The 7 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park for Every Adventurer
Discover the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park! From Ryan Mountain to Hidden Valley, we cover the top trails for every adventurer.
Joshua Tree National Park is a hiker's dream—a magical meeting point of the Colorado and Mojave deserts, known for its iconic Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and surreal desert landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or looking for a casual jaunt, there’s something for everyone in this otherworldly oasis. To make your adventure unforgettable, we’ve rounded up the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park to suit every skill level and interest.
Why Visit Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park is more than just a desert—it's an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Known for its stunning desert landscapes, unmatched starlit skies, and quirky rock formations, the park attracts hikers, climbers, and photographers from around the world. With over 800,000 acres of diverse desert terrain and surrounding mountain ranges, Joshua Tree offers some of the most unique hiking trails in the country.
Whether you enter via the West Entrance, North Entrance, or the lesser-used South Entrance, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the Mojave Desert, towering rock piles, and, of course, the park’s namesake Joshua trees. From short, family-friendly hikes to challenging treks for pros, there's no shortage of trails to explore.
Here’s your guide to the best hikes Joshua Tree has to offer.
1. Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Distance: 1 mile (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Why It’s Great: Cool rocks, easy hike, and a sense of discovery
The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree—and for good reason. This easy loop trail takes you through a mesmerizing rock garden encircled by large boulders and rock piles. Legend has it that cattle rustlers used this enclosed valley to hide stolen livestock, adding a touch of Wild West history to your trek.
It’s perfect for families or those new to hiking. Don’t forget to climb up one of the low rocks for a panoramic view of the desert landscape!
2. Ryan Mountain Trail
Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Why It’s Great: Sweeping views of the entire park
Looking for elevation gain and Instagram-worthy views? The Ryan Mountain Trail is your perfect match. This moderate hike ascends to one of the highest points in the park, where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree vistas of the San Bernardino Mountains, Little San Bernardino Mountains, and surrounding desert terrain.
This trail is best tackled early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the sunrise bathing the rock features in a golden glow.
3. Barker Dam Trail
Distance: 1.3 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Why It’s Great: A historic dam and potential wildlife sightings
The Barker Dam Trail is an easy hike with a fascinating mix of history and nature. Along the way, you’ll encounter the historic dam itself, built by early ranchers to collect water, and, if you’re lucky, glimpses of desert wildlife like bighorn sheep.
This loop trail features rock art, interesting rock formations, and—depending on the season—a shimmering reservoir. It's a great option for hikers of all ages who want to combine light exercise with a bit of history.
4. Skull Rock Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Why It’s Great: Iconic rock feature shaped like a skull
If quirky rock formations are your thing, the Skull Rock Trail is a must-hike. Named for its unusual skull-shaped boulder, this trail takes you through the Jumbo Rocks Campground and across a sandy wash filled with otherworldly sights.
The short and relatively gentle nature of this hike makes it perfect for families or visitors with limited time.
5. Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Why It’s Great: A hidden oasis in the desert
The Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail offers a refreshing surprise amid the desert landscape—an actual oasis. This moderate hike leads to a cluster of naturally growing palms alive with greenery and shade. The trail provides stunning mountain views along the way, but be prepared for a bit of a climb.
This is one of the quieter trails in the park, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude.
6. Wall Street Mine Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Why It’s Great: A glimpse into Joshua Tree’s mining history
For hikers who want a taste of history, the Wall Street Mine Trail is the perfect pick. This trail meanders through gorgeous scenery to an old mining site, complete with rusted equipment and remnants of the past. The Wall Street Mine is a fantastic spot for history buffs and anyone with a curiosity about the gold rush era.
7. Cholla Cactus Garden
Distance: 0.25 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Why It’s Great: A short but surreal hike
The Cholla Cactus Garden is less of a hike and more a nature trail, but it’s a surreal experience that shouldn’t be skipped. Walk among thousands of naturally growing cholla cacti, which seem to glow when the sunlight hits their spines just right. This easy stroll is best done at sunrise or sunset for the ultimate photo op.
Insider Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
- Start Early: Many of the trails, like Ryan Mountain and Boy Scout Trail, can get quite hot. Hiking early in the morning not only helps you beat the heat but also allows you to enjoy the light pollution-free sky for breathtaking sunrises.
- Bring the Right Gear: Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, carry plenty of water, and pack sun protection, as the desert sun can be unforgiving.
- Stay for Stargazing: Joshua Tree is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the U.S. to gaze at the night sky. Stick around after your hikes for an unforgettable cosmic experience.
- Stop by Visitor Centers: Don’t miss the Oasis Visitor Center near the North Entrance or Cottonwood Visitor Center near the South Entrance. They have maps, trail passes, and knowledgeable staff to help plan your adventure.
- Camping Options: Consider staying overnight at iconic campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks Campground or Black Rock Campground to fully immerse yourself in Joshua Tree’s rugged beauty.
Make the Most of Your Joshua Tree Adventure
Joshua Tree National Park is an outdoor adventure paradise with something for everyone—from easy hiking trails to challenging climbs, from history-filled paths to serene desert oases. Whether you’re an experienced climber, a casual stroller, or somewhere in between, these top hikes will help you enjoy Joshua Tree in all its glory.
Feeling inspired to plan your trip? Check out the National Park Service website for trail maps, weather updates, and more tips to enhance your visit. And make sure to bring your sense of adventure—Joshua Tree is waiting!
Happy Travels 😄
Raquel
Raquel
Raquel
Raquel
Raquel
Raquel