Joshua Tree is one of the most popular National Parks in California, and it shows no signs of changing. Nearly 3 million visitors flock to Joshua Tree every year for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
As a California local, I have been to Joshua Tree many times. Joshua Tree has some of the most epic hiking trails that you can experience just a short drive from Los Angeles. The ease of access makes it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
This guide covers 7 of the best day hikes at Joshua Tree and what you can expect on these trails.
Plus I share recommendations on when to go, where to stay, and other helpful tips to make the most of your visit to Joshua Tree National Park!
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Table Of Contents:
Best Day Hikes At Joshua Tree National Park:
1. Barker Dam Nature Trail
Trail Summary:
- Length: 1.3-mile-long loop
- Elevation: 55 feet (this trail is fairly flat)
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Starting Point: Barker Dam Nature Trail
Barker Dam Nature Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails at Joshua Tree National Park. This is a highly visited trail so I suggest hiking it early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
The Barker Dam Nature Trail is an easy and quick trek that’s great for families, kids, and casual hikers. It’s mostly flat and travels in a loop next to giant boulders, rocks, and unique desert plants with plenty of informative signs along the way.
The main attraction of this trail is the Barker Dam that’s located about halfway into the trail. This dam was built in 1900 and further improved by a local rancher and miner in the 1950s. Visitors are not allowed to walk on top of the dam but you can easily see it from the trail.
While the Barker Dam was built to capture water for farming and livestock, now it’s fairly dried up. The little water that it collects is used up by desert animals and plants that are trying to survive the drought in its vicinity.
After exploring the dam, you can keep going along the loop to see Native American Petroglyphs that are carved into a giant rock towards the end of the trail. Some of these drawings look like a snake, fish, and bighorn sheep that reside at Joshua Tree.
If you have extra time after hiking the Barker Dam Nature Trail, I also recommend checking out the nearby Wall Street Mill Trail. This hike starts at the same location and leads to a historic mining site.
2. Ryan Mountain Trail
Trail Summary:
- Length: 3 miles out and back
- Elevation: 1066 feet
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Starting Point: Ryan Mountain Trail
If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, the Ryan Mountain Trail is a great option. This hike climbs up to the top of a mountain revealing jaw-dropping panoramic views of Joshua Tree National Park all around.
With over a 1000-foot elevation gain, this is a moderate hike with lots of steep switchbacks. This is one of the hardest day hikes at Joshua Tree, but you’ll be greeted by some of the best views around so the payoff is well worth it!
The Ryan Mountain Trail starts on a sandy path and immediately starts climbing up. The climb doesn’t stop until you reach the overlook at the end.
This hike is hard and will make your legs burn (for days after). There are plenty of places to sit down, take a break, and enjoy the views on the way up.
You’ll reach the top after 1.5 miles where you can enjoy sweeping 360 views of the surrounding desert landscape. As a bonus, you might even spot a bighorn sheep hopping around!
Hiking tip: Despite the weather being hot at the trailhead, it can be very windy and cold at the summit. I recommend bringing a light puff jacket that you can put on at the overlook to protect yourself from the harsh winds.
Due to the hike’s length and difficulty, be sure to bring plenty of water. With the harsh sun beaming down on you, you’ll be thankful for extra water, mineral sunscreen, and a hiking hat. Hiking poles can also help tackle the strenuous uphill climb and assist from tripping on the way down.
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3. Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
Trail Summary:
- Length: 3 miles out and back
- Elevation: 650 feet
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Starting Point: Fortynine Palms Oasis
The Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail is one of the only trails at Joshua Tree located outside of the park boundaries. This hike is situated in the northern part of Joshua Tree National Park, further away from all other attractions.
This trail is unique because it leads to an unexpected palm tree oasis hidden in a dry desert landscape. Plus you’ll get to enjoy stunning panoramic views along the way.
Similar to Ryan Mountain Trail, the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail climbs up steep mountain switchbacks for 1.5 miles.
Despite being such a short hike, you will see heat exhaustion warnings at the beginning of the trailhead. Start this hike early in the day, bring plenty of water, and download a hiking app like AllTrails to keep track of the route.
The trail is challenging and strenuous but the palm oasis at the end provides a wonderful resting place before you tackle the way back.
Along this trail, you can also see some blooming cacti and Chuckwallas which are giant desert lizards. Don’t worry – despite looking like mini-versions of dinosaurs, they are not dangerous!
4. Skull Rock Trail
Trail Summary:
- Length: 1.7-mile-long loop
- Elevation: 150 feet
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Starting Point: Jumbo Rocks Campground
Joshua Tree National Park is full of unique landscapes, rock formations, and natural arches. By far the most interesting rock formation here is the Skull Rock which earns its name for resembling a skull.
If you’re short on time, you can see Skull Rock by parking along Park Blvd which travels through Joshua Tree National Park. If you’re up for a hike, I recommend doing the 1.7-mile-long Skull Rock Trail Loop that starts at the Jumbo Rocks Campground and passes this interesting rock formation along the way.
Although this is a hike that many visitors overlook, it shouldn’t be missed! You also have the option to connect it with other hiking trails like the Face Rock, Split Rock, or Discovery Trail and extend the route by a couple of miles.
The main attraction of this trail is Skull Rock which is located around 0.5 miles into the hike. With two eye sockets and deep crevasses shaped like a nose, this rock really does look like a skull!
The Skull Rock Trail is fairly flat and suited for all skill levels. If you’re staying at the Jumbo Rocks Campground, this is a great trail to do in the evening before sunset.
Just be sure to bring a headlamp in case it gets dark and a fully charged phone for navigation. Most of the Skull Rock Trail is well-marked but some sections are less obvious.
5. Cholla Cactus Garden Trail
Trail Summary:
- Length: 0.25-mile-long loop
- Elevation: 10 feet
- Time Needed: 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Starting Point: Cholla Cactus Garden Trail
The Cholla Cactus Garden is located in the southern part of Joshua Tree. It’s well worth the drive to visit this beautiful cactus garden in person.
The Cholla Cactus Garden has a quick 0.25-mile-long trail that leads through a dense garden full of Cholla Cactus.
These cacti are called Teddy-Bear Cholla but don’t let the cute name fool you! This plant has sharp needles that easily attach themselves to those walking by.
If you get the ‘jumping cholla’ cactus on your skin, clothing, or shoes they are very difficult to remove. Be sure to use caution when hiking through the trails here.
This is an especially beautiful location to visit for sunset or sunrise as the sun illuminates these cacti in golden light. Whether you’re coming here for the views or to snap a few photos, this is one of the best Joshua Tree day hikes that shouldn’t be missed!
6. Arch Rock Nature Trail
Trail Summary:
- Length: 1.2 miles out and back
- Elevation: 100 feet
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Starting Point: Arch Rock Nature Trail
The Arch Rock Nature Trail is a great place to explore unique rock formations, canyons, and natural arches. This short and sweet trail starts at a designated parking lot, crosses Pinto Basin Road, and leads through the flat desert landscape to a scenic rock arch.
Despite being a short trek, this was one of the most confusing hikes that I did at Joshua Tree. I often went off-track so I recommend following the Arch Rock Trail route on the AllTrails hiking app to avoid getting lost.
There is very little elevation gain on this trek, but you will need to scramble over some boulders to reach Arch Rock at the end. Once you get there, you can climb around it for better views of the natural arch that was created as the result of wind and water erosion.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can keep going through deeply carved rock canyons to explore unique rock formations and shapes hidden from the crowds. Or you can turn around and head in a quick loop back to the starting point.
7. Wall Street Mill
Trail Summary:
- Length: 2.4 miles out and back
- Elevation: 70 feet
- Time Needed: 2 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Starting Point: Barker Dam Nature Trail
The Wall Street Mill Trail is an easy day hike that you can check off from your Joshua Tree bucket list. This is a trail that’s not as highly visited as some of the other hikes at Joshua Tree but is great for those who enjoy a bit of history.
The Wall Street Mill Trail starts at the same parking lot as the Barker Dam Nature Trail. But while Barker Dam gets most of the visitors and attention, the Wall Street Mill Trail is a great crowd-less alternative. Both have similar landscapes, unique attractions, and are wonderful quick day hikes.
Along the Wall Street Mill Trail, you can see old abandoned cars, house ruins, and a historic gold processing mill. This mill was owned and operated by a local rancher Bill Keys who also owned the Barker Dam.
During your hike, you’ll get to learn more about Joshua Tree’s history. Bill Keys was a big part of it and he even got into a deadly shootout with another man over a land dispute. Sounds like a story out of a Western movie? Yep, sure is!
The hike ends at the Wall Street Mill that was used for gold ore crushing. Much of the mill is now blocked off from visitors with fences for safety but you can walk around for different perspectives of it.
Here you’ll also get to see a few abandoned cars and other mining equipment that was left behind after the mining site shut down its operations.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about visiting Joshua Tree National Park to help you plan your trip:
What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Go?
If you’re not familiar with the desert weather, the best seasons to visit Joshua Tree are spring and fall. The weather outside of these seasons is either too hot or too cold to be enjoyable (or safe).
The best months to visit Joshua Tree in spring are February, March, April, and May. Past May, the temperatures rise to nearly 100 degrees making it a dangerous environment for hiking.
If you do choose to visit Joshua Tree in the summer months, try hiking early in the morning or later in the evening. Be sure to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
The best months to visit Joshua Tree in the fall are late September, October, and November. The winter temperatures drop to the ’60s during the day which is doable with the right clothing. Try not to stay out on trails past sunset due to freezing temperatures.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Looking at the map, Joshua Tree might seem like a large park to cover, but in reality, most attractions are located close to each other.
Most of your time will be spent in the northern section of the park near some of the top hiking trails, campgrounds, and viewpoints.
I recommend spending 2-3 days in Joshua Tree to get a good glimpse of what it has to offer. Weekend trips are also a popular option but this is also the busiest time so be sure to book your campsites or accommodations well ahead of time.
Where To Stay In Joshua Tree?
If you’re planning to camp at Joshua Tree overnight, there are many incredible campgrounds to choose from. Some are based on reservations while others are on a first come first serve basis.
Jumbo Rocks Campground is the biggest campground at the center of Joshua Tree National Park. This campground has 124 sites scattered amongst scenic rock formations.
I stayed at the Jumbo Rocks Campground for one night and loved it! Jumbo Rocks is a very popular campground so reserve the campsites online early on.
If you’re heading on a last-minute trip and don’t have a campsite booked, Hidden Valley Campground offers sites on a first-come-first-serve basis. But this campground fills up pretty quickly so try to get a spot as soon as you arrive, especially on the weekends.
If you’d rather stay in a comfortable vacation rental, then check out this post that covers 10 Stunning VRBO Vacation Rentals In Joshua Tree, California.
Read Next: 15 Best Campgrounds In California For a Memorable Trip
What To Bring?
When visiting Joshua Tree it’s important to prepare for the right weather conditions like extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter.
Here are some basics that I recommend bringing along:
- Plenty of water. Hydroflask is my go-to refillable water bottle for desert trips like this because it will keep your water cold even during the hottest of conditions.
- Mineral sunscreen. This is an absolute must to protect yourself from getting sunburned.
- Sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses will help battle the harsh desert sunlight and reduce glare reflected off roads when driving.
- Lip balm. Your lips will get very dry with the hot desert sun so you’ll want to keep a lip balm handy.
- Headlamp. Whether I’m heading out on a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, I always bring a headlamp with me. It’s also useful for walking to the bathroom at night.
- Portable phone charger. It’s always a good idea to bring a phone charger just in case your phone runs out of battery mid-hike.
- Camping knife. Another good-to-have emergency item.
- Emergency kit. REI sells compact lightweight emergency kits that are easy to bring in a day pack.
For clothing, your list will depend on the time of the year that you plan to visit Joshua Tree. On my most recent trip in April, I mostly wore hiking clothing like leggings, flannel shirts, and t-shirts plus a few colder-weather items.
For clothing, I packed:
- Leggings. Simple leggings are my favorite go-to pants for hiking. My favorite brand is Nike because their leggings typically last for years and their cuts are more flattering than other brands I’ve tried out.
- Hiking boots. The terrain at Joshua Tree is pretty rocky so I prefer wearing hiking boots with extra traction to prevent me from tripping.
- Socks. I like Merino wool socks because they wick away moisture and regulate temperature to prevent your feet from sweating.
- Day pack. I have a small lightweight day pack from REI that fits all my essentials, water, and camera gear.
- Comfortable hiking shirts. You might feel hot, and sweaty during the hikes. Pack light t-shirts that dry fast and wick away moisture.
- Light puff jacket. It can get chilly and windy at Joshua Tree in the spring and possibly even rain! I used a light puff jacket while hiking in higher elevations and during rainstorms.
While this is a compact list with a few essentials, I have longer packing lists where I dive into more details:
For car travelers: Check out my guide covering all the essentials that I bring for road trips in a car.
For van travelers: Check out my guide covering 85 essentials that I bring for road trips in a campervan.
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How Much Does It Cost?
There is a fee to enter and hike at Joshua Tree, even if you’re just coming for the day. The current cost is $30 for a 7-day visitor car pass or $25 for a 7-day motorcycle pass. You can purchase the entrance pass online ahead of time or at the Joshua Tree National Park entrance gate.
As an alternative, you can purchase the America the Beautiful Pass pass for $80 which grants you unlimited entry into any US National Park for a year. This is what I have and it usually pays itself off within a couple of trips.
Joshua Tree is brimming with exciting hiking trails and these are just a few of my favorites!
I hope this post has helped you prepare for an incredible visit to Joshua Tree National Park. If you have any questions about these day hikes, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below.
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This post is written by Laura Sausina. Hi, I’m the founder of the Fun Life Crisis travel blog and I’ve been traveling the world for the past 7 years. Here I share my experiences and tips to help 100,000 people a month turn their travel dreams into reality! Read more about me here.
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