5 Can't Miss Hikes at Joshua Tree National Park

This duel desert park is sure to have a hike for all skill levels 

If you're looking for an incredible hiking experience, look no further than Joshua Tree National Park. With its unique landscape and abundance of trails, the park offers hikers of all levels a challenging and rewarding adventure.

Named after the Joshua tree native to the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California and was established in 1994 as a National Park after being designated a national monument in 1936. 

The park is unique in many ways, one of which is that it spans two deserts — the Mojave desert and the Colorado desert.

With over 425,000 acres of land, Joshua Tree is a hiker's paradise. The park’s many trails wind through the desert landscape, providing hikers with stunning views of canyons, mountains, and rock formations. In this article, Parks and Landmarks share our picks for the five can't miss hikes at Joshua Tree National Park!

Hidden Valley

Only have time for one short hike? Then you definitely don't want to miss the Hidden Valley Nature Trail.

This easy, one-mile loop is a great introduction to the park for first-time visitors. 

The trail takes you through a valley surrounded by massive boulders and Joshua trees. The unique landscape and abundance of plant and animal life make this a must-do hike for anyone visiting the park.

Total Distance: 0.99 Miles

Elevation Gain: 118 Feet

Difficulty: Easy -  Hiking, Walking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info

• Joshua Tree National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Little to no shade on this trail, bring water
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Recommend trail if you are bringing small children

Skull Rock

Skull Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Joshua Tree National Park. The rock formation gets its name from its resemblance to a... you guessed it: a human skull.

While you can see Skull Rock from the road, this trail includes many of the other larger boulders and rock scrambles that make this park famous.

You also get a much closer look at Skull Rock and learn more about how the skull shape was formed by erosion over time.

Total Distance: 1.67 Miles

Elevation Gain: 160 Feet

Difficulty: Easy -  Hiking, Walking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info

• Joshua Tree National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Little to no shade on this trail, bring water
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Recommend trail if you are bringing small children

Panorama Loop

If you want the best view of the park, then start trekking up the Panorama Loop.

This trail starts at Keys Ranch, which was once a working ranch in the early 1900s. Today you’re able to see many of the original buildings and get a feel for what life was like at that time.

Total Distance: 6.58 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1194 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate -  Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Joshua Tree National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Little to no shade on this trail, bring water
• You will be hiking in the sand for some of this trail, proper hiking footwear is recommended
• No dogs allowed on this trail

Ryan Mountain

For a more challenging hike, try summiting Ryan Mountain. 

This popular trail takes you to the top of one of the park's tallest mountains for an incredible panoramic view of Joshua Tree National Park.

The trail is strenuous, but hikers are rewarded with views of the desert landscape, mountains, and valleys below. But be warned near the top, hikers have reported in the hotter months that flying ants call the summit home!

Total Distance: 2.92 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1062 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate -  Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Joshua Tree National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Little to no shade on this trail, bring water
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• This trail has many steep inclines. It is recommended you have some experience hiking or a decent fitness level

Arch Rock Trail

The Arch Rock Trail is a great hike for those who want to see some of the park's iconic rock formations up close. The trail takes you past massive boulders, Joshua trees, and even a few desert animals.

Named after a very large granite archway that you can walk under, this is a relatively easy trail with only slight elevation changes. 

Because this trail is one of the most popular in the whole park, we recommend getting an early start. Not only will you get to watch the sunrise over the sand dunes, but rising early will also keep you away from the crowds.

Total Distance: 1.42 Miles

Elevation Gain: 88.5 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking, Walking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Joshua Tree National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Little to no shade on this trail, bring water
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Trail can become busy with other hikers quickly

The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is that there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for an easy hike with incredible views or a challenging climb to the top of a mountain, you'll find it here.

If you are making the trip to Joshua Tree, be sure to add these five hikes to your list. You won't be disappointed!

Happy hiking!