With a 360 overlook of the entire National Park waiting for hikers at the top, Ryan Mountain has become a must-do trail for Joshua Tree visitors.
If you plan to hike the Ryan Mountain Trail, here are a couple of things to keep in mind before you head out on the trail.
The Ryan Mountain Trail starts on a wide path and immediately starts climbing up in elevation. This trail is quite strenuous but with plenty of rest stops along the way, it is doable for most people.
The hike itself is straightforward and follows the same path. The first section traverses up on the side of the mountain and then climbs directly up to the summit of Ryan Mountain.
The trail consists mostly of dirt and giant rocks that can be difficult to climb for people with knee or joint issues so be sure to take your time.
About halfway up we got a bit of cell reception so this is a good spot to check in with someone if you’re exploring Joshua Tree for an extended time. As we neared the top, the wind started picking up significantly and we were so glad that we brought jackets and warm clothing.