Mileage, elevation gain, trail type, and why each hike belongs on your desert bucket list
Joshua Tree National Park is a landscape where rugged granite boulders meet wide-open desert skies. From short scenic loops to challenging summit climbs, the park offers unforgettable hikes for every experience level. Below are the ten best hikes in Joshua Tree, each chosen for its scenery, variety, and unique desert character.
Whether you’re planning a day hike or scouting trails for a longer outdoor adventure, this guide covers the essential details to help you choose the right trail.
1. Ryan Mountain Trail
Distance: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,050 ft / −1,050 ft
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Why It’s Special:
Ryan Mountain is one of Joshua Tree’s most iconic summit hikes. The steady climb rewards hikers with sweeping 360-degree views of the Mojave Desert, Pinto Basin, and surrounding mountain ranges. It’s short, steep, and unforgettable.
2. Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +600 ft / −600 ft
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Why It’s Special:
This hike leads to a rare desert oasis tucked inside a rocky canyon. The contrast between dry desert terrain and lush palm trees makes this one of the most rewarding moderate hikes in the park.
3. Lost Palms Oasis Trail
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +500 ft / −500 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Why It’s Special:
One of the longest maintained loops in Joshua Tree, this hike ventures deep into the park’s southern wilderness. The remote palms, wide desert views, and quieter trails offer a true backcountry feel.
4. Boy Scout Trail
Distance: 7.0 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +400 ft / −400 ft
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Why It’s Special:
Passing through the Wonderland of Rocks, this trail features massive boulder formations, Joshua tree forests, and open desert plains. It’s popular for backpacking but can also be enjoyed as a long day hike.
5. Panorama Loop Trail (Covington Flats)
Distance: 7.6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,500 ft / −1,500 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Why It’s Special:
This less-traveled loop offers big desert panoramas and a sense of solitude. Optional side trips to nearby peaks make it a favorite for hikers seeking elevation gain without crowds.
6. Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Distance: 1.0 mile
Elevation Gain/Loss: +120 ft / −120 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Why It’s Special:
Enclosed by towering granite walls, Hidden Valley feels like a natural amphitheater. It’s one of the best short hikes in Joshua Tree and a favorite for climbers, families, and photographers.
7. Barker Dam Trail
Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +50 ft / −50 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Why It’s Special:
This easy loop combines history and nature. Hikers pass an old cattle dam, desert vegetation, and ancient petroglyphs. Seasonal water attracts wildlife and birds.
8. Wall Street Mill Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +150 ft / −150 ft
Trail Type: Out-and-back (loop option available)
Why It’s Special:
A walk through Joshua Tree’s mining history, this trail passes rusted machinery, old structures, and desert landscapes that tell the story of early settlers.
9. Willow Hole Trail
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +300 ft / −300 ft
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Why It’s Special:
Following a sandy wash, this trail leads to a seasonal oasis of willows. It’s quieter than many central park hikes and showcases Joshua Tree’s surprising ecological diversity.
10. Panorama Loop (Black Rock Canyon)
Distance: 6.6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,190 ft / −1,190 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Why It’s Special:
Located in the higher-elevation Black Rock Canyon area, this loop features dense Joshua tree forests, juniper woodlands, and cooler temperatures than the main park roads.
Tips for Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park
- Carry more water than you think you’ll need
- Start early to avoid desert heat
- Wear sun protection year-round
- Check trail conditions and seasonal closures
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile desert ecosystems
Ready to Hike Joshua Tree?
If these hikes are calling your name, consider experiencing them as part of a guided Joshua Tree adventure. Our trips are built around the park’s best trails, seasonal conditions, and small-group experiences that bring the desert to life.
Spots are limited on our Joshua Tree programs, and trips fill quickly during peak seasons.
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