Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park Cholla Cactus Garden Trail. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Ryan Mountain, at 5,457 feet, right in the middle of Joshua Tree, offers panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Along the hike, you can view the stamp mill, where the gold ore was crushed, still standing at the mine site, but a chain link fence surrounds the dangerous open mine shafts. There’s a spur trail that overlooks the oasis, but don’t linger too long, as your destination awaits. Keep in mind, the trailhead is often congested during the peak seasons of spring and autumn. The Best Hikes in Joshua Tree Lost Palms Oasis Trail. In the spring, abundant wildflowers and cacti bloom along the trail, adding color to the stark landscape. The Joshua trees, twisted and bent against the rocky desert backdrop, look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park is truly a one of a kind experience. Though most of the hikes on this list are rated intermediate or lower, be sure you take into account the weather, heat of the day and sun exposure along each route. Ryan Mountain Trail is 3 miles round trip with 1,050 feet of elevation change, so it … Joshua Tree National Park is a total gem in Southern California. The unique geologic feature is a result of millennia of erosion by wind and water. Do not attempt to hike moderate to strenuous trails in high heat. In the spring, abundant wildflowers and cacti bloom along the trail, adding color to the stark landscape. The best time to hike Joshua Tree National Park is fall, winter, and spring. However, before you go please head a word of caution for your own safety. REI and the REI co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park (Photo Credit: NPS/Brad Sutton). Anza-Borrego Desert State Parkis an ideal destination for wildflower chasing, especially during a spring super bloom. —desert shrub, spring wildflowers, lizards, bees and the rare goat occupy the wash here—before climbing through the exposed scrub desert. Within the rocky landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, you'll find a variety of great hiking trails for you and your family. These places are best for hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park: Ryan Mountain; 49 Palms Canyon Trail; Split Rock; Lost Palms Oasis Trail; Wall Street Mill; See more hiking trails in Joshua Tree National Park on Tripadvisor All rights reserved. A tenth of a mile scramble will take you to the top where you can enjoy 360-views of the park, making it one of the best hikes in Joshua tree with a view. , the park deserves much more than a quick trip. The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit. What begins as a sand and gravel trail with a few sets of stairs eventually becomes rugged and rocky. This trail may be short, but take your time getting to know it. The Mastodon Peak Loop Trail is an easy to moderate hike and is one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. : 23.3 miles southwest of Twentynine Palms, CA, : A hearty hike through an iconic Joshua Tree landscape to an old gold mine, 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. With at least 17 species of flowering plants and cacti along the route, this stroll through the. The best way to explore it is on foot – and here you can find out all about the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park! Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular spots for outdoor recreation in Southern California. Trail ends at willow trees. Estimated time: 3 hours 15 minutes. What makes Joshua Tree National Park so special? The tall and narrow rock walls of Hidden Valley form a natural corral that features a unique microclimate home to cacti, lizards, amphibians, birds and other critters not often found elsewhere in the park. You have to be ready for changing conditions when setting out on your hike. The trail circles the main rock outcrop; as you walk, admire the precariously-balanced Cap Rock, perched on top of the main outcrop. Encircled on all sides by the familiar golden rock outcroppings of the Joshua Tree park, Hidden Valley certainly lives up to is name. It’s location, just a mere one hour drive away from Palm Springs makes Joshua Tree an ideal day trip. The first stand is a wonderful place to explore, rest and enjoy some shade, but the park asks visitors to steer clear of the second to protect its fragile habitat. Fill in your details below, or select an option to login: Stay updated on the latest news, deals, & more. © 2020 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. In the few hours between work, adventures and sleep, Liz is a science writer, studies the weather and eats more chocolate-chip cookies than any one person should. There’s a spur trail that overlooks the oasis, but don’t linger too long, as your destination awaits. Wandering Mojave is a locally owned and operated hiking guide service that operates exclusively within Joshua Tree National Park.. Lead Guide Travis Puglisi has spent the last 20 years wandering, on and off the trails, learning the secrets of the landscape and how to respectfully move through it.. You’ll start in a small but beautiful grove of palms at Cottonwood Spring Oasis—desert shrub, spring wildflowers, lizards, bees and the rare goat occupy the wash here—before climbing through the exposed scrub desert. As you continue to climb you’ll start to be able to take in more and more of your surroundings. This Joshua Tree National Park hiking trail features the skeletons of a windmill, rusted out cars and equipment once used to crush gold ore. The park features a range of lengths and difficulties on its trails. Average highs are around 60 degrees (although it can dip below freezing at night), and it's less crowded than the warmer shoulder seasons. Try to plan your visit for April or May when much of the vegetation, such as desert sage, starvine, brittlebrush and chollas, should be in bloom. : 20.1 miles southwest of Twentynine Palms, CA, This trail may be short, but take your time getting to know it. Joshua Tree will always have a special place in our hearts. On a clear day you’ll be able to see the massive peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, the highest point in Southern California. This Death Valley and Joshua Tree hiking tour features a combination of restaurant meals and meals prepared by your guide. Barker Dam This 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree: The Complete Guide: Joshua Tree National Park - This book provides an enormous amount of information on hiking in the park, along with plenty of … Restrooms at trailhead. Joshua Tree is an excellent winter vacation in the US, so for the best hiking weather, plan to visit Joshua Tree National Park between late October and early April. In order to discover the 5 Best Hikes In Joshua Tree to complete, as well as a handy guide to hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, simply continue reading. Just be sure to stick to the trail—it’s namesake cacti, nicknamed teddybear cholla, may look fuzzy, but their spines will stick in your skin if you happen to brush against them. When your part of the country is cold, gloomy, snowy, or rainy, it might be the perfect time to visit Joshua Tree National Park. You'll have more company on the trails then, but the colorful spectacle is too great to pass up. The dam isn’t the only piece of history on this hike—the ruins of a few buildings and an old cattle trough can be spotted near the dam and petroglyphs can be found down. Many travelers take day trips out to Joshua Tree to enjoy the hikes, climbing routes, bouldering, scenery, and otherworldly landscapes.… Check out some of our favorite women's day packs. Lost Palms, the largest stand of palms in the park, is a wonderfully shady spot to have a picnic and cool off. Hiking Joshua Tree National Park. After exploring the area, head up Lost Horse Mountain to enjoy views of the park. Craving some warm sunshine in winter? If you want to witness desert wildflowers bloom, go in early spring. Just follow the signs that say WP (Warren Peak) through each intersection until you get to the summit where views of the surrounding peaks, Palm Springs, Big Bear and San Jacinta await. Try to plan your visit for April or May when much of the vegetation, such as desert sage, starvine, brittlebrush and chollas, should be in bloom. Radiant sunsets and sunrises color the sky orange, red and purple, bring vibrancy to this vast landscape all year. Hikes here feature large, lumpy boulders, quirky and distinctive Joshua trees, bluebird skies, and dramatic mountain ranges that punctuate an otherwise flat horizon line. A Joshua Tree is a species of yucca and is known as izote de desierto in Spanish ( desert dagger). You can unsubscribe from REI Co-op emails at any time. Along the hike, you can view the stamp mill, where the gold ore was crushed, still standing at the mine site, but a chain link fence surrounds the dangerous open mine shafts. After your hike, either snag one of the picnic tables at the parking lot or find a shady spot along the trail to enjoy a picnic. The heavily-trafficked trail is located near Mecca, CA and is typically trekked on from April until October and is also a favorite for birdwatchers and campers. Hidden Valley Trail. We’ll send you a few emails every week. Despite their intermediate ratings and similar names, the out-and-back trek to Lost Palms Oasis is a much tougher undertaking than the hike to Fortynine Palms due to its longer mileage and the extensive sun exposure. The open, desert landscape of this national park is a welcome respite for city or forest dwellers. You’ll navigate boulders, gullies and rocky trail as you near the end. Mild autumn weather make this a wonderful late-season vacation spot, and spring brings stunning wildflowers and cactus blooms. Whether it’s a short nature loop or a long trek, bring plenty of layers and water. Views from Warren Peak (Photo Credit: Hiking Project contributor Bruce Hope). 1 mile loop. Cap Rock; Arch Rock; Skull Rock Barker Dam (Photo Credit: Hiking Project contributor Wayne Fisher). The Ryan Mountain Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree for a good reason. © 2020 Outdoor Project. Check your inbox for more perks. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Liz Dengler is a map nerd, writer and adventure-seeker who spends her working hours as a trail content editor for REI’s Adventure Projects where she seeks to improve outdoor experiences for others. After your hike, either snag one of the picnic tables at the parking lot or find a shady spot along the trail to enjoy a picnic. The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit. , which produced about $5 million in gold and silver between 1894 and 1931. However, with numerous campgrounds. Cholla Cactus Garden; Barker Dam Nature Trail; Hidden Valley Nature Trail; Best Hikes in Joshua Tree Among the Rocks. Though current passions take her into the skies on a paraglider, her enduring love of mountain biking and hiking always bring her back to earth. REI member since 2013. With at least 17 species of flowering plants and cacti along the route, this stroll through... Barker Dam Nature Trail. It’s not recommended to attempt the trek in the summer, and you’ll want to pack sun protection and plenty of water the rest of the year. The namesake trees, bizarre rock formations, high lookout points, and historic sites set within the park all make for interesting hiking. For a unique experience, stay to enjoy the sunset, just remember to bring a headlamp for the hike out. Joshua Tree National Park is one of Southern California’s iconic parks, known for its trails and hikes. Barker Dam is one of the best day hikes in Joshua Tree of its length (just 1.4 miles). Willow Hole: Boy Scout Trailhead - south end inside the park: 7.2 miles (11.5 km) 4 hours: Out and back. It’s just 1.5 miles to the top of Ryan Mountain, but you’ll gain just over 1,000 feet of elevation along the way. CaliforniaHikingJoshua TreeNational ParksPacific WestTravel. Keep in mind, the trailhead is often congested during the peak seasons of spring and autumn. The Barker Dam trail is one of the iconic paths meandering through the Joshua Tree National Park, and one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree if you like your hikes relatively easy. Best Time to Hike in Joshua Tree National Park. Evening is your best chance to spot these locals as they often emerge for a drink after the tourist crowds have mostly gone. It’s rumored that cattle rustlers once used the valley as a hideout, and, in 1936, desert homesteader Bill Keys started using this valley to protect his cattle as they grazed. Fortynine Palms Oasis; Lost Palms Oasis; Best Hikes in Joshua Tree for Cultural History. Enjoy panormaic views of the quiet western part of Joshua Tree. 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