Joshua Tree National Park, California

Looking for the best hiking in Joshua Tree National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Joshua Tree National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Joshua Tree National Park

  • Palm Springs, California

    Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station

    9.41 mi / 8238 ft gain
    The Skyline Trail to Aerial Tramway Top Station is a challenging hike near Palm Springs, known for its dramatic elevation gain and scenic transitions from desert to alpine terrain. Starting from the Palm Springs Art Museum, the trail ascends over 8,200 feet in elevation before reaching the Palm...
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  • Mountain Center, California

    Cactus Spring Trail

    31.73 mi / 6407 ft gain
    Cactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive

    1.67 mi / 906 ft gain
    North Lykken Trail from W. Crescent Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Niland, California

    Exploring the Salton Sea

    4.0
    The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California, created when irrigation canals from the Colorado River broke. In the 50's and 60's the area saw a boom in resorts and recreation as new "beach front" property was available and attracted hordes of people. Those days are long gone and although the ...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    South Lykken Trail to Simonetta Kennett Viewpoint

    3.6
    6.45 mi / 1654 ft gain
    The South Lykken Trail is the south half of the 9.5-mile Carl Lykken Trail, which weaves along a series of mountain ridges above downtown Palm Springs. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. This section of the trail runs 3.2 miles one-way. You will gain just over 1600ft of elevation at the high...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Palm Canyon Trail

    4.5
    1.94 mi / 308 ft gain
    The fifteen mile long Palm Canyon, one of the Indian Canyons, is among the most beautiful natural sites in Western North America. Its indigenous flora and fauna, expertly used by the Cahuilla people, and its abundant Washingtonia Filifera (California Fan Palm) stand in breathtaking contrast to th...
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  • Desert Hot Springs, California

    Mission Creek Trail

    15.33 mi / 1594 ft gain
    Mission Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Whitewater, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Maynard Mine Trail

    5.82 mi / 2487 ft gain
    Maynard Mine Trail is a good choice if you're looking for decent elevation gain to get the hear rate up. The trailhead is at Andreas Canyon (in the Indian Canyons).  The trail has a rapid elevation gain of 2300' in the first 2.5 miles. The entire trail, out and back, is about 6 miles. The actua...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Andreas Canyon

    5.0
    1.03 mi / 154 ft gain
    Andreas Canyon in Indian Canyons is located very close to Palm Springs in the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. It is one of the few places with abundant shade and running fresh water in an otherwise dry desert landscape. Enjoy a longer hike to a waterfall (Seven Falls) or stay ...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Seven Falls via Murray Canyon Trail

    4.01 mi / 587 ft gain
    A very scenic 4-mile round trip with a rewarding waterfall after a 2.5-mile hike/stroll. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the Peninsula Big Horn Sheep (an endangered species), mule deer or other wild animals still roaming the high ground above the canyon. Less visited, Murray Canyon has its ...
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  • Morongo Valley, California

    Big Morongo Canyon Trail

    11.65 mi / 1401 ft gain
    Big Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Winter Climb San Jacinto from the Tram

    5.0
    8 mi / 2400 ft gain
    Intermediate: No snow.Advanced: Lots of snow.Expert: Snow w/ high winds and low temps. GPX: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasu... San Jacinto, at 10,834 feet, is the second-highest peak in the Southern California. It's unique in that it has a rotating tram car (think slow motion disco floor) that r...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Scramble Cornell Peak

    3.5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Entering Mt San Jacinto State Park via the Palm Springs Aerial Tram is one of the easiest ways to get into the wilderness area.  Purchase your ticket and ride to the station where you'll be able to walk out the backdoor and onto the trail. In order to get to Cornell, your route finding skills wil...
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  • Borrego Springs, California

    Hike the Calcite Mine Trail in the Anza-Borrego Desert

    4 mi / 830 ft gain
    Open from March until October - but I would not particularly recommend this hike in the summer months, unless you started in the wee almost dark hours. This is the desert and it gets hot early and quickly.This is a former calcite mine with slot canyons, great rock formations and some shady areas ...
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail

    3.35 mi / 518 ft gain
    Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Palm Springs, California.
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  • Palm Springs, California

    Caramba Overlook

    12.97 mi / 2779 ft gain
    Caramba Overlook is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Palm Springs, California.
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