Winter Hike to Ryan Mountain

Riverside County, California

Save

View all 7 photos

All 7 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

2.86 miles

Elevation Gain

1056 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Juan Moreno

Incredible views of all of Joshua Tree National Park. Great photographic opportunities. Distance: 3 miles. Elevation gain: 1100'.

Hike starts at the base of Ryan Mountain. The trail runs along side the mountain, offering great views overlooking Joshua Tree. Once you hit the summit, you'll get great panormaic views of the national park as the top of Ryan Mountain is at an elevation of 5457ft.

The trail is open during all seasons, but if you're lucky enough to get it in the winter, with a little snow, something that doesn't happen often, be sure to bring your camera and take it all in. Next time it snows up there, plan your trip because the snow does not last. Joshua Tree with snow is a must see.

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

Download GPX File

Features

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Scenic

Wildlife

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

Hike Ryan Mountain

One of the most prominent peaks in Joshua Tree National Park in Ryan Mountain. It's centrally located rising to a total of 5,456 feet above the valley floor. The trail to the peak is a moderate hike with a little over 1,000 feet elevation gain with panoramic views of Lost Horse Valley, Queen Valley, and Pleasant Valley. And it’s popular reputation is all well deserved. There's pretty much ju...

Hall of Horrors

A trip to Joshua Tree is an adventure in itself, but if you plan so that you are shooting Joshua Tree under a full moon, you'll lose yourself in its beauty all over again. See the park's gorgeous, unique characteristics in a completely different light. Although there may seem to be infinite locations to shoot in Joshua Tree, the Hall of Horrors area under a full moon is particularly remarkable...

Climb at the Hall of Horrors in Joshua Tree

The Hall of Horrors is across the road from the well-known Saddle Rocks. There is good space in this crag, so don't be discouraged with a full parking lot. Like most places in Joshua Tree, the weather is the largest dictator on when and where you'll climb. There isn't much shade here, so waiting for the cooler months is your best bet. Most of the routes here are trad, but there are some nice sp...

Hike the Wall Street Mill

Hike along the easy Wall Street Mill Trail for about one mile and you will reach the mill - if you are into night photography, this is an amazing subject that will bring you back again and again, always capturing something different. Explore around off trail - there are tons of boulders to play and climb around on - keep track of where you are if hiking at night though! Camping is by donation,...

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 ...

Rock Climb at Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree

To find this climb, park on the east side loop of the Ryan Campground in the park. There are several parking spots here next to a bathroom. From here, take the trail straight out about 100 yards to Headstone Rock. It is clearly visible from where you park. One of the hardest parts about this climb can be finding the access to it. It requires some third class approach over some large boulders ho...