Joshua Tree National Park is a beautiful area that is different to the other national parks. Its desert landscape is one that awes visitors, and maybe you’ll get lucky and see a desert tortoise! Maybe you have limited time or are just looking for hikes or attractions to see, this is the place. All of these reviews are based off of personal experience.
Ryan Mountain - AllTrails Link
Ryan Mountain is the second highest point in JTNP (but much easier to access than the first highest) and is a popular hike. The trail is a steady, relatively easy path with a manageable incline. It is a 3 mile out and back with minimal shade, like many other trails, so be sure to pack enough water and snacks. This trail is wonderful as it gives panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and even offers opportunities to see bighorn sheep, but unfortunately I didn’t get to see any.
Forty-nine Palms Oasis - AllTrails Link
Fourtynine Palms Oasis Trail is a fun trail with a good ending, ending in a beautiful oasis surrounded by mountainous desert. This is a 3 mile out and back hike that can be dangerous without water, so like anywhere in this park, make sure to bring plenty. Otherwise it is a wonderful hike and the oasis offers some refuge half way through. During my hike we saw a group of Bighorn sheep, which was an amazing experience. While you may expect the desert to be flat, this is anything but as it takes you through the mountains to the oasis.
Skull Rock, Heart Rock, and Arch Rock - AllTrails Link
Each of these are short or no hikes, and show off the cool rock formations around the park.
Skull rock is right off of the road, meaning large crowds but almost no hike needed to see it, however parking can get taken up so the hike from the alternate parking can be a trek. Overall cool to see but will not take a ton of time.
Heart Rock and Arch Rock are rock formations you can find generally off of the same trail, a short, 2 mile ish hike depending on how you go. This trail is easy and can get popular, but it is cool to see these and take photos.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail - AllTrails Link
The Hidden Valley Trail is a relatively easy 1 mile loop, but it is still worth it. Good for a hot day or when you are short on time, however due to its short/easier nature, it can get more busy than some of the other trails.
Lost Horse Mine - AllTrails Link
This is a very good hike, with a cool mine at one end that you get to see. Around 4 miles in length, it isn’t too strenuous, but as usual you should bring plenty of water and snacks. The only negative of this trail is that it is more out in the wilderness, meaning it took longer to get to. However, we saw very little crowds on this hike which was a positive. The mine is also behind a chain link fence, but you can still get a pretty good look at it.
Maze Loop, Window Loop, and North View Loop - AllTrails Link
This loop is great for if you want a longer, interesting hike to fill your day. At 7.4 miles, it is a decent length, which also discourages crowds. The maze loop can get more busy, but once you get past that I saw very little people. My only experience with this loop was running, (Review Here) but it offered good views and empty trails for me to enjoy. Be careful throughout the maze loop as its name suggests.
Overview:
Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing place to go, but always make sure to have plenty of water and snacks. Do not attempt any hikes you don’t think you can do, and do not underestimate the weather. When it gets hot, it is better to hike in the morning, take a break, then hike in the afternoon/evening when it’s cool. Also, if you spot any wildlife, do not attempt to approach or touch it. Enjoy your spring break and hiking!
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