Explore The Wonderland of Rocks at Rattlesnake Canyon

Twentynine Palms, California

Save

View all 1 photos

All 1 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Description

Added by John Loyola

Panoramic viewsWonderland of rocksPopular for boulderingLots of scrambling

From the Indian Cove Campgrounds, take Indian Cove Road East to the picnic area. There is ample parking and restrooms.

Just a few feet east of the picnic area is a large, flat sand wash. This is the start of Rattlesnake Canyon. There is no actual marked trailhead—the sand wash is your trail—so start heading south (follow the footprints). You will be scrambling large rocks and boulders throughout the hike.

A half mile in, the sand wash will end and you will be surrounded by a wall of rocks. This is where the exploring begins. You can start scrambling the rocks and find small caves, slots, water features and many other things to discover.

To explore even more, head left and up the canyon. There is a large, flat section at the top of the canyon – a nice place to take a break and soak in the views of Indian Cove. For some, this is a good turn around point.

If you continue over to the other side of the canyon, you will reach another sand wash and can keep exploring the wonderland of rocks, though keep in mind that this is where a map and compass would be handy. When you're done, reverse tracks back to the picnic area.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Scenic

Explore The Wonderland of Rocks at Rattlesnake Canyon Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Canyoneer Joshua Tree's Rattlesnake Slot Canyon

The trailhead is located at the end of Indian Cove road. From Indian Cove Campground, take the road to the east about a mile to a picnic area where there is parking at the mouth of the canyon.From the picnic area hike up the Canyon in a south to south-east direction. After a few hundred yards a deceiving canyon heads almost due west, stay to the south east or the left and continue up the canyon...

Boy Scout's Trail in Joshua Tree

The Boy Scout trail connects the main part of the National Park to the outer rim campground, Indian Cove Campground. All backcountry overnight trips must be registered at a registration board (free, self-registration). Start this trip at the registration board located in either Indian Cove Campground (free to enter) or within the park ($20 fee for 7 days) at the Boy Scout Trail parking lot. Sta...

Hike the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail

Just off highway 62 lies an easy 1/2 day hike with incredible views of the Morongo Valley. Though technically part of the park, the out-of-the-way-ness of the hike means you don't need to pay the $20 National Park fee. Parking is ample, and there's a pit toilet at the trailhead (beware of bees and yellow jackets!) The hike begins by climbing up to the ridge bordering Joshua National Park. It's...

Tour Keys Desert Queen Ranch in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park flawlessly combines otherworldly landscapes, incredible recreational opportunities, and a colorful, wild-west history. Before it was a national park, Joshua Tree was home to cattle rustlers, gunslingers, miners, and rugged homesteaders. One of the most quirky characters to call Joshua Tree home was Bill Keys, who homesteaded with his family at Desert Queen Ranch for...

Willow Hole Trail in Joshua Tree National Park

The Willow Hole hike begins at Boy Scout trailhead and winds past and through the Wonderland of Rocks to a marshy stand of willows. The trail is flat, but with little shade so be sure to bring lots of water! As you leave the parking lot you'll enter an expansive stand of Joshua Trees that grows denser as you go. Each one is shaped a bit different, the whimsical bends and tufts at the top are ...

Hike the Barker Dam

The Barker Damn trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail across flat terrain which makes it great for the whole family. The hike starts out from the Barker Dam parking lot which is shared with the Wall Street Mill trailhead. You can find the Barker Dam trailhead just to the left of the bathrooms. After 0.2 miles straight on the trail, you'll hit the loop and can continue in either direction. You can ...