Are You Up To The Challenge? Here Are 3 Of Joshua Tree National Park’s Toughest Trails
Joshua Tree National Park is home to a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous hikes that require advanced skills and preparation. For the avid hiker, here are three of the toughest hikes in Joshua Tree National Park to consider tackling when visiting:
1. Ryan Mountain
Three miles south of Hidden Valley Trail off of Park Boulevard you will find Ryan Mountain. It’s one of the few designated hikes with substantial elevation gain and is popular for sunset picnics. Awaiting you at the peak of this mountain are spectacular panoramic views of San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Wonderland of the Rocks and Pleasant Valley. This is one of our favorite hikes in addition to Arch Rock and 49 Palms Oasis.
Trail Stats
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)
Plan Your Visit
Trailhead: Ryan Mountain Campground
Where to Park: You can park directly at the trailhead.
When to Go: All year round and 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 not permitted on any trails in Joshua Tree National Park.
Check the weather. Temperatures can reach over 100°F by 8:00 a.m. during the summer and there is no escaping the heat on this trail.
Leave no trace so everyone now and into the future can enjoy this amazing location.
2. The Lost Palms Oasis Trail
The Lost Palms Oasis Trail is a challenging 7.2-mile hike that leads to a beautiful oasis of California fan palms. The trail starts at the Cottonwood Spring Trailhead and follows a steep descent into a canyon before ascending back up to the oasis. The trail is rocky and uneven, with sections of loose gravel and steep switchbacks.
Trail Stats
Difficulty: Moderate
Popularity: High
Trail Type: Out and back
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation: 1046 feet
How Much Time To Plan:
For fast hikers and no stops: 3.5-4 hours
For a casual pace and a few photos: 5 hours
For a hike and a picnic: 6.5 hours
Best Photo Spots
The overlook where you can view the cluster of palm trees and water pools against the desert mountains.
Any time you see a big-horned sheep, which are known to traffic this trail, and remember to keep your distance.
Plan Your Visit
Trailhead: Just past the road to the Cottonwood Campground, close to the Park’s southern entrance.
Where to Park: The cul-de-sac and make your way down the small concrete staircase into the Cottonwood Spring Oasis.
When to Go: October through May
Footwear: Light hiking shoes or trail runners.
3. Maze Loop Trail
The Maze Loop Trail is a challenging 6-mile hike that winds through a maze of boulder formations and narrow canyons. The trail starts at the Boy Scout Trailhead and is marked with cairns and arrows to guide hikers through the maze. The trail is rocky and uneven, with sections of scrambling over boulders and steep descents.
Trail Stats
Difficulty: Moderate
Popularity: High
Trail Type: Loop
Distance: 4.9 miles
Elevation: 374 feet
How Much Time To Plan:
For fast hikers and no stops: 2.5-3.5 hours
For a casual pace and a few photos: 4 hours
For a hike and a picnic: 5 hours
Best Photo Spots
On the peaks on a clear day there will be unbelievable views of Mount San Grogornio
Plan Your Visit
Trailhead: From the North Entrance (closest to the WKNDR getaways), drive south on Park Boulevard for approximately 18 miles until you reach the intersection with Maze Loop Road. Turn left onto Maze Loop Road and follow it for approximately 0.8 miles until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road. This is the trailhead for the Maze Loop Trail. Park your car in the parking lot and begin your hike on the Maze Loop Trail.
Note that the road to the trailhead is a paved road and should be accessible for most vehicles. However, the road can be narrow and winding in places, so drive with caution and be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians.
Where to Park: There are two parking areas that provide access to the Maze Loop Trail in Joshua Tree National Park:
The first parking area is located at the end of Maze Loop Road, off of Park Boulevard. This parking lot is closer to the trailhead and provides easy access to the Maze Loop Trail. However, the parking lot is smaller and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
The second parking area is located at the end of the Barker Dam Trail parking lot, also off of Park Boulevard. From this parking lot, you can access the Maze Loop Trail by taking a short hike on the Barker Dam Trail. This parking lot is larger and has restrooms and picnic tables, but it adds an extra distance to the hike.
When to Go: October through May
Footwear: Light hiking shoes or trail runners.
Helpful Hints
Furry friends (dogs, cats, and other pets) are not permitted on any trails in Joshua Tree National Park.
Check the weather. Summer can be bruuuutal and there is no escaping the heat on these trails.
Please leave with what you came with and follow the Leave No Trace principles so everyone now and into the future can enjoy these amazing locations.
Joshua Tree National Park offers a variety of challenging hikes for experienced hikers. To prepare for these hikes, hikers should build up their endurance with regular cardio exercise, wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check the weather forecast before heading out on the trail. With proper preparation, hikers can experience the beauty and challenge of these unique desert landscapes.
Let us know in the comments which of these trails you have traversed and others that you would add to the list.