You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy Joshua Tree National Park. At the park there are a range of trails for all skill levels, from newbies to those who are more experienced and are looking for a more challenging hike. For those who would consider themselves more of a casual hiker or if elevation no longer agrees with your knees, our top 3 recommended hikes are Arch Rock, Skull Rock and Barker Dam, and here’s why...  

1. Arch Rock

Arch Rock Trail is one of the most iconic sites at Joshua Tree National Park. Although easy and very popular, it’s also easy to go off and explore the endless sea of rocks around the arch formation. A lollipop trail through easy terrain that features informative signs along the way giving you a glimpse into mineralogy, soil and history of the area. Starting at the trailhead you’ll walk .6 miles where you’ll cross over Park Boulevard and then transition into a .2-mile loop where you will encounter the arch halfway through the loop. We love this trail because you can do it at night. The trailhead is one of the few that start from a backcountry parking lot and the arch makes an amazing subject for night sky photography.

Difficulty: Easy

Popularity: High

Distance 1.4 miles (2.1 km) 

Elevation: 100 feet (30 meters)

Time to allot:

• For fast hikers and no stops: 40 min

• For a casual pace and a few photos: 1 hr

• For extra exploring and waiting your turn for an arch rock selfie: 1.5-2 hours

Best Photo Spots:

• Its namesake arch rock formation at the end of the trail

• A little off the beaten path to capture the endless sea of rocks

• At night, the starry sky becomes a glittering backdrop to the arch for astrophotography  

When to Visit: Arch Rock is heavily trafficked and the best time to visit is before dawn during the week. If you are lucky you will witness an incredible sunrise all to yourself. And in fact, if you hike during the fall or winter months the sunrise lines up perfectly with the arch and you will capture the bursting rays filtering through the archway. 

Plan Your Footwear: You can get away with sandals for arch rock trail. However, if you plan to climb up to the arch or scramble around, light hiking or approach shoes would be best. And if you are simply there for Joshua Tree instagram photos, bring along the shoes of your choice.

Trailhead: Twin Tanks Trailhead

Where to Park: Twin Tanks parking lot aka the Arch Rock Trailhead is located just off Pinto Basin Rd. This is a backcountry lot so you can park here after dusk if you’re headed to Arch Rock for night sky photography.

2. Split Rock Loop

While a short hike, don’t let the distance fool you as Split Rock Loop offers a slightly more challenging terrain with its mild elevation changes. Be prepared because Split Rock is one of the Park’s more heavily trafficked trails for its range of vegetation and its magical desert vistas, all of which are perfect photography opportunities. This trail also has a number of rock formations to practice bouldering on.

A nearly 2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail near the Twentynine Palms, California area, Split Rock Loop Trail is perfect for all skill levels. Along the trail discover beautiful wild flowers against impressive rock formations. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.

Lastly, If you plan to hike this trail more towards sunset, would recommend starting backward by the restroom to keep the sun in front and avoid the deep shadows that fall late in the afternoon.

Difficulty: Easy 

Popularity: High

Distance: 1.9 miles 

Elevation: 252 feet

How Much Time To Plan:

• For fast hikers and no stops: 1 hour

• For a casual pace and a few photos: 1.5-2 hours

• For extra exploring: 2.5 hours

Best Photo Spots:

• Literally everywhere

Trailhead: Split Rock Trailhead

Where to Park: You can park directly at the trailhead. If there is no availability park at the Ryan Mountain Campground, which will require you to walk to access the trailhead.   

When to Go: All year round, but strongly advise early morning to beat the crowds. This hike is exposed. 

Footwear: Hiking sandals or trail runners. 

3. Barker Dam

Barker Dam is a quick 1.1 mile loop with no elevation gains and features all that Joshua Tree National Park is known for, including big boulders, iconic Joshua Trees, and wildlife (the plant and animal varieties), making it the perfect trail for just about anyone. Beyond the natural beauty of this trail, it also offers you a glimpse into those who traveled, lived and worked here between the rock art site and the dam that was built to support the Park’s early ranching efforts. The trail is great for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers, and is accessible year-round  

Difficulty: Easy 

Popularity: High

Distance: 1.1 miles 

Elevation: 50 feet

How Much Time To Plan:

• For fast hikers and no stops: Less than an hour

• For a casual pace and a few photos: 1 hour

• For extra exploring: 2 hours

Best Photo Spots:

• At the Dam

Trailhead: Barker Dam Trail

Where to Park: You can park directly at the trailhead. There is ample parking here, but this is the busiest parking lot at the park so it can be challenging to find a spot. To the west of the trailhead parking area, is Echo T parking lot that offers alternative parking. Parking at the Echo T Connector Trail will put an extra 0.6 miles (1 km) on the trail length when combined with the Barker Dam Trail loop, making the total length 1.7 miles (2.7 km).

When to Go: All year round, but strongly advise early morning to beat the crowds. 

Footwear: Hiking sandals or trail runners. 

Other Helpful Hints:

• Furry friends (dogs, cats, and other pets) are prohibited on any trails in Joshua Tree National Park.

• Check the weather. Summer can be bruuuutal and there is no escaping the heat on this trail. 

• Please leave with what you came with and follow the Leave No Trace principles so everyone now and into the future can enjoy this amazing location. 

Click here for our trail guide for hiking Arch Rock trail.

Let us know if you’ve explored any of these trails, which was your favorite and what others you would add to this list in the comments below.