Take a Hike
Lace up your boots. Whether you’ve got 30 minutes or you’re ready to put in the work for that perfect view, Joshua Tree National Park delivers.
Here are our go-to hikes split between the Joshua Tree side and the 29 Palms side of the National Park - we’ve included an easy, moderate, and hard option, plus a bonus “just trust us” pick.
Before you head out, always do a quick check of trail closures and current conditions (things can change fast after storms).
Joshua Tree Hikes
Easy: Hidden Valley Trailhead
Why We Love It: A one-mile loop that feels like a secret room made of boulders - perfect if you want maximum wow with minimal commitment.
Trail Stats: 1-mile loop
Insider Tip: Go early or late for softer light (and fewer crowds). Wander slowly - this is a “look closer” trail.
Moderate: Lost Horse Mine Trail
Why We Love It: A high-desert history walk that’s big on views and big on story - mining ruins, wide-open valley energy, and that quiet that only the desert does.
Trail Stats: 6.8-mile loop, ~900 ft elevation gain
Hard: Ryan Mountain Trailhead
Why we love it: The classic “earn your views” climb - short, steep, and wildly rewarding with a 360° panorama at the top.
Trail stats: 3 miles round-trip, ~1,050 ft elevation gain
Insider Tip: Bring lots of water. The summit is breezy - toss a light layer in your pack.
Bonus: Barker Dam Trail
Why we love it: A mellow loop that delivers: boulders, desert plants, and a little slice of park history. If there’s been rain, you might catch water in the reservoir.
Trail stats: 1.1-mile loop
29 Palms Hikes
Easy: Indian Cove Nature Trail Trailhead
Why We Love It: A quick loop with big personality - classic Indian Cove scenery, interpretive signs, and a great “first hike” if you’re easing into desert miles.
Trail Stats: 0.6-mile loop, minimal elevation gain
Moderate: Willow Hole Trail
Why We Love It: A longer wander into the Wonderland of Rocks, with a chance to spot cottonwood and willows - an unexpected little pocket of life. Water is occasional and seasonal.
Trail Stats: 7 miles round-trip, ~246 ft elevation gain
Hard: Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
Why We Love It: A desert oasis payoff that feels surreal - palms tucked into a canyon after a steady climb.
Trail Stats: 3 miles round-trip; the route climbs over a ridge and drops into the oasis
Heads-Up: This trail is seasonally closed June 1 - Aug 31, and it has also had weekday closures for repairs (open weekends) depending on conditions. Check alerts before you go.
Insider Tip: Start early. There’s basically no shade and the sun does not play.
Bonus: Arch Rock Trailhead
Why We Love It: The perfect “desert postcard” moment - fun boulders, a photogenic arch, and a route that keeps it interesting without being intense.
Trail Stats: A “lollipop” route: 0.6 miles out, a short 0.2-mile loop, then back the same way
Insider Tip: Golden hour here is unreal. Move slowly on the rocks - grippy shoes make all the difference.
Before you head out; bring more water than you think you’ll need, tell someone exactly where you’re going + when you plan to be back, and download your map ahead of time - cell service in the park is spotty at best and often nonexistent.
Go early, go prepared, and enjoy our beautiful desert. Pack it in / Pack it out.
We’ll see you on the trails.