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The Best Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park

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

  • Riverside County, California

    Golden Bee Mine Trail

    4.32 mi / 860 ft gain
    Golden Bee Mine Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.
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  • Riverside County, California

    Photograph the Cholla Cactus Gardens

    4.4
    0.25 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Cholla Cactus Garden is something everyone can appreciate and enjoy. The trail is in total about a 0.25 loop, but you are certainly free to wander around more. Plan on spending at least 30 minutes to an hour enjoying the scenery. If you are a photographer, you will be enthralled by the light...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Pinto Mountain Trail

    10.67 mi / 2894 ft gain
    Pinto Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Twentynine Palms, California.
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  • Riverside County, California

    Golden Bell and Eldorado Mine Trail

    1.98 mi / 423 ft gain
    Golden Bell and Eldorado Mine Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Twentynine Palms, California.
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  • Riverside County, California

    Ruby Lee Mill Site and Porcupine Wash Loop

    8.6 mi / 873 ft gain
    Ruby Lee Mill Site and Porcupine Wash Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Blythe, California.
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  • Riverside County, California

    Backcountry Camp in Joshua Tree

    5.0
    2 mi
    Backcountry camping can be done at various locations throughout the park (13 different locations). Upon arrival to the park, you will be given a map and can backcountry camp from any of the locations marked with a "B".At these locations you will find a backcountry registration board. It's extrem...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Monument Mountain from Pinkham Canyon Trailhead

    13.54 mi / 1831 ft gain
    Monument Mountain from Pinkham Canyon Trailhead is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mecca, California.
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  • Riverside County, California

    Night Shoot at Arch Rock

    4.7
    If you're setting up camp, be sure to check out White Tank Campground, which is home to one of the most epic rock formations. The Arch is located here. It's only about 1/2 round trip of walking to this spot. Geology Tour Road offers some flat wide open views of Joshua Trees in all directions. If ...
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  • Riverside County, California

    Camp at Joshua Tree's White Tank Campground

    5.0
    White Tank Campground is in the perfect spot to get a taste of all that Joshua Tree has to offer. As a central location to nearby hiking and climbing, it is easy to access the various parts of the park. Removed from the border of the park, White Tank doesn't attract as many visitors as the more p...
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  • 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...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Hike the Mastadon Peak Loop

    5.0
    2.3 mi / 331 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail

    1.66 mi / 223 ft gain
    Cottonwood Spring Nature Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mecca, California.
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Arch Rock Nature Trail

    4.3
    1.24 mi / 92 ft gain
    This is a rock formation very popular with young crowds at Joshua Tree. The views from this hike are spectacular. If you hike this trail at sunset, the gorgeous colors of the ski are reflected onto the rocks.  There is a plaque along the trail detailing rock formations and facts about the parks ...
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  • 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...
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Conejo Well and Eagle Mountains Trail

    13.36 mi / 1115 ft gain
    Conejo Well and Eagle Mountains Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mecca, California.
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  • Twentynine Palms, California

    Mastodon Peak Loop Trail

    2.45 mi / 364 ft gain
    Mastodon Peak Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mecca, California.
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