ryan Campground, sits the start of one of the most popular trails in the park, the three-mile out-and-back hike to the summit of Ryan Mountain. Ryan Mountain Trail. Barker Dam Trail. Time we took: 2 hours 35 mins. With awe inspiring rock formations and incredible panoramic views across the landscape — Ryan Mountain doesn't disappoint. It is also one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree at sunset. Lost Horse Mine. Hike the Cap Rock Nature Trail before or after the visit to Keys View. This trail showcases the Lost Horse Mine, which was one of the most profitable mines in the era before Joshua Tree National Park was established. Length: 6.4-mile loop. It is one of the more strenuous hikes in the park. The Panorama Loop from Black Rock Canyon is - in our opinion - the best hike in Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree Wilderness was established in 1976 by The United States Congress and was later expanded by the California Desert Protection Act of 1994. 3. Ryan Mountain Trail is a short yet steep hike with great views overlooking the entire park. It features a lake and is great for hiking, walking, and birdwatching. 1.8 miles, easy, 1 hour. Restroom at Trailhead. Distance: .2 miles Elevation Gain: 9 feet Difficulty: Easy Recommended by: Sumeeta of Sumeeta Seeks. Ryan Mountain. Split Rock is an unshaded trail and the summer sun in Joshua Tree is relentless. 3 miles round trip. Cholla Cactus Garden. Loop. Time: 20-30 minutes. Split Rock. Prior to the park's designation as a national monument in 1936, there were around 300 mines in this area starting in the 1800s, though few of them were profitable. Boy Scout Trail. One of the most popular and best hikes in Joshua Tree is the Ryan Mountain Trail. If you are both a history buff and a nature lover, the Wall Street Mill Trail is one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park for you! Elevation: 364 metres. Elevation Gain: 1050 feet / 320 meters. Level: Moderate. Today the park is managed by the National Parks Service and covers a total of 594,502 acres of California desert The park extended north into the Pinto Mountains, northeast into the Coxcomb Mountains, southeast into the Eagle Mountains, and . BEST INTERMEDIATE HIKE. Arch Rock Nature Trail. It is also one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree at sunset. Turn right onto Kickapoo Trail and then take a left onto Onaga Trail. General Info. On this trail, you get to see two of the most iconic rock formations in the park: Arch Rock and Heart Rock. Hike the Cap Rock Nature Trail before or after the visit to Keys View. Cottonwood Spring. It's great for sunrise or sunset! The short, fuzzy cactuses are clustered close together and line Park Boulevard for miles. During my recent visit to Joshua Tree, we spent some time rock scrambling in this area — a popular activity in the park. Distance: 8 miles (point-to-point) Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. This trail and the Hall of Horrors trail are two of the best places in the park to photograph the Joshua Trees. It's great for sunrise or sunset! Joshua Tree National Park › West Side Loop. Joshua Lane dead ends into San Marino Drive. This Driving Tour of Joshua Tree shows you the highlights of Joshua Tree National Park including the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, Park Visitor Center, Hidden Valley, and Keys View for optional nature walks. 4. Distance: 4.7-8.2 miles (depending on route) Difficulty: Moderate. Looking for the best hiking trails in Joshua Tree? From 1930 to 1966, the Wall Street Mine (which is on the Wall Street Mill Trail) was used to process gold ore. Though there are many variations of this hike, the standard 4.7 mile Maze Loop is a great mid-range day hike in Joshua Tree. share Share . #1 - Ryan Mountain Trail. Lost Horse Mine. Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop. Considered by many to be one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree in the Black Rock Canyon region of the park, the Panorama Loop follows a sandy wash to some incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Highest Elevation Point - 5457 feet. Ryan Mountain Trail. Why you should go: Perhaps the most quintessential wilderness trail in Joshua Tree, the Boy Scout Trail is a great beginner backpacking trip, full of epic boulders and thousands of the park's namesake yuccas. This hike combines two trails—the Skull Rock Nature Trail (1.7 miles) and Split Rock Loop Trail (2.5 miles) via the Discovery Trail. Loop. Best Backpacking Routes in Joshua Tree 1. Cap Rock Nature Trail | Best Hikes in Joshua Tree. Wall Street Mill Trail. Difficulty Rating: Intermediate. Ryan Mountain Trail is a short yet steep hike with great views overlooking the entire park. Barker Dam is a 10-mile drive from the west entrance and one of the most varied hikes in Joshua Tree. You'll find this self-guiding loop trail in the center of the park. 13:12. Moderate. The Lost Horse Mine Loop is a moderately difficult 6.7-mile loop trail with 882 feet of elevation gain. See more hiking trails for kids in Joshua Tree National Park on Tripadvisor. During my recent visit to Joshua Tree, we spent some time rock scrambling in this area — a popular activity in the park. By Associated Press June 7, 2022 There is a 1000 ft elevation change on this hike, so be prepared. Joshua Tree is a magical place everywhere you look, but the Cholla Cactus Garden is particularly special and unlike anything else.At only 0.2 miles, this easy hike is a mellow walk suitable for all ages and ability levels. Distance: 4.7-8.2 miles (depending on route) Difficulty: Moderate. Boy Scout Trail (Joshua Tree) Hike. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. — A popular hiking trail to an oasis in Joshua Tree National Park has been temporarily closed so bighorn sheep can get undisturbed access to water. Overview. This easy loop offers various sights, including boulders, an abandoned dam, and ancient petroglyphs. Admire the Joshua tree scenery while hiking the easygoing Hidden Valley Trail. Ryan Mountain Trail. A hike along Barker Dam is like a stroll through history. If you want a walk that takes you far into the park and offers some beautiful views without the crowds this one is for you. Cap Rock Nature Trail | Best Hikes in Joshua Tree. Distance: 8 miles (point-to-point) Difficulty: Easy. Trail Length: 3-mile round trip (4.8 km) Difficulty Level: Moderate. This hike combines two trails—the Skull Rock Nature Trail (1.7 miles) and Split Rock Loop Trail (2.5 miles) via the Discovery Trail. This is a popular hike which takes you to the top of the central peak in the park. Route: Loop. FILE - In this Jan. 10, 2019 photo, people visit Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California's Mojave Desert. See more hiking trails for kids in Joshua Tree National Park on Tripadvisor. 3 miles (4.8 km) from visitor center. Photo: Natalie Jean. Ryan Mountain Trail. Best For: A hearty hike through an iconic Joshua Tree landscape to an old gold mine. 1. Best Hikes on West Side Loop. Today the park is managed by the National Parks Service and covers a total of 594,502 acres of California desert The park extended north into the Pinto Mountains, northeast into the Coxcomb Mountains, southeast into the Eagle Mountains, and . View all images. Dogs: No dogs. "The . Seasonal Popularity. If you are both a history buff and a nature lover, the Wall Street Mill Trail is one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park for you! moderate (4133) Length: 3.0 mi • Est. The Lost Horse Mine Loop is a moderately difficult 6.7-mile loop trail with 882 feet of elevation gain. The Maze Loop. This hike tends to be the most popular hike in Joshua Tree, so do be prepared to see many people along the way. Ten minutes south of Barker Dam, between Sheep Pass and Ryan Campground, sits the start of one of the most popular trails in the park, the three-mile out-and-back hike to the summit of Ryan Mountain. Joshua Tree is known for its trees, but in the southern part of the park, you'll find Cholla Cactuses instead. Arch Rock Trail. Elevation: 364 metres. It's a long hike that feels even longer at over seven and a half miles . The beginning of this 1.5-mile trail is mostly shaded and winds through giant rock formations. 1. facebookFacebook; Twitter; emailEmail; directions Driving Directions. The miners actually had to cart the gold ore up the trail to the mine . The Maze Loop. Joshua Tree Wilderness was established in 1976 by The United States Congress and was later expanded by the California Desert Protection Act of 1994. Split Rock. Few hikes in Joshua Tree make you work for the views but Lost Palms Oasis is one of them. Explore one of 3 easy hiking trails in Joshua Tree or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Cap Rock Trail. Best For: A hearty hike through an iconic Joshua Tree landscape to an old gold mine. Trail leads to a ridge on the western side of the park with panoramic views of the area. There is a 1000 ft elevation change on this hike, so be prepared. There are some steep sections, as well as a several benches to take a break and enjoy the view. The short, fuzzy cactuses are clustered close together and line Park Boulevard for miles. Few hikes in Joshua Tree make you work for the views but Lost Palms Oasis is one of them. 4. The beginning of this 1.5-mile trail is mostly shaded and winds through giant rock formations. LOCATION: Keys View Road near the intersection with Park Boulevard. Take a right when you hit San Marino. Distance: 1 mile. You'll slowly meander your way through towards peaks that provide excellent views of the National Park . Dogs allowed: No. Skull Rock is a well-known sight in Joshua Tree—a rock that looks like a skull. Cottonwood Spring. Barker Dam Trail. 3 miles (4.8 km) from visitor center. It can be accessed by foot and horse. Split Rock is an unshaded trail and the summer sun in Joshua Tree is relentless. 3. Highest Elevation Point - 5457 feet. Ryan Mountain is a 3-mile out-and-back trail that typically takes just shy of two hours to complete. The hike is considered a moderate one, having 1069 ft of elevation to its name. Chollo Cactus Nature Trail. Joshua Tree is known for its trees, but in the southern part of the park, you'll find Cholla Cactuses instead. If you want a walk that takes you far into the park and offers some beautiful views without the crowds this one is for you. Distance: 3 miles. This hike is one of the most popular trails in the park so plan accordingly. Moderate. Prior to the park's designation as a national monument in 1936, there were around 300 mines in this area starting in the 1800s, though few of them were profitable. Ryan Mountain is one of the most popular destinations in Joshua Tree!