ashenIf you are an adventure lover living in California then this post is for you. Stick with us until the end to know all about the Joshua Tree National Park and Joshua Tree best hikes. The best part about the Joshua Tree trails are the varying level of difficulty and the different characteristics of each. If you are a nature lover of any sort, Joshua Tree definitely has something in store for you. It can be birdwatching, wildlife photography, hiking, climbing or stargazing, this park has plenty of spots for each activity. It may not be Disney world, but it will keep you engaged for sure!
Joshua Tree Facts
Lets accumulate some facts about Joshua Tree National Park before diving headlong into the hikes. After all, it may serve as a better understanding and provide some insight on which type of trail you might really want to explore.
First things first. The name was established because of the Yucca brevifolia a.k.a Joshua Tree found in the high altitude areas of the Mojave desert. The park was officially declared in 1976 by The United States Congress and as of present it covers 594,502 acres of California desert. Bearings wise, the north extends to the Pinto Mountains, northeast to the Coxcomb Mountains, southwest to the Little San Bernardino Mountains. and southeast to the Eagle Mountains.
It is the western part of the park that actually has the Joshua Trees. The east part contains other desert plants like cactus. As for the fauna, you can find coyotes, rattlesnakes, lizards, jackrabbits and much more wildlife. The landscapes are truly mesmerizing because of the dynamic shifts from trail to trail. The rock formations are bound to tempt adrenaline jacked climbers into climbing and conquering them. Don’t worry, we will specify about each and every trail in terms of activities they are popular for. The entrance fee is $20 for the park. So let us enter and get to know the best trails in Joshua Tree for all kinds of visitors!
Ryan Mountain Trail
Why start with the Ryan Mountain Trail? Well, what’s a better place to start than the heart of the Joshua Tree Park? Therefore it is that fact alone that makes the Ryan Mountain Trail one of the most famous Joshua Tree hikes. The trail is 4.8 kilometers in length and is located near Twentynine Palms. Another reason for this particular trail being famous is the ease of accessibility. Mainly used for hiking and jogging, you can experience the magnificent sunset of Joshua Tree Park.
It’s quite warm in the summer so make sure to carry enough water with you as you ascend to the top. And it is at the top that your eyes will be able to feast on the magnificent panoramic view. Also it is advised to carry a flashlight or lamp to aid your sight during the descent. And since this is one of the most famous Joshua Tree hikes, it is usually crowded. So you have to start early in the morning if you want to enjoy a tad bit of solitude also you will be in the shades as you ascend.
Barker Dam Trail
A peek through the Park’s history. Definitely qualifies to the list of Joshua Tree best hikes. The Barker Dam Trail is 2.1 kilometers and much more congested. This trail too is mostly for hiking, walking and running and is accessible all year round. There is a diversity of flora here and another popular activity is rock scrambling, though not on a large scale. Of course there are big granite rock formations to tryout if you are an expert climber. But the Barker Dam Trail is popular for family hikes, a moderate hike with a bit of barrier conquering.
You will also see the Dam built by C.O. Barker in 1900. There is an old stone horse trough just after the dam for birds to drink water. And this is where the bird lovers get the opportunity to engage in birdwatching for Joshua Tree hosts more than 250 species of birds. There isn’t much shade as you near the end of the hike, but you sure can see a lot of Joshua Trees. Here too it’s advised to start as early as possible.
Discovery Trail
Another well known Joshua Tree best hiking experience. Believe it or not, the Discovery Trail in Joshua was built by kids for kids. The trail starts at the north side of Park Boulevard which is also one of the parking lots. Although this trail was constructed in 2012, it still is one of the recent trails of Joshua Tree. The actual name is Skull Rock Discovery trail because of the fascinating geology placement here.
You can find a viewing telescope halfway through the hike placed by the Parking service. And you can enjoy the panoramic views using this. You will find informational placards placed conveniently at different spots. As the trail is a 0.7-mile loop with 8- feet of gain, climbers and hikers will find this most interesting. It might not be the exact trail for someone looking for a casual walk. For some hikers, this trail proved to be the best way to get into the Joshua Tree hikes.
Boy Scout Trail
If you are planning to visit Joshua Tree in the hopes of having a day trip, then the Boy Scout Trail is the best option. It is one of the best backpacking trips in this park. It is a bit strenuous though, because the total distance is about 16 miles in and out. For experienced and trained hikers, it might not be a big an issue. But most hikers complete the one way trip and opt for the shuttle service at the Indian Cove Backcountry Board which is the northern trailhead.
The majority choice is to start off at the Park Boulevard which is the southern end. You must sign in the backpacker’s permit registration board and mark your planned dates out of the trail. The strange thing is that although this is regarded as a Joshua Tree best day hike, it is subjectively isolated. On the plus side you can encounter some endangered species such as the Bighorn Sheep. Therefore this may serve as a memorable experience for hikers who enjoy solitude.
You won’t receive cell reception once you start the hike. Which means you cannot use your phone in case of an emergency. You can choose to camp anywhere on the western side of the trail as that’s the rule of the park. You will find enough flat spots to set up a tent of any dimension. Most likely, you will also encounter signed intersections with other trails. So if you are looking for a relatively strenuous day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, the Boy Scout Trail is a worthy choice. Also an important thing to mention is the Willow Hole of Joshua Tree is found through the Boy Scout Trail. Head north of the Boy Scout Trail and after 1.2 miles you will find another trail that departs rightwards. Follow this trail and you will encounter the fascinating Willow Hole.
Lost Horse Mine Trail
During the late 1800s and early 1900s mining thrived in Joshua Tree and the Lost Horse Mine was the exception of them all. The trail is about 4 miles and the main attraction is the mine that was flourishing back in the day. The road was built by J.D. Ryan to transport the ore from the mines. This is a moderate hike after all, mostly to stroll down history. However if you are up for the challenge, you can always hike to the ridge and look down at the mine. Also you will find the Keys view after the hike and it is considered one of the best views of Joshua Tree. Another trail for the hikers who enjoy their own company as this trail too isn’t that crowded. Apart from the history, the flora and fauna too awaits you.
Split Rock Trail
A Joshua Tree best hike if you are a rock climber and really want to stretch yourself. This loop takes you through three famous rocks. Namely Split Rock, Tulip Rock, and Face Rock. There are so many rock formations that you can crawl into and a network of trails are easily accessible from here. And these trails lead to other boulders waiting for you to explore and conquer them.
According to the hikers who visited here, the best place to start is the Split Rock picnic area. You will discover the cave on your right, soon after you start the hike. The Split Rock and the Tulip Rock will be visible one after the other as you progress along the hike. The Face Rock is a 0.3-mile round trip while the Split Rock Trail is a 2.5 mile loop with a 150 feet gain. Also if you have enough time, you can always explore the surrounding trails and discover caves and boulders for yourself.
Black Rock Canyon
If you are in for a longer hike and are not intimidated by heights then this undoubtedly is the best hike of Joshua Tree. Because once you’ve conquered it, you are in for a treat presented by the panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Also you can encounter a thick population of Joshua Trees in these parts. The trail begins and ends on a wash by the Blackrock Backcountry Board.
After hiking a bit you will find signposts that state where the trail becomes a loop. The panorama view is about 6.5 miles round trip with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. You are bound to stop and multiple points to grab a quick accurate selfie with different mountain peaks that you discover as the hike progresses. The loop cuts it’s way through dense forests, narrow canyons and of course panoramic views.
Things To Know Before Hiking In Joshua Tree
So now that we’ve presented 7 best hikes of Joshua Tree, let’s walk through some things that you need to know before you go. If you are planning to visit during the summer, make sure to start as early as possible because the temperatures rise steadfastly and can leave you perspiring and fatigued. The surrounding desserts are the cause of this. The Spring and the Fall are recommended as the best times to visit Joshua Tree. Because you can see the wildflower blossoms in the spring and the winter isn’t so cold, though you need extra layers.
You can check the Joshua Tree Park Map before you start your journey. Also make sure to stop in at a visitor center before starting your hike. This is your opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge about the park’s flora and fauna. Possibly gain a better insight about your plans from the rangers. No services are available, so bring along your food, water and first-aid. Altogether there are 8 campgrounds for you to spend a night. But if camping is your intention, just make sure to check the weather report before you start planning. Because wind and heat can go to extremes in this environment. And if you plan to have a campfire, make sure to buy some firewood from the town because the campgrounds don’t sell firewood. Have a good sleeping bag or a bivy bag since the campgrounds are at a higher elevation.
Also it costs $35 to take a standard vehicle inside the park. Most importantly since this is a desert environment, you need to have a pair of hiking shoes or running shoes. And they should offer the required traction and stability while climbing rocks. Something like the La Sportiva Rock Climbing Shoes would suffice to keep your feet from damage by the rocks.
Summary
Last but not least, what must be mentioned is that it is easy to confuse desert washes with trails. Therefore make sure to always confirm that you are following the trail and haven’t strayed. Joshua Tree is a savvy place for the hikers, climbers, backpackers and campers. Now that you are aware of the trails, choose the best ones that suit your taste or you can also opt to rent a vacation home and enjoy everything it has to offer.
So Folks that’s about it for Joshua Tree Best Hikes. We hope this guide was both informative and helpful. If you have already been there please do share your experiences with us.
