Joshua Tree National Park Activities

Rock Climbing

The park attracts campers, hikers, and especially rock-climbers. From Hidden Valley to the Wonderland of Rocks, the park has emerged as one of the world’s premiere rock-climbing destinations. The park offers about 3,000 climbing routes, ranging from the easiest of bouldering to some of the sport’s most difficult technical climbs. During the November through May climbing season, the superstars of the sport from Europe, Japan and America can be see surmounting flared chimneys and difficult jam cracks.

^ Back to Top ^

Mountain Biking

Although they are not encouraged by park officials, mountain bikes are a good tool for touring JT. Much of the park is designated wilderness, meaning mountain bikes are limited to roads; they will damage the fragile ecosystem if you venture off the beaten track. Try the 18-mile Geology Tour Road. Hammer out the miles on the rarely traveled, rough wash-board roads in Hidden Valley and Queen Valley.

^ Back to Top ^

Hiking

Cottonwood Spring, near the south end of the park is a little palm and cottonwood-shaded oasis that attracts desert birds and bird-watchers. From Cottonwood Campground a trail leads to the old Mastodon Gold Mine, then climbs behemoth-looking Mastodon Peak for a view from Mt. San Jacinto above Palm Springs to the Salton Sea.

The national park holds two more of California's loveliest palm oases. Fortynine Palms Oasis winds up and over a hot rocky crest to the dripping springs, pools, and the blessed shade of palms and cottonwoods. Lost Palms Oasis Trail visits the park's premier palm grove.

You’ll see plenty of Joshua trees along the park’s pathways, but there’s much more for the hiker to discover. Two of my favorite footpaths are Black Rock Canyon Trail which follows a classic desert wash, then ascends to the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains at Warren Peak. Desert and mountain views from the peak are stunning. Lost Horse Mine Trail visits one of the area's most successful gold mines, and offers a close-up look back into a colorful era, and some fine views into the heart of the park.

Trails within the Joshua Tree include:

Boy Scout Trail (16 miles / 25.8 km). A scenic trail through the edge of the Wonderland of Rocks that is moderately strenuous.

49 Palms Oasis Trail (3 miles / 4.8 km). A hike to an oasis surrounded by stands of fan palms and pools of water. Moderately strenuous.

Lost Horse Mine/Mtn. Trail (4 miles / 6.4 km). Site of ten-stamp mill. The summit elevation is 5,278 feet (1,609m). Moderately strenuous.

Lost Palms Oasis Trail (8 miles / 11.2 km) A canyon with numerous palm stands, with a possible sidetrip to Victory Palms and Munsen Canyon that involves scrambling. Moderately strenuous.

Mastodon Peak Trail (3 miles / 4.8 km). A trail offering excellent views of the Eagle Mountains and Salton Sea, with a summit elevation of 3,371 feet (1,027m). Strenuous.

Ryan Mountain Trail (3 miles / 4.8 km). Excellent views of Lost Horse, Queen, and Pleasant valleys with a summit elevation of 5,461 feet (1,664m). Strenuous.

^ Back to Top ^

Photography

The odd shapes of the Joshua Tree, as well as the dramatic geology and desert scenery, make the park a great place for photographers. As with many areas, photography is best in the early morning and late evening hours.

^ Back to Top ^