10 Best Hikes In and Around Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a world-renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts, famous for its stunning desert landscapes, striking rock formations, and iconic Joshua trees. The park offers something for everyone, from easy nature walks to challenging hikes through rugged terrain. Whether you’re a casual hiker looking for a scenic stroll or an avid adventurer seeking a more demanding trail, Joshua Tree’s diverse hiking options won’t disappoint.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 10 best hikes in and around Joshua Tree National Park, covering a range of difficulty levels and showcasing the park’s most breathtaking scenery.
1. Hidden Valley Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Hidden Valley is one of the most popular and accessible hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. This short loop trail leads you through a beautiful, enclosed valley surrounded by towering rock formations. It’s a fantastic introduction to the park's unique geology and flora. The easy terrain and short distance make it perfect for families and beginners. Along the way, you’ll find fascinating rock formations, cacti, and, of course, plenty of Joshua trees.
Pro Tip: Hidden Valley is a great spot for rock climbing, so bring along your climbing gear or simply watch other adventurers scale the massive boulders.
2. Ryan Mountain Trail
Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
For those looking for a rewarding challenge, the Ryan Mountain Trail offers one of the best panoramic views in the park. This steep, rocky trail takes you to the top of Ryan Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Joshua Tree, including iconic landmarks like the Wonderland of Rocks and Pinto Basin.
Though the ascent is strenuous, the relatively short distance and the incredible views from the summit make it a must-do for hikers of all levels.
Pro Tip: The trail is fully exposed, so it’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the heat, especially during the summer months.
3. Barker Dam Trail
Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
The Barker Dam?. Trail is a relatively easy loop that takes you past a historic water reservoir built by early cattle ranchers. Along the way, you’ll encounter Joshua trees, pinyon pines, and fascinating rock formations. The highlight of this trail is the dam itself, which occasionally holds water after rains, attracting wildlife such as birds and bighorn sheep.
In addition to its natural beauty, the trail also features petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the region’s Native American history.
Pro Tip: Visit during the cooler months when the dam is more likely to have water, enhancing the scenic appeal of the trail.
4. Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Just outside the northern boundary of Joshua Tree National Park, the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail offers a unique hiking experience. This out-and-back trail leads you to a hidden oasis filled with palm trees, a rare sight in the desert. The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep sections, but the shady palm grove at the end provides a refreshing and peaceful reward.
This hike is especially enjoyable in the cooler months when temperatures are milder.
Pro Tip: The trail is a bit rocky and exposed, so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking boots.
5. Mastodon Peak Loop Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 1.7 hours
Located in the southern portion of the park, the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail offers a variety of terrain and scenic highlights. The trail takes you through open desert and past the ruins of the Mastodon Mine before leading you to the summit of Mastodon Peak, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the desert and nearby mountains.
The loop also connects with the Lost Palm Oasis Trail, so if you’re looking for a longer hike, you can extend your adventure.
Pro Tip: This trail is great for photography, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the desert light creates dramatic shadows on the rock formations.
6. Lost Horse Mine Trail
Distance: 4.1 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
If you’re a history buff, the Lost Horse Mine Trail offers a fascinating look into the park’s mining history. This moderate hike takes you to one of the best-preserved gold mines in Joshua Tree. Along the way, you’ll pass through desert scrub and climb gentle hills with great views of the surrounding valleys.
At the mine, you’ll find the remnants of an old stamp mill and other mining equipment, providing a glimpse into the region’s past.
Pro Tip: If you’re up for a longer hike, you can continue on the Lost Horse Loop Trail for an 8-mile adventure.
7. Boy Scout Trail
Distance: 8 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Estimated Time: 3 hours
The Boy Scout Trail is a popular backpacking route that can also be done as a day hike. This one-way trail traverses the stunning Wonderland of Rocks, passing through varied terrain, including desert washes, rocky canyons, and lush Joshua tree groves. If you’re not up for the full 8 miles, you can hike a shorter out-and-back section.
This hike is perfect for those looking for solitude and an immersive desert experience.
Pro Tip: If you’re doing the full trail as a point-to-point hike, arrange for transportation at the trail’s end or hike with a partner and leave a car at the opposite trailhead.
8. Willow Hole Trail
Distance: 6.8 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2.25 hours
The Willow Hole Trail takes you through the iconic Wonderland of Rocks, a maze of massive boulders and rock formations. This out-and-back trail leads to Willow Hole, a beautiful and shady oasis tucked within the rocks. The route is relatively flat, making it accessible to most hikers, though the distance can make it feel longer.
This hike is ideal for those looking to explore the quieter, less-visited areas of the park.
Pro Tip: This trail is known for its spectacular wildflower displays in the spring, making it one of the best times to visit.
9. Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop
Distance: 6.6 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3 to 4 hours
The Panorama Loop, located in the Black Rock Canyon area, offers some of the best views in Joshua Tree. The trail climbs through the canyon and up to a ridgeline, where you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and desert floor. This loop is less crowded than other popular hikes in the park, making it a great option for those seeking solitude.
Pro Tip: This trail is especially beautiful in the spring, when wildflowers are in bloom.
10. Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail
Distance: 0.25 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 15 to 20 minutes
While not a traditional hike, the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is a must-see stop in Joshua Tree National Park. This short, flat loop takes you through a dense concentration of cholla cacti, a striking and iconic plant species found in the park. The trail is especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset, when the light creates a golden glow on the cacti.
Pro Tip: Note that there is a fee to enter Joshua Tree national Park. Be cautious around the cholla cacti, as their spines are sharp and can easily stick to clothing and skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking for a short, scenic walk or an all-day adventure, Joshua Tree National Park offers a diverse array of hiking opportunities. From iconic landmarks like Hidden Valley and Ryan Mountain to lesser-known gems like Willow Hole and Fortynine Palms Oasis, there's something for every hiker to enjoy. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure as you explore one of the most unique landscapes in the world.
Happy hiking!