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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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
The 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
5.4 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 -
Mecca, California
Hike Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills
5.04.5 mi / 990 ft gainFrom 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 hundred feet there will be rocks forming an arrow pointing you towards a ladder. Go up the ladder and follow the trail from here. There will b...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
Big Painted Canyon
3.61 mi / 541 ft gainBig Painted Canyon is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Mecca, California.Read more -
Riverside County, California
Night Hike Painted Canyon
Take Box Canyon Rd to Painted Canyon Road. Painted Canyon Road is a dirt road, so exercise caution. The road dead ends at the Painted Canyon Trailhead parking lot.Once on the trail, look out for markers and arrow rock piles pointing to the slot canyons and other trails. Some climbing is necessary...Read more -
Mecca, California
Hike the Ladder Canyon/Painted Canyon Loop
5.04 mi / 2215 ft gainFrom Interstate 10, take State Highway 195 (Box Canyon Road) to Painted Canyon Road. This well-maintained, dirt road goes for about 4 miles and leads into the sandy wash which runs the length of the canyon for approximately 1.7 miles. There are a few narrow side canyons which can be explored on f...Read more -
Riverside County, California
Dispersed Camp at Old Dale Mining District
5.0It can be a pain to try and camp in Joshua Tree. Most of the sites get reserved way in advance and if you are looking for privacy or a quiet area, it's not going to happen. But you can camp outside the park on BLM land and there is a great place to do this, it's called Old Dale Mining district. ...Read more -
San Bernardino County, California
Aztec Falls
3.31.23 mi / 16 ft gainFrom Lake Arrowhead, take the 173 to Hook Creek Road until you dead end onto Squint Ranch Road. Take a right at the first fork in the road, and park in the lot for Splinters Cabin. The dirt road can be a bit rocky and might not be the best for small cars. Once you're there, be sure to display you...Read more -
Mecca, California
Camp at the Salton Sea
4.0The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is a good place to camp. It has bathrooms with running water and showers. There are 3 options for camping RV camping with hookups is $30 per night. Tent camping at New Camp (on the map to the right) or Mecca Beach is $20 per night. One can also camp at a more ...Read more
