Joshua Tree National Park Things to Do

The Oasis of Mara Trail is a peaceful, 0.5-mile paved trail that winds around a fan palm oasis. The trail is great for visitors looking for an easy stroll and offers a fantastic opportunity for birdwatching. Watch for common birds such as cactus wren, phainopepla, and Gambel's quail. Along the trail are educational signs about Native American history, knowledge, and modern connection to the area. Among the five fan palm oases in Joshua Tree National Park, the Oasis of Mara is one of the easiest to visit and see. The trailhead is located at park headquarters in Twentynine Palms, CA. The trail is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. To learn more about the Oasis of Mara, click here. Stats Length: 0.5 miles Surface material: paved sidewalk Elevation Gain: minimal This is a loop trail Parking There are: 2 van accessible spaces 45 standard parking spaces Restrooms The restrooms have: grab bars in all larger stalls intended for wheelchair users running water the men's restroom has: 1 standard urinal 1 lowered urinal 1 standard stall 1 larger stall intended for wheelchair users the women's restroom has: a child-sized changing table 3 standard stalls 1 larger stall intended for wheelchair users Drinking Water There is a drinking fountain and water bottle filling station near the restrooms.

An emergency phone is available for requesting first aid and medical assistance.

The end of the Hi-View Nature Trail.

Eureka Peak Trail is an 11 mile (round trip) out-and-back hike with 1748 ft of elevation gain. Most of the hike is a slow gradual rise in a sandy wash surrounded with desert vegetation until the trail gets steeper near the summit. From the top, Eureka Peak offers a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take in a view that not many visitors experience during a trip to Joshua Tree. Keep a look out for the elusive Desert tortoise and Bighorn sheep as they are sometimes seen in this area of the park! To begin, start hiking on the California Riding and Hiking Trail from the Black Rock Backcountry Trailhead. At the junction at 1.1 miles, take the Eureka Peak Trail and head south towards the peak. There are multiple options for parking. Park at the Black Rock Backcountry Trailhead or park at the Black Rock Nature Center. On busy days, there is additional overflow parking in the horse camp area.

Face Rock, located off spur trail along the Split Rock Trail

Porcupine Wash is located on Pinto Basin Road.

A desert oasis in the northern portions of Joshua Tree National Park.

Trailhead for Fortynine Palms Oasis.

Learn about Geology at Skull Rock during the audio tour.

Geology Tour Road is an 18-mile motor tour leads through one of Joshua Tree National Park's most fascinating geological landscapes.

Popular rock formations with views for walks, scrambling, and rock climbing.

Heart shaped rock formation

A popular rock formation along Park Boulevard.

Trailhead for the Hi-View and West Side Loop Trails which meander through mountains and Joshua tree forests.

Hidden Valley Picnic Area is a large picnic area with picnic tables and grills among rock formations and Joshua Trees.

The Hidden Valley Trailhead provides access to explore Hidden Valley.

Trailhead for hiking to Ryan Ranch and the Homesteading stop on the audio tour.

The Indian Cove Ranger Station provides information for the Indian Cove area.

Trailhead for an easy .6 mile hike with interpretive signs along the way.

Backcountry board and trailhead for the north end of the Boy Scout Trail.

Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) dominate much of the Black Rock area with their bright green leaves and spindly forms. These plants absorb as much water as possible after summer rains or winter snows through shallow roots that extend in a wide subterranean circle from their trunks. This leads to the fairly regular spacing of individual plants. Two Joshua trees growing near one another are likely the same individual, connected underground through networks of thin roots. Joshua trees store water in their trunks and branches, making them quite heavy during wet years and prone to tipping over or dropping branches. Take care not to climb on or attach ropes or hammocks to Joshua trees, despite their solid appearances they can be easily toppled.

Geology Tour Road is an 18-mile motor tour leads through one of Joshua Tree National Park's most fascinating geological landscapes.

Learn about Joshua trees at Hemingway.

The Juniper Flats Backcountry Trailhead provides access to the CRHT and other trails.

Keys Ranch was an early ranch created in the area. This location is is only open through guided ranger tours with tickets reserved in advance.

Keys View is a popular viewpoint providing wide vistas of the Little San Bernardino Mountains and Coachella Valley.

Backcountry board and trailhead for the south end of the Boy Scout Trail.

Quail Springs Picnic area provides picnic tables, grills, pit toilets, and trail access.

The North Entrance Fee Station is near the town of Twentynine Palms.

The High View Nature Trail is in the northern foothills of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, which stand between the Morongo Basin to the north and the Coachella Valley to the south. The Little San Bernardino Mountains are part of the Transverse Ranges, a group of mountains that formed along the San Andreas Fault as the North American and Pacific tectonic plates grind past one another. The higher elevations, as well as the proximity to the San Bernardino Mountains, means that this area generally has the highest quantity of precipitation and experience the coolest temperatures of anywhere in Joshua Tree National Park.

A picnic area along the eastern half of park boulevard.

The Lost Horse Loop Trailhead provides access to the Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail and the Lost Horse Mine.

Lost Horse Mine was one of the few successful mines from the late 1800's to early 1900's in the area that is now Joshua Tree National Park.

The Lost Horse Mine Trailhead provides access to the Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail and the Lost Horse Mine.

A desert oasis in the southeastern portion of Joshua Tree National Park.

Lucky Boy Loop is a 3.25-mile hike with 555 ft of elevation gain. This loop leads hikers through diverse scenery of desert vegetation, rock formations, vista points, and the remains of Elton Mine. Look out for wildlife including scrub jays fluttering in the Pinyon pines, lizards basking on the rocks, and cottontails hiding in the shrubs. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a desert tortoise making its way across the landscape or eating some of the springtime wildflowers. The last section of the loop is .5 mile along the dirt Desert Queen Mine Road back to the Pine City parking lot. Keep an eye out for passing vehicles. This trail is not recommended in the summer heat, due to it’s length and lack of shade. Make sure to bring adequate food and water supplies and proper sun protection.

The parking area to access views of Malapai Hill.

Trailhead for Mastodon Peak trail in the Cottonwood area of Joshua Tree National Park.

Trailhead for the Maze Loop Trail

Learn about Minerva Hoyt at this stop on the audio tour.

Trailhead for the Minerva Hoyt Trail

Hike the Juniper Flats Backcountry Region

Learn about the musical connections to Joshua Tree National Park at the Cap Rock stop on the audio tour.

The Nancy Karl Trail is a relatively easy 2 miles trail that starts in the town of Joshua Tree. There is very limited parking at the trailhead.

Parry’s nolina (Nolina parryi) is a hardy desert plant with long, thin, flexible leaves that make it easy to tell apart from Joshua trees or yuccas. In the spring, nolinas can grow a very tall flower stalk-- up to 12 feet tall! The flowers are cream colored and appear like a cone of popcorn on top of the stalk. Nolinas are slow growing plants that can live to be hundreds- possibly even over 1,000 years old.

The North Entrance Fee Station is near the town of Twentynine Palms.

Trailhead for the North View Trail

While common in the Black Rock Canyon area, mature stands of pine and oak trees like these are relatively rare in Joshua Tree National Park. These species prefer a slightly cooler climate and are therefore confined to the higher elevations of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Pinyon pine trees (Pinus pinaceae) are of particular concern to scientists as changing climate threatens the existence of this species in its current range.

A desert oasis located a short walk from the Oasis Visitor Center in the town of Twentynine Palms.

Scenic view along Pinto Basin Road.

Scenic view along Pinto Basin Road.

Located on Pinto Basin Road, approximately 7 miles north of Interstate 10 (exit 168), the Cottonwood Visitor Center is a convenient stop for those entering and exiting the park from the south.

Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms, California

The Joshua Tree Visitor Center is located in Joshua Tree, California

A popular rock formation near Ryan Mountain with scenic views.

Ever-changing Landscape This area wasn’t always a desert. As recent at 12,000 years ago, lush green vegetation covered the valleys and mountain slopes around you. Streams once fed a seasonal lake that is now the dry playa you just drove across. Changing Climate Pleistocene Epoch: Until 12,000 years ago, the climate in this region was much cooler and wetter. Thick soils anchored by lush vegetation covered rolling hills and slopes and water flowed through year-round streams. Present Day: At the end of the Pleistocene, the climate dried out and warmed up. The vegetation that was adapted to a wetter climate died, leaving behind bare slopes that are more vulnerable to erosion. Valley floors filled with sediment, creating the flat plains you see today. These plains are preserved because there isn't enough running water to erode them away. Changing Landscape Look for the following features to see evidence of an ever-changing landscape. Bajada: Find bajadas where alluvial fans merge to form a vast sediment slope at the mouth of canyons. Pediment: These sloping bedrock surfaces covered by gravel can be seen along the edges of mountains. Dry Wash: Washes transport sediment downhill. The smallest, lightest particles are carried farthest. Desert washes fill with rushing water after rain and monsoons. The washes in Joshua Tree spend most of the year dry. Playa: Streams carried sediment into a now dry lake. Clay and silt deposits are hundreds of feet deep here. Exploration Area Explore the desert surrounding you on foot. Notice the small details in the plants. Look for signs of animals. Take plenty of water with you. Glossary Alluvial fans: Alluvial comes from a Latin word, alluere meaning “to wash against”. Alluvial fans generally form where mountains meet the plains. A fast-running stream moving down a steep canyon can carry more sand, rocks, and pebbles, but when the water reaches the flat plains, it flows more slowly and can't carry the larger rocks and sand anymore. (Picture how fine silt settles out of a still lake, whereas a rushing river can push along sand, pebbles, and even large rocks.) These sediments accumulate in a fan shape at the mouth of canyons or washes. Bajada: A bajada is where many alluvial fans meet and converge. Pediment: A relatively flat or slightly concave surface of bedrock.

Learn about the Palm Oases at this stop on the audio tour. A lush desert oasis that also provides access to the Mastodon Peak Loop and Lost Palms Oasis Trail.

Hike the Panorama Loop for a challenging yet rewarding hike with grand views of the surrounding mountains.

The Joshua Tree National Park entrance sign at the south end of th park.

The North Entrance Fee Station is near the town of Twentynine Palms.

The West Entrance Fee Station for Joshua Tree National Park

The peak of the High View Nature Trail is 4,445 feet above sea level. To the northeast lies the community of Yucca Valley, and on clear days it is easy to see the distant expanse of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, over 40 miles away. The peak of Mount San Gorgonio, to the west, is over 50 miles away. These stunning views are thanks partially to the high vantage point and lack of obstacles, and also because low humidity in desert air makes for easier long-range sightseeing.

Trailhead for Pine City and Lucky Boy Vista.

A pullout along Pinto Basin Road.

Quail Springs Picnic area provides picnic tables, grills, pit toilets, and trail access.

Learn about the Rare Tree at the Live Oak Picnic Area

Picnic area in Indian Cove

A large rock formation with over 40 climbing routes.

Arch Rock Nature Trailhead and the Twin Tanks Wilderness Backpacking Board.

Arch Rock Nature Trailhead and the Twin Tanks Wilderness Backpacking Board.

Hike the Bajada Trail

The Barker Damn Nature Trail Trailhead provides quick access to Barker Dam on a 1.1 mile hike.

The Joshua Tree National Park entrance sign at the south end of the park.

Big Trees Trail is a 6 mile (round trip) out-and-back hike less than 100 ft of elevation gain. This trail is great for admiring the desert vegetation and looking out for wildlife. On this hike, you’ll see some of the bigger Joshua trees in the park. Take a moment and see if you can spot a nesting Red Tail Hawk or Scott’s Oriole in the Joshua trees. On the ground, be on the lookout for racing jackrabbits, burrowing ground squirrels, and the occasional lizard bathing in the sun. Big Trees Trail is also known as the Lost Horse Connector Trail because it connects to Lost Horse Mine Trail. If you continue on the Lost Horse Mine Trail to the historic mining site, then return to the trailhead, it creates a 10 mile (round trip) out-and back hike with approximately 650 feet of elevation gain. If you continue to hike the full Lost Horse Loop Hike, then return to the trailhead, it creates a 12.5 mile “lollipop” loop hike with approximately 900 feet of elevation gain. If camping at Ryan Campground, this trail can be accessed from the campground near campsite 13. If not camping, park your car in the Juniper Flats parking lot and start hiking northeast on the California Riding and Hiking Trail until you reach Ryan Campground. From the campground, begin hiking the Big Trees Trail at the trail junction near campsite 13.

Learn about Bighorn Sheep at this stop on the audio tour.

The trailhead for many hiking trails in the Black Rock area of Joshua Tree National Park.

Explore the Wonderland of Rocks on the Boy Scout Trail. The Boy Scout Trail runs for a total of 8 miles one way(16 miles round trip), but hikes of any length can be a great way to experience the Wonderland of Rocks. Start from the Keys West Wilderness Backpacking Board along Park Boulevard and enjoy a hike for as long as you would like. This trail has little shade and unreliable cell service. Always check the weather forecast before heading into the park and consider changing plans if the weather conditions are too extreme. Before hiking, tell a safety buddy where you are going and when you plan on leaving the park

Trailhead for Burnt Hill Loop Trail

Take a hike east or west from here on the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Carry water with you. The California Riding and Hiking Trail is 37 miles total, but smaller sections are popular day-hikes. This trailhead is in the middle of the California Riding and Hiking Trail and the trail can be hiked either to the east or west from here.

The California Riding and Hiking Trail (CRHT) is 36.6 miles and spans from Black Rock Canyon to the North Entrance. It leads hikers through a variety of diverse landscapes in the Mojave Desert section of the park. You can see valleys full of Joshua trees, towering boulder piles, springtime wildflowers, and miles of remote wilderness. The CRHT is popular with backpackers and typically takes 2-3 days to complete the entire length. Day hikers can explore shorter sections from multiple trailheads at Black Rock, Upper Covington Flat, Juniper Flats, Geology Tour Road, Twin Tanks/Arch Rock Trailhead, and North Entrance. Permits are required for backpacking; please review our website for more information. This trail is not recommended during the summer due to high temperatures and sun exposure. Make sure to bring adequate food and water supplies and proper sun protection.

Cap Rock is a popular centrally located rock formation.

Enjoy scenic views of mountains and a large number of cholla growing along Pinto Basin Road.

Enjoy scenic views of mountains and a large number of cholla growing along Pinto Basin Road.

Trailhead for Contact Mine Trail

Hike to the Lost Palms Oasis

Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms, California

Picnic area in cottonwood campground.

A lush desert oasis that also provides access to the Mastodon Peak Loop and Lost Palms Oasis Trail.

A cow shaped rock formation

Cyclops Rock, a large granite rock formation popular with climbers.

Trailhead for Contact Mine Trail and Desert Tortoise stop for the audio tour.

Silver Bell Mine Pullout is located on Pinto Basin Road.

The Wilson Canyon Pullout along Pinto Basin Road.

Quail Springs Picnic Area is a picnic area along Park Boulevard when entering from the west entrance.

Silver Bell Mine Pullout is along Pinto Basin Road.

Turkey Flats in Pinto Basin

The Discovery Trail is a 0.7-mile (1.1km) loop hike with 70ft (21.3m) of elevation gain and diverse views of the jumbo rocks area. Hike this trail through sandy washes, boulder piles, and unique rock formations. Along the trail, you will find educational signs that are great for learning more about the desert! There is also a vista point offering scenic views of jumbo rocks, skull rock, and elephant rock. This trail is nice choice for families looking for an easy and educational trail with light rock scrambling opportunities. The Discovery Trail begins across the street from Skull Rock. It connects to the Split Rock Trail and Face Rock. To access this trail, park near Skull Rock along Park Boulevard. The area can be congested so watch out for pedestrians while driving. When parking, watch out for deep sand, park completely off the road, and do not park on vegetation. When walking from your car to the trailhead, do not walk in the road and use the crosswalk when crossing.

Hike the Echo T Trail and connect to the Barker Dam from this trailhead.

The Hidden Valley Trailhead provides access to explore Hidden Valley.

Elephant Rock, a granite rock formation shaped like an elephant. This rock formation can be seen from Park Boulevard in front of the Skull Rock and Discovery Trail Trailhead.

Enjoy Joshua Tree National Park's amazing night sky.

An easy quarter mile hike through a cholla patch along Pinto Basin Road.

A relatively flat, 1.7-mile loop trail. Hike through the large, granite boulder fields around the Jumbo Rocks area, including one near Park Boulevard that closely resembles a Skull. 

Join a ranger on an educational stroll.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a wide range of birds for birders to discover.

Explore the Wonderland of Rocks on the Boy Scout Trail.

A difficult three mile hike to a desert oasis.

A scenic drive through Joshua Tree National Park.

Enjoy an easy 1.1 mile hike on the Barker Dam Nature Trail.

Attend an evening program at Joshua Tree National Park.

Visit the Universal Threads Exhibit and learn about the intertwining relationships between plants, animals, earth, sky, and human life.

Horseback riding designated trails in Joshua Tree National Park.

Biking in Joshua Tree National Park

Backpack through the Joshua Tree Wilderness in the Eagle Mountains Zone.

Backpack in the Black Rock Zone at Joshua Tree National Park. The Black Rock Zone features a wide variety of hiking trails through mountains, washes, ravines, and valleys.

Joshua Tree offers many miles of backcountry dirt roads for four-wheel drive vehicles to explore.

Backpack through the Joshua Tree wilderness in the Pine City Zone.

Experience Joshua Tree National Park's wilderness by backpacking along the Boy Scout Trail.

Backpack the Joshua Tree wilderness in the Maze Zone.

Backpack in the Juniper Flats Zone

An easy .6 mile loop in Indian Cove.

Enjoy an easy one mile hike on Hidden Valley Trail.

A moderate 1.3-mile loop hike.

An easy half mile walk to a desert oasis.

Visit the Black Rock Art Gallery

Take a tour of Keys Ranch with a park ranger.

Hike up a sandy wash, then follow the ridgeline of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Enjoy scenic views, dense Joshua tree forest, and pinyon-juniper woodland. This trail is 6.6 miles and has over a 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Photography at Joshua Tree National Park.

Information on the Minerva Hoyt trail.

Enjoy a scenic hike into the Wonderland of Rocks.

Enjoy a secluded hike to a historic mining site.

Lost Horse Mine Trail

Enjoy a moderate loop hike in the Black Rock area

A short, easy 0.1 mile walk to an oasis.

An easy .4-mile loop hike

Enjoy this short, easy trail through the Colorado desert.

Hike the Arch Rock Trail, a lollipop trail through sandy and rocky terrain. A .6-mile trail leads to a .2-mile loop. The arch is located halfway along the loop. The full hike is 1.4 miles.

A moderate two mile out and back hike to an old mill site.

A moderate four mile out and back hike.

A moderate three mile loop with 375 feet of elevation gain.

Split Rock is a 2.5 mile loop trail with 150 feet of elevation gain and beautiful desert views.

A popular, steep, three mile out and back hike with wide panoramic views.

A difficult 7.5 mile hike to an oasis.

Barker Dam offers a wide range of popular bouldering problems.

Indian Cove offers a wide range of popular technical rock climbing routes.

Echo T offers a wide range of popular technical rock climbing routes.

Hidden Valley offers a wide range of popular technical rock climbing routes.

Become a Junior Ranger at Joshua Tree National Park.