Joshua Tree, California
One of the top outdoor adventures in Joshua Tree, California is hiking along the Ryan Mountain Trail. This moderate difficulty trail is a must-visit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert and unique rock formations. It's a 3-mile round trip hike to the summit where you can enjoy scenic vistas of the park. Another best trail is the Barker Dam Nature Trail, a 1.1-mile loop that features a lake and is perfect for all skill levels. For rock climbing enthusiasts, Joshua Tree is a popular destination with over 8,000 climbing routes. Nearby, you can also explore the Cholla Cactus Garden, a dense concentration of cholla cacti. These are just a few examples of the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Joshua Tree.
Top Spots in and near Joshua Tree
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Big Bear, California
Holcomb Valley Campground
This campground is awesome! With great views, plenty of space and clean bathrooms it'll have you in for a treat! Whether it be a multiple day trip or just one night this campground is awesome. Read below for information if you are looking for a trip in the mountains! Cost: This campground is a ...Read more -
Banning, California
Lake Fulmor Loop Trail
5.00.53 mi / 89 ft gainLake Fulmor is a small lake in the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild, CA. The trail loops around the lake offering spectacular views and is good for all skill levels. There are picnic tables, grills, and a small dock where you can peer out over the lake or cast a line. To fish in Lake Fulm...Read more -
Big Bear, California
Cougar Crest Trail
5.05.57 mi / 892 ft gainOn the north side of Big Bear Lake, just off the 38, you will find a turn off for the Cougar Crest Trail. The parking lot is well marked, and signs for the trailhead are easy to spot. Parking is not an issue if you come in later in the afternoon, but the hike can get crowded during peak hours. Fo...Read more -
Big Bear Lake, California
Grand View Point
6.9 mi / 1312 ft gainGrand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the win...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Dunn Road
15.55 mi / 994 ft gainDunn Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Palm Springs, California.Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Grays Peak Trail
1.06.95 mi / 1293 ft gainThis is a fairly easy mountain peak to climb. The trailhead is easily accessible right off of Hwy 38 by the town of Fawnskin. There is a large National Forest sign noting the parking area to Grays Peak Trail. Note that parking in this lot requires either a day pass or a California Adventure pa...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake
4.52.7 mi / 719 ft gainFollow the directions to the trail head, and park on the side of the road. You will see a sign that says Castle Rock Trail, and the path is directly behind that sign. The hike up to the peak is steep, sandy, and very rocky, so shoes with good traction is recommended. There are also lots of oak a...Read more -
Angelus Oaks, California
San Bernardino Peak
3.015.82 mi / 4911 ft gainThe San Bernadino Peak Trail out of Angelus Oaks is a very challenging hike, which can either be done as a day hike or an overnight trip. Free permits are required for day hiking and overnights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits can be accessed via Sgwa.org/permits. If you choose to ...Read more -
Forest Falls, California
Summit Mt. San Bernardino from Angelus Oaks
16 mi / 4775 ft gainThe trailhead is somewhat 'interesting' to get to given the dirt roads are in questionable shape and some of the roads in Angelus Oaks are not easily identifiable but I didn't have any problems finding it by closely following Google Maps. Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass parking pe...Read more -
Fawnskin, California
Pine Oak Lane Beach
Pine Oak Lane Beach, is located on the western side of Big Bear Lake. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or an action-packed day on the water, this scenic beach has something for everyone. Activities: At Pine Oak Lane Beach, you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including swi...Read more -
Mountain Center, California
Cactus Spring Trail
31.73 mi / 6407 ft gainCactus Spring Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mountain Center, California.Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Camp at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP
5.0The Cottonwood Campground is roughly 40 minutes south of the main attractions in Joshua Tree on Pinyon Canyon Rd and is located right next to the visitor center The biggest advantage of this site is that it is less popular than many of the other sites in Joshua Tree. It also has potable water and...Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Hike the Mastadon Peak Loop
5.02.3 mi / 331 ft gainThe trail is typically used for hiking, nature trips, and trail running. There are lots of opportunities to see desert plants and flowers. On clear days, you can see the Salton Sea. There is an old mine to explore from the outside, as the entrance has been sealed. If you plan on going to the top...Read more -
Hemet, California
Hike South Fork Trail
5.05.4 mi / 1056 ft gainBegin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....Read more -
Twentynine Palms, California
Explore Cottonwood Spring
Just east of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. This scenic spot provides access to cottonwood spring. The spring is a short walk down from the parking lot, and was formed from earthquakes! It was a popular spot for natives and settlers to gather water back in the day. As you approach the springs you...Read more -
Mecca, California
Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills
5.04.43 mi / 1119 ft gainLadder Canyon is a hike that involves climbing ladders and walking through canyons up to great views on the Mecca Hills and Salton Sea. From Box Canyon Road turn on to Painted Canyon Road a dirt road that will lead you to the trailhead. From the trailhead start into the canyon. After a few hundr...Read more
