6 Best Joshua Tree Hikes for Epic Views (+Photos)
While epic hiking might not come to mind first when visiting Joshua Tree, there are some easy to moderate hikes you cannot miss!
The most popular hike in Joshua Tree is Ryan Mountain, but we think there are better places like the most beautiful sunset hike: Inspiration Peak Trail.
When visiting Joshua Tree, you cannot miss the mesmerizing cotton-candy sunsets, hiking amongst the Joshua Trees, and bouldering on the jumbo rocks throughout the park.
Cholla Cactus Garden - Joshua Tree Trails
Joshua Tree Hiking Tips —
Always check the park’s current conditions for any road or trail closures.
There is no cell service throughout the park, download Google Maps of the area for offline use before you go.
Dogs are not allowed on any trails inside the national park.
Make sure to wear sunscreen, even in winter as the UV rays are still high in the desert.
Best Joshua Tree Hikes
Most of the hiking trails in Joshua Tree that you’ll find below are easy with a few moderate options, and all of these hikes are a must-do when visiting the park.
1) Willow Hole (Wonderland of Rocks)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 6.8 miles total (out and back)
Trail Route: All Trails
Out of the 3 longer hikes we’ve done in Joshua Tree, Willow Hole to the Wonderland of Rocks is our favorite! It’s a flat, easy-moderate hike.
The first 2.25 miles from the parking lot are through hard-packed dirt and Joshua Trees surrounding you every which way.
Next, you will start walking through the wash and that is when you will be surrounded by the marvelous boulders of rocks. The Wonderland of Rocks is a great place to play and climb! The boulders are endless as well as the views.
The trail ends at the enormous-sized Willow Tree, at which point you can enjoy a snack and then turn around and head back.
Make sure you bring at least 2L of water as the desert is very dry, even during winter.
If Willow Hole is too much hiking for your liking, Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a flat 1-mile walk where you can also see the Joshua Trees and unique bouldering rocks.
2) Cholla Cactus Garden
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.25 mile loop
Trail Route: All Trails
The best time to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden is at sunrise or sunset to see the cactus needles glowing halo as the sun lights up behind them and paints the sky.
If you love taking photos, this is a magical spot for dreamy sunrises and sunsets.
Keep in mind, this is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the park because of how prickly and large the cactus needles are on the Cholla Cacti. So be sure to watch your step and don’t try to sneak the dogs on this walking trail.
→ Save our Perfect 1-Day Itinerary in Joshua Tree
3) Arch Rock
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.2 miles total
Trail Route: All Trails
This lonesome arch is a unique place for Joshua Tree. It stands 30’ feet high and you will have to boulder some off the nature trail to get this shot.
It’s a fun short adventure scrambling through the rocks and it was worth the quick stop.
The easiest way to get here is parking at the Arch Rock Trailed head that is just West of White Tank Campground. The parking area is on the south side of the road. If you are already camping at White Tank Campground, the trail starts near site 13.
4) Skull Rock
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.1 miles total
Parking: Trailhead
Skull Rock is a classic site to see while visiting Joshua Tree.
It is located right off the road and is almost visible while driving past, but worth the stop if you want a picture.
There are about 10 parking spots on either side of the main road just west of Jumbo Rocks Campground.
No need to do the full nature trail as there isn’t much to see.
5) Inspiration Peak Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.8 miles total
Trail Route: All Trails
One of the best places to watch the sunset in the park is at Key’s View. And if you want just as good of a view and away from the crowds, take the short hike next to Key’s View on Inspiration Peak Trail for a view like none other.
Pro Tips: Download the map from All Trails as the trail isn’t marked well and bring a headlamp so you can see the trail once the sun goes down
6) Painted Canyon/Ladder Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 6.8 miles total (out and back)
Trail Route: All Trails
Just outside of Joshua Tree’s South Entrance is my favorite hiking trail in this area!
In short, you will walk through towering slot canyons, climb ladders to stay on the trail, and discover beautiful marble “painted” canyon walls.
We wrote about the Painted Canyon Trail with details on how to get there, when to go, and the exact trail you will want to take so you don’t get lost.
Map of Joshua Tree Hikes
You can click on the top left corner of the map below to view the names of the icons located on the map and save to your own Google Maps drive.
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