Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave Desert in southeastern California. The park gets its namesake from Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), which are native to the area. The rock formations, climbing, and camping make this national park an incredible destination. Please remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and enjoy this area respectfully and responsibly. Contact number for the park's visitor's center: 760-367-5500
Top Spots in and near Joshua Tree National Park
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Palm Springs, California
Andreas Canyon
5.01.03 mi / 154 ft gainAndreas 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 ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Seven Falls via Murray Canyon Trail
4.01 mi / 587 ft gainA 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 ...Read more -
Pioneertown, California
Historic Pioneertown
3.0Here in California we have a lot of desert to sift through. When trying to figure out how to navigate the mass, you have to know the places worth fighting the brutal heat or chilling cold. Pioneertown will lure you in regardless. You will see why as you make your way up the 4-mile winding road ...Read more -
Morongo Valley, California
Big Morongo Canyon Trail
11.65 mi / 1401 ft gainBig Morongo Canyon Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Morongo Valley, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Winter Climb San Jacinto from the Tram
5.08 mi / 2400 ft gainIntermediate: 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...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Scramble Cornell Peak
3.5 mi / 1000 ft gainEntering 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...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Climb at the Tramway of Mount San Jacinto
John Muir once wrote, "The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" So it's no surprise that this is a sought after destination for hikers and climbers alike. Named after the fact that most climbers use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to reach this...Read more -
Landers, California
Explore Giant Rock
This is an adventure that my wife and me have been wanting to do for a while now. We finally decided to make the 30 minute journey out to Landers from Yucca Valley. There are quite a few points of interest along the way, but that is a story for another adventure.Giant Rock is 5.2 miles northwest ...Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Hike the Calcite Mine Trail in the Anza-Borrego Desert
4 mi / 830 ft gainOpen 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 ...Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Hidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail
3.35 mi / 518 ft gainHidden Lake via Willow Creek Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Caramba Overlook
12.97 mi / 2779 ft gainCaramba Overlook is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs Tram to Idyllwild
5.010.09 mi / 1404 ft gainPalm Springs Tram to Idyllwild is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Borrego Springs, California
Fonts Point
4.58.02 mi / 551 ft gainThe best time to go to Fonts point is right before the sun sets. It is located in the desert, so be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket or two. In order to get to Fonts Point, you'll have to drive through roughly 4 miles of sand and rocks (8-miles roundtrip). 4x4 is strongly recommended, bu...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Pacific Crest Trail: Whitewater Preserve to Stone House
12.38 mi / 1588 ft gainThe Pacific Crest Trail section from Whitewater Preserve to Stone House offers a challenging 12.4-mile out-and-back trek through the dramatic desert landscape of Southern California. Starting from the scenic Whitewater Preserve at 2,700 feet elevation, this trail section provides hikers with an...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
San Gorgonio Overlook via Pacific Crest Trail (Whitewater)
10.19 mi / 1775 ft gainThe San Gorgonio Overlook trail via PCT is a challenging 10.2-mile out-and-back hike starting from the Whitewater Preserve in Southern California. This scenic trek offers spectacular views of Mount San Gorgonio, Southern California's highest peak, while traversing through the diverse landscapes...Read more -
9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, California
Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood TH via PCT
7.79 mi / 1421 ft gainThe Whitewater Ranger Station to Cottonwood Trailhead via PCT is an epic 7.8-mile point-to-point trek through the San Gorgonio Wilderness of Southern California. This demanding trail segment offers PCT thru-hikers and adventurous day hikers a dramatic transition from desert landscapes to alpine...Read more
