3 Joshua Tree National Park Trails The Whole Family Can Enjoy
Joshua Tree National Park is a natural wonderland of stunning rock formations, cactus gardens, and high desert vistas. The park is home to a wide variety of hiking trails, many of which are family-friendly and suitable for hikers of all ages. Here are three of the best family-friendly trails in Joshua Tree National Park:
1. Skull Rock
Skull Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Joshua Tree National Park, and it is an easy 1.7-mile loop that takes you right to it. The trail is well-marked and relatively flat, making it perfect for families with young children. Along the way, you'll see plenty of Joshua trees, rock formations, and desert flora and fauna. The highlight of the trail is Skull Rock itself, a large boulder that has been eroded over time to resemble a human skull. Kids will love climbing on the rock and taking pictures.
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation: 120 feet
How Much Time To Plan: 30 min - 1 hr
Best Photo Spots:
Directly in front of Skull Rock
At night, as a dramatic subject for star photography
From the car on busy days
When to Visit: All year round, but strongly advise early morning to beat the crowds.
Plan Your Footwear: Hiking sandals or trail runners.
Where to Park: The best way to access this loop is in Jumbo Rocks Campground at the trailhead just across from site 93. This will eliminate the traffic issues that are associated with parking off of Park Boulevard.
2. Hidden Valley Trail
Hidden Valley Trail is another easy hike that's perfect for families with kids. The trail is a short 1-mile loop that takes you through a beautiful desert valley surrounded by towering rock formations. The valley is sheltered from the wind, making it a peaceful and serene place to hike. Along the way, you'll see plenty of wildlife, including birds, lizards, and maybe even a few bighorn sheep. The trail is also popular with rock climbers, so you may see some climbers scaling the rock formations.
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: 118 feet
Time to allot:
For fast hikers and no stops: 20 min
For a casual pace and a few photos: 45 min
For extra exploring: 1-1.5 hours
Best Photo Spot: Along the trail are some pretty cool Joshua Trees that make for stellar photo backdrops. Also consider using the rock climbers that frequent this spot as a visually interesting background.
When to Visit: As this is a short effortless trail, it can be hiked year round. If you plan to visit during the summer though it’s always wise to bring plenty of water, sunscreen as well as wear sunglasses, rashguard and a hat.
Plan Your Footwear: Hiking sandals are sufficient.
Where to Park: You can park directly at the trailhead.
3. Ryan Mountain Trail
For families with older kids who are up for a more challenging hike, the Ryan Mountain Trail is a great option. The trail is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the summit of Ryan Mountain, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. The trail is steep and rocky, but well-maintained and easy to follow. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the trail can be quite hot and exposed.
Difficulty: Moderate
Popularity: High
Trail Type: Out and back
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation: 1075 feet
How Much Time To Plan:
For fast hikers and no stops: 1.5 hours
For a casual pace and a few photos: 2 hours
For a hike and a picnic: 3 hours
Best Photo Spots:
At the peak
While on the stone staircase that leads up the mountain (please be careful when taking photos from this vantage point)
When to Go: All year round and strongly advise early morning to beat the crowds.
Footwear: Hiking sandals or trail runners.
Where to Park: You can park directly at the trailhead.
Within Joshua Tree National Park you’ll find plenty of family-friendly hiking trails for all ages and abilities. From the iconic Skull Rock Trail to the serene Hidden Valley Trail and the challenging Ryan Mountain Trail, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this stunning desert landscape.
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.