Southern California’s Joshua Tree National Park boasts one of the most otherworldly and beautiful landscapes on the planet, and some of the world’s best hikes. You’ll encounter flat, inhospitable stretches of the Mojave Desert, and thousands of huge granite domes and cliffs that can create intricate natural labyrinths. And of course you’ll see the park’s namesake Joshua trees. They’re technically a type of cactus shaped almost like a wizened old mystic stretching his arms to the sky. You have to experience it to believe it.
Read More: 5 Interesting Plants Found in Joshua Tree National Park
The best way to experience Joshua Tree is to get away from your car and go for a hike across the desert. Check out some of this gem’s best offerings right here.
Note: Joshua Tree National Park is a harsh desert, with environmental hazards on its hiking trails during any time of year. There’s no potable water available within the park, so bring plenty of water with you. You’ll also need sun protection, and don’t forget your hiking boots!
Some trails close when their seasonal springs dry up, and you’ll almost never want to explore the park in the summer because of the blistering temperatures. Check current conditions online or at the park’s visitor center before setting off on any of these hikes.
1. Barker Dam Nature Trail
The easy 1.1-mile loop of the Barker Dam Nature Trail is a one of the best hikes and a great introduction to Joshua Tree National Park, and accessible for the whole family. Wandering around this loop trail, you’ll encounter flora like wildflowers, Joshua Trees, and hardy Creosote bushes. If you’re lucky enough to catch the namesake Barker Dam after a desert rainstorm, you’ll see some memorable water views. You may even encounter bighorn sheep or roadrunners stopping for a drink in this desert oasis.
Kids will love scrambling around the natural jungle gym of rocks and gullies on the trail, but take care to not disturb historic Native American rock art. If you enter the park from the northeast, stop at the popular Keys View on the way.
2. Willow Hole
The Willow Hole hike winds through a flat and mellow desert landscape. It follows the Boy Scout trailhead with minimal elevation gain at first. Then it descends into a dry, sandy creek bed to end at a cluster of Willow Trees — a rarity in this desert. Along the way of this 7.2-mile out-and-back trail you’ll see rock formations, Joshua Trees (of course), and broad, expansive vistas of a pristine desert environment. Save this half-day hike for cooler days, since there’s not too much shade along the way.
3. Ryan Mountain Trail
The short, steep, popular ascent up Ryan Mountain in the Joshua Tree National Park offers some of the best views in the national park, but you should be prepared for a challenge on this 3-mile out-and-back trail. You’ll gain over 1,000 feet of elevation in less than 2 miles, and shade is minimal. That said, doing this hike on cooler days at dawn or dusk will give you decent conditions and some views that are just magical.
4. Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Like Barker Dam, the 1-mile loop trail through Hidden Valley is a great meandering adventure for families. It’s an easy hike and a must-see for folks who are pressed for time on their visit, because you can get the full experience in 30-60 minutes. From the trailhead at the Hidden Valley picnic area you’ll wind through fascinating mazes of granite rocks and boulders, perhaps running into rock climbers along the way.
5. 49 Palms Oasis Trail
Although the 49 Palms Oasis Trail is occasionally closed during extreme drought/heat conditions, the 3-mile out-and-back hike to a fan-palm oasis is an amazing experience during cooler months. After ascending through 300 feet of strenuous, exposed terrain, you’ll be rewarded with palm shade, pools, and springs on this Joshua Tree National Park best hike. Resist the urge to take a dip, since wildlife depends on clean water for survival. If you’re lucky you may even see a bighorn sheep!
6. Boy Scout Trail
Despite its campy name, the Boy Scout Trail day hike is one of the more serious day hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. Starting at the Indian Cove backcountry trailhead, you’ll wind for eight spectacular miles through an area that is literally called the “Wonderland of Rocks!” You’ll end this one-way journey at the Boy Scout trailhead (the same as Willow Hole above). If you like, you can turn around and return the way you came for a strenuous 16-mile round trip. But most hikers use a vehicle shuttle for a one-way adventure.
