Joshua Tree Hikes

50+ trails from easy nature walks to strenuous summit climbs

Quick Answer

Joshua Tree National Park has over 50 hiking trails across 300+ miles, ranging from flat 15-minute nature walks to strenuous 16-mile backcountry routes. The most popular trails include Hidden Valley (1 mi, easy), Barker Dam (1.1 mi, easy), Ryan Mountain (3 mi, strenuous), and Skull Rock (1.7 mi, easy). Fall through spring is the best hiking season.

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Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

From family-friendly nature walks to challenging summit trails, Joshua Tree offers incredible hiking for every skill level. The park's unique landscape — massive boulder piles, twisted Joshua trees, and sweeping desert vistas — makes every trail a memorable experience. Here are the 15 best hikes in the park:

Hidden Valley Trail Easy

Hidden Valley Trail

A rock-enclosed valley once used as a cattle rustler hideout. Great for families.

1 mi loop 30 min Minimal
Barker Dam Trail Easy

Barker Dam Trail

Scenic loop to a historic dam with seasonal water and Native American petroglyphs.

1.1 mi loop 45 min Minimal
Skull Rock Trail Easy

Skull Rock Trail

Visit the park's most photographed rock formation, naturally weathered into a skull shape.

1.7 mi RT 45 min Minimal
Cholla Cactus Garden Easy

Cholla Cactus Garden

A short boardwalk through a dense field of teddy bear cholla. Magical at golden hour.

0.25 mi loop 15 min None
Ryan Mountain Trail Strenuous

Ryan Mountain

The most rewarding summit hike with 360-degree views of the entire park.

3 mi RT 2-3 hrs 1,050 ft
49 Palms Oasis Trail Moderate

49 Palms Oasis

A hidden desert oasis with native fan palms. Accessed from outside the main park.

3 mi RT 2 hrs 360 ft
Lost Horse Mine Trail Moderate

Lost Horse Mine

Explore a well-preserved 1890s gold mine with original equipment still in place.

4 mi RT 2-3 hrs 500 ft
Keys View Easy

Keys View

A short paved path to a panoramic overlook of the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and Mexico.

0.25 mi RT 15 min Minimal
Arch Rock Trail Easy

Arch Rock Trail

Follow the wash to a natural granite arch — a quieter alternative to Skull Rock.

1.4 mi RT 30 min Minimal
Boy Scout Trail Strenuous

Boy Scout Trail

A long point-to-point trail through Joshua tree forests and desert washes.

8 mi one-way 5-6 hrs 1,200 ft
Cap Rock Nature Trail Easy

Cap Rock Nature Trail

A flat, accessible loop around a massive boulder pile with interpretive signs.

0.4 mi loop 15 min None
Pine City Trail Easy

Pine City Trail

A sandy trail to the remnants of a historic mining settlement surrounded by boulders.

3 mi RT 1.5 hrs Minimal
Mastodon Peak Trail Moderate

Mastodon Peak

A short summit hike near the south entrance with views of the Eagle Mountains and Salton Sea.

2.5 mi RT 1.5 hrs 400 ft
Warren Peak Trail Strenuous

Warren Peak

A challenging scramble in the Black Rock area with panoramic views. Least crowded summit.

6 mi RT 4 hrs 1,100 ft
Fortynine Palms Canyon Moderate

Fortynine Palms Canyon

A desert canyon hike ending at a palm oasis — one of the park's hidden gems.

3 mi RT 2 hrs 360 ft

Hiking Tips for Joshua Tree

Best Time to Hike

The best hiking season is October through May when temperatures are manageable (50-85°F). Summer hiking is dangerous — temperatures regularly exceed 100°F and there is no shade. If you must hike in summer, start before sunrise and finish by 10am.

What to Bring

  • Water: At least 1 liter per hour of hiking. There is no water in the park.
  • Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen — the desert sun is intense.
  • Navigation: Download offline maps. Cell service is almost nonexistent.
  • Layers: Desert temperatures can swing 30-40°F between morning and afternoon.
  • Snacks: Salty snacks help with electrolyte replacement.

⚠️ Desert Hiking Safety

Stay on established trails to protect fragile desert soils and avoid getting lost. Watch for rattlesnakes sunning on rocks. Tell someone your plans before entering the park — there's no cell service to call for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ryan Mountain offers the best panoramic views for those willing to climb, while Hidden Valley is the classic easy hike that showcases the park's iconic landscape with rock formations and Joshua trees.

No, dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park. They are only permitted in campgrounds, on paved roads, and within 100 feet of roads, and must be leashed at all times.

Hiking boots are recommended for longer trails, especially Ryan Mountain and Lost Horse Mine. Sturdy sneakers work fine for easy trails like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Cholla Cactus Garden.

Summer hiking is not recommended as temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. If you must hike, start before 8am, carry at least 1 gallon of water per person, and stick to short, shaded trails.

The National Park Service offers free ranger-led programs from October through May. Private guided hiking tours are also available through licensed outfitters.

No permit is required for day hikes. Backcountry overnight camping requires free self-registration at one of the backcountry boards located throughout the park.
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