Ron & Jan's Favorite Day Hikes

Skull / Face Rock Discovery Trail

Length .7 miles | elevation 68 feet | easy loop

Directions: From Joshua Tree entrance and stay on Park Blvd for approx. 30 miles past Jumbo Rocks Campground until you will see parking on both sides of the road. The trail is on the left, directly across the street from Skull Rock.

Short easy trail takes you through rock canyons with views of Face Rock . It is located right across the street from Skull Roack. the trail is easy to follow and has side trails you can explore. there is plenty of shade and very little incline.

Unless you like crowds get here early, as this is a very popular spot. If it is too crowded for your tastes try Split Rock and/or Arch Rock.

For more trail and hiking information go to alltrails.com

For more images click here

Skull Rock NatureTrail

Length 1.7 miles | elevation 160 feet | easy loop

Directions: From Joshua Tree entrance stay on Park Blvd for approx. 30 miles past Jumbo Rocks Campground until you will see parking on both sides of the road. The trail starts at Skull Rock and goes toward Jumbo Rock Campground.

This trail starts at Skull Rock and goes down to and through the Jumbo rock Campground. After crossing the street follow the trail all the way back to the start. Keep an eye out as the trail is sometimes a little hard to follow (however you will never get lost). You will see tons of rock formations to view and climb. For a longer walk you can keep hiking by following the Skull Rock Discovery Trail up to Face Rock and over to Split Rock.

There are some shady areas but none for the first half of the hike. Take plenty of water and arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat.

For more trail and hiking information go to alltrails.com

For more images click here

Split Rock Trail

Length 1.9 miles | elevation 252 feet | easy loop

Directions: From Joshua Tree entrance stay on Park Blvd past Jumbo Rocks Campground . Keep going past Skull Rock until you see a sign For split Rock. Turn left and follow dirt road the trailhead and parking. Trail loops back to parking lot..

The Split Rock Trail is a nice alternative to the Skull Rock Hikes. The hike is much less crowded but still full of boulders and scenery. While the trail is well marked be careful not to wander off. The trail takes you through lots of rock formations and small valleys and loops back to the parking lot. There is some elevation but not too bad.

For more trail and hiking information go to alltrails.com

For more images click here

Arch Rock Trail

Length 1.2 miles | elevation 88 feet | easy out & back

Directions: From Joshua Tree entrance stay on Park Blvd past Jumbo Rocks Campground . Keep going past Skull Rock and turn right on Pinto Basin Way. Parking is at Twin Tanks Backcountry Board/Arch Rock Nature Trail. parking lot located on the right.

Once you have parked head south and follow signs. Once you cross the street follow signs to the Arch. There is no shade so bring lots of water. It's a short easy hike with very little incline. Once you get to the arch there are plenty of boulders to climb and areas to explore. We usually combine this hike with another hike in the park.

For more trail and hiking information go to alltrails.com

For more images click here