🌵 Our 5 Favorite Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is like stepping into another world—where Dr. Seuss-style trees stretch to the sky, massive boulders beg to be climbed, and golden desert light turns every hike into a dreamscape.

After multiple trips, we've narrowed it down to our five absolute favorite hikes in the park. Whether you’re chasing epic views, historical ruins, or short scenic loops, these trails offer the perfect mix of adventure and accessibility.

Let’s get into it 👇

 

🚏 Table of Contents

• 🌵 Hidden Valley Trail
• 🌄 Ryan Mountain Trail
• 🌈 Barker Dam Trail
• 🪨 Skull Rock & Discovery Trail
• 🏞️ Lost Horse Mine Trail

 

🌵 Hidden Valley Trail

• Distance: 1 mile loop
• Time: ~30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• AllTrails: Hidden Valley Trail

Hidden Valley is the classic Joshua Tree intro hike. This short, scenic loop wraps around a rock-enclosed valley that once served as a hideout for cattle rustlers. It’s an easy walk with huge payoffs—iconic boulders, dense Joshua trees, and a magical light show at golden hour.

💡 Why we love it:

It’s accessible, photogenic, and full of that weird-wonderful desert energy Joshua Tree is known for. Plus, it’s a great spot to watch climbers in action!

 

🌄 Ryan Mountain Trail

• Distance: 3 miles out & back
• Time: ~2–2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• AllTrails: Ryan Mountain Trail

Looking for big views? Ryan Mountain delivers. This trail climbs steeply to one of the highest points in the park—with jaw-dropping panoramic views of Pinto Basin, Lost Horse Valley, and the Wonderland of Rocks.

💡 Why we love it:

The 360° summit view is unforgettable. It’s a challenging hike, but totally worth the sweat—especially if you start early and catch the sunrise.

 

🌈 Barker Dam Trail

• Distance: 1.1 mile loop
• Time: ~40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• AllTrails: Barker Dam Nature Trail

This loop mixes desert scenery with an unexpected twist: a historic water reservoir that sometimes holds a small lake. Built by early cattle ranchers, Barker Dam is a rare oasis in the high desert—and a great place to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep or birds.

💡 Why we love it:

The blend of history, desert flora, and the surprise of water in the desert makes this one of Joshua Tree’s most unique hikes. Plus, the nearby petroglyphs are a fascinating bonus.

 

🪨 Skull Rock & Discovery Trail

• Distance: 1.7 miles out & back
• Time: ~1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• AllTrails: Skull Rock Nature Trail

This trail starts right off the main road and leads you to a massive granite formation shaped like a skull—thanks to centuries of erosion. It’s weird, wonderful, and wildly Instagrammable. Continue past Skull Rock to explore the Discovery Trail, a kid-designed path with fun educational signs and cool rock formations.

💡 Why we love it:

It’s playful and interactive. Perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who loves exploring without committing to a long hike.

 

🏞️ Lost Horse Mine Trail

• Distance: 4 miles out & back
• Time: ~2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• AllTrails: Lost Horse Mine Trail

This trail leads to one of the best-preserved gold mines in the California desert. Along the way, you’ll pass rolling hills, clusters of Joshua trees, and get wide-open views of the high desert landscape.

💡 Why we love it:

It’s a peaceful, less-trafficked hike with a rewarding historical payoff at the end. The desert light here is especially beautiful in the late afternoon.

 

🏜️ Bonus Hike: Cottonwood Springs Oasis

• Distance: Varies (0.1 to 7 miles depending on trail)
• Time: ~30 minutes to 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• AllTrails: Cottonwood Springs Oasis

Cottonwood Springs feels like stepping into a different version of Joshua Tree—lush, quiet, and surprisingly green. This area is home to one of the park’s few natural desert oases, filled with towering fan palms and cottonwood trees fed by underground springs.

You can simply explore the oasis area for a quick nature fix, or hike deeper via the Mastodon Peak Loop or Lost Palms Oasis Trail if you want more adventure.

💡 Why we love it:

It’s the perfect escape from the crowds. Cottonwood Springs has a peaceful, almost spiritual vibe, and it’s rich in both natural beauty and Indigenous & mining history. It also makes a great stop if you’re entering/exiting the park through the south entrance.

 

⚠️ Bonus Hiking Tips for Joshua Tree

• Before you hit the trails, keep these essentials in mind:
• 🕒 Start early—temperatures soar by midday.
• 💧 Bring plenty of water (1 liter per hour of hiking).
• 📵 Download AllTrails maps offline—cell signal is limited.
• 🧴 Wear sunscreen and layers—the desert sun is no joke.
• 📸 Don’t forget your camera—the light is chef’s kiss at golden hour.

 

📥 Freebie Alert: Download Our Joshua Tree Hiking Guide

• Want all the hikes above (and more) in a printable, offline-friendly format? We’ve got a free guide with:
• ✔️ Our top hikes
• ✔️ Trail maps + AllTrails links
• ✔️ Packing tips + trail safety checklist
• 👉 Click here to download the FREE Joshua Tree Hiking Guide.

 

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Inside, you’ll find:

• ✅ Done-for-you itineraries
• ✅ Hiking + driving maps
• ✅ Lodging recs + food stops
• ✅ Tips to save time, gas & money
• 👉 Grab the RoadBook here and start your epic desert adventure!