Bajada Nature Trail Trailhead is located in a wide desert valley with mountains in the distance in every direction. On the east side of the road there is a paved loop parking lot with a paved sidewalk with a bulletin board with an interpretive display. Near the bulletin board a dirt and gravel trail heads off to the east. There are scattered small trees and shrubs throughout the area.

The Bajada Nature Trail Trailhead is located on the east side of Cottonwood Spring Road just inside the southern entrance to the park. This trailhead provides access to the Bajada Nature Trail, an easy half mile trail with minimal elevation gain on a dirt and gravel trail. The trail contains interpretive signs with information on the area along the way.

A dirt path and wooden footbridge with scattered shrubs in the area and mountains in the distance.

Bajada Nature Trail Trailhead

Location

The Barker Damn Nature Trail Trailhead is located in an open area with mountains to the southeast and rock formations to the northwest. There is a large paved parking lot with a dirt trail to the north and pit toilets near the trailhead. The area contains many Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs.

Barker Dam Nature Trail Trailhead provides access to Barker Dam on an easy 1.1 mile hike. This trail connects to additional trails for longer hikes. The Barker Dam Nature Trail is a mix of compact dirt, granite boulders, and sandy washes. The average trail width is three feet with an average grade of 1% and a max grade of 3% and involves climbing some steps.

A dirt trail with wooden posts on either side leading towards rock formations in the distance.

Barker Dam Nature Trail Trailhead

The Barker Damn Nature Trail Trailhead provides quick access to Barker Dam on a 1.1 mile hike.

A small dirt pullout located on the east side of the dirt Geology Tour Road. There is enough space for approximately four to five vehicles at this pullout. A backcountry board with backpacking rules and safety information is located at the start of the trailhead. The trailhead also has a short wooden fence. The surrounding area is scattered with desert plants including Joshua trees, creosote bush, and Mojave yuccas.

<h2>Revealing Queen Valley </h2> Look around—this open valley was formed because the valley floor you are driving across is eroding faster than the surrounding mountains. The valley floor is softer than the metamorphic rock that makes up the surrounding mountains, so it weathers and erodes faster.   <h2 paraeid="{3795eb8f-666b-4741-8213-898f2cf0d5a9}{37}" paraid="595787850">Building a Foundation  </h2> Making Gneiss: Around 20 miles (32 km) below the surface extremely high temperatures and intense pressure caused the minerals in sediments that were once on the ocean floor to rearrange and form a new, durable metamorphic rock called gneiss (pronounced “nice”).   Intrusive Granites: Oceanic crust began sliding beneath the crust of the continent, in a process called subduction. Intense heat and pressure, along with water and gases from the oceanic crust, melted rock beneath the continental crust. This melted rock was more buoyant than the crust around it, and it began to rise—though it never quite made it to the surface.  <h2 paraeid="{3795eb8f-666b-4741-8213-898f2cf0d5a9}{85}" paraid="788783668">Exploration Area  </h2> Take a hike east or west from here on the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Carry water with you.  <h2 paraeid="{3795eb8f-666b-4741-8213-898f2cf0d5a9}{103}" paraid="269010063">Glossary  </h2> Subduction: The process in which the edge of one continental plate is pushed under another plate into the earth’s mantle.   Erosion: A geological process in which natural forces such as wind or water move natural materials like rocks, dirt, and sand.   Weathering: A natural process by which water, wind, heat, plants and other forces, slowly break or change the rock.  Metamorphic: Metamorphic rocks form when high temperatures and pressure act on a rock to alter its physical and chemical properties (metamorphism means 'to change form'). This process occurs deep under the Earth’s surface. Uplift and erosion bring metamorphic rock to the earth’s surface.

An information board next to a trailhead with a short wooden fence.

Geology Tour Road Backcountry Board

California Riding and Hiking Trail at Geology Tour Road

Cap Rock is a large domed rock formation with a lower section extending to the north. The rock formation has many large cracks in it with large boulders and shrubs on top of it. To the south of Cap Rock is a picnic area with several picnic trees and grills in an open dirt area next to a paved parking lot. The Cap Rock Nature Trail, a dirt and gravel trail, is located on the east side of the parking lot and heads southeast through additional rock formations. The whole area is in a wide open plain filled with Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs with rocky mountains in the distance.

Cap Rock is a popular rock formation in the central part of Joshua Tree National Park. Located near the north end of Keys View Road near Park Boulevard, Cap Rock is an easy to reach location. In addition to the unique rock formation, Cap Rock offers a picnic area with grills as well as the Cap Rock Nature Trail for a short walk through nearby rock formations with interpretive signs along the way to learn about the area. The area around Cap Rock and the nature trail are flat dirt and gravel surfaces.

A large rock formation with Joshua trees in the foreground under clouds lit pink by the sunset.

Cap Rock at Sunset

Cap Rock is a popular centrally located rock formation.

Cap Rock

The Cholla Cactus Garden is located in a wide basin with mountains on the horizon. The area is filled with Cholla Cacti that grow a couple of feet tall, branch in many places, and are covered in spines that can glow at sunrise and sunset. Next to the road there is a paved parking area with a paved sidewalk and a wooden fence between the sidewalk and the Cholla. On the western end of the parking lot there is a trailhead for a dirt and gravel trail that loops through the Cholla.

The Cholla Cactus Garden is located along the Pinto Basin Road near the transition zone between the Colorado and Mohave Deserts. This area provides the cholla with more water allowing this area to support a high number of cacti. The Cholla Cactus Garden includes a quarter mile trail to explore the area. Take care around these cacti, they are commonly referred to as "jumping" cholla as segments can break off and attach to people and animals as a way to reproduce.

A large number of cholla growing in front of rocking mountains under clouds lit pink by the sunset.

Cholla Cactus Garden at Sunset

Enjoy scenic views of mountains and a large number of cholla growing along Pinto Basin Road.

Cholla Cactus Garden

Cottonwood Spring is a lush desert oasis surrounded by rocky hills. The oasis is filled with many types of plants including fan palms, Joshua trees, other small trees, and shrubs. The oasis is located down a short dirt path from a paved parking lot with a paved sidewalk. Next to the trailhead is a backpacking board with information on backpacking as well as a box for self registration as well as an interpretive sign. The area around the parking lot is filled with scattered Joshua trees, short trees, and shrubs.

Cottonwood Spring is a lush desert oasis located in the southern portion of the Joshua Tree National Park near the Cottonwood Visitor Center off Cottonwood Spring Road. The spring is a short walk down a dirt path from the parking area, providing an opportunity to see a wide range of plant and wildlife. This trailhead also provides access to longer hikes on the Mastodon Peak Loop and Lost Palms Oasis Trail. The Cottonwood Spring Wilderness Backpacking Board is located at the trailhead for backpackers to self register for overnight backpacking trips in the area.

A lush desert oasis filled with desert palms, short trees, and shrubs in front of a rocky hill.

Cottonwood Spring Oasis

A lush desert oasis that also provides access to the Mastodon Peak Loop and Lost Palms Oasis Trail.

Cottonwood Spring

The Hi-View Trailhead is a dirt trail nestled among rocky desert hills. The trail starts through a gap in a wooden split rail fence from a dirt parking lot. The area is filled with scattered Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs with rocky hills and ridges in every direction.

End of Trail

Fortynine Palms Oasis Trailhead is located in rocky desert mountains. The area contains scattered rocks and shrubs. A dirt trail begins on the south side of the parking lot near two bulletin boards. Between the bulletin boards and parking area there is a pit toilet. The parking lot is a small paved loop with parking spots for cars and RVs.

Fortynine Palms Oasis Trailhead provides access to Fortynine Palms Oasis on a three mile out and back hike which is only open in the fall, winter and spring.The trail is on compact dirt with an average grade of 8%, max grade of 27%, has steps in some places, and gains 300 feet of elevation in each direction.This trailhead is in a northern section of the park seperate from the rest of the park roads and is accessed by Canyon Road off of Highway 62 between Indian Cove and Twentynine Palms. The trail is usually closed in the summer to allow bighorn sheep undisturbed access to surface water. The park is under drought conditions and herds in the area are increasingly reliant on the oasis spring to survive the hot summer months. The reopening date changes year to year and the summer closure remains in place until summer monsoons provide adequate rainfall to increase water availability.

A dirt trail between two split rail fences heading towards a ridge in the distance.

Fortynine Palms Oasis Trailhead

The Hi-View Trailhead provides access to several trails in the northwest corner of the park. The trailhead is located down a dirt road northwest of Black Rock Campground. Some of the more popular hikes include the Hi-View Trail, an easy 1.3 mile loop, and West Side Loop, a moderate 4.1 mile loop that can be combined with additional trails for longer hikes. The trails in this area are a mix of dirt, rock, and sandy washes. The parking area for this trailhead is a small dirt parking lot so anything larger than a small RV (20 feet) may have difficulty turning around.

Trailhead for the Hi-View and West Side Loop Trails.

Hi-View Trailhead

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead is located in a large valley with scattered rock formations, Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs. The trailhead is on the northwest side of a large paved loop parking lot. The parking lot has regular parking spots on the outside and RV and bus spots on the inside with paved sidewalks on either side. The trail itself is a dirt and rock trail that leads between two large rock formations and has in interpretive sign on the area right next to the beginning. Near the trailhead there are pit toilets and trash cans.

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead is located just off Park Boulevard. This trailhead provides access to the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, an easy one mile loop through Hidden Valley on a dirt and rock trail. This is a popular hike through a rock-enclosed valley surrounded by unique rock formations. Along the way there are interpretive signs with information on the area. The trail has an average width of three feet and an average grade of 4% with a max grade of 19% and involves climbing both steps and open rock.

A group of hikers heading up a dirt trail between large rocks with mountains in the background.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead provides access to explore Hidden Valley.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead

Hidden Valley Picnic Area is located in a large desert valley with many scattered rock formations. Among the rock formations there are many Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs. There is a large loop parking area with picnic tables and grills in flat dirt areas scattered along the loop. Some parts of the parking lot have a paved sidewalk leading to pit toilets and the trash cans with nearby picnic tables and grills.

Hidden Valley Picnic Area is a large spread out picnic area along Park Boulevard in the middle of the park. Located in an area of large rock formations with many Joshua trees, there are many picnic tables and grills available. The parking area and sidewalks with access to the pit toilets are paved while the areas around the picnic tables are flat dirt areas. The picnic area is a short walk from the Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead.

People sitting at a picnic table in front of a large rock.

Hidden Valley Picnic Area

Hidden Valley Picnic Area is a large picnic area with picnic tables and grills among rock formations and Joshua Trees.

The Indian Cove Nature Trail Trailhead is located on the edge of a large open area with rock formations on one side. A dirt and rock trail heads west from the parking area between a wooden split rail fence with a rocky ridge running east to west a little south of the trailhead. The area is filled with scattered boulders, small trees, and shrubs. The parking area is a dirt loop with boulders marking the edge of the parking area and a pit toilet on one side.

The Indian Cove Nature Trail Trailhead in located in Indian Cove in the northern section of the park. Beginning to the west of the Indian Cove Campground, this trailhead provides access to an easy .6 mile loop with minimal elevation gain and some steps along the way. Along the trail there are interpretive signs with information on the area.

A dirt trail heading between two wooden split rail fences with rocky mountains in the background.

Indian Cove Nature Trail

Trailhead for an easy .6 mile hike with interpretive signs along the way.

Indian Cove Nature Trail Trailhead

Indian Cove Wilderness Backcountry Board is located in a large open desert area. The board contains information on backpacking and hiking, displays an area map, has a box for backpackers to self register, and is located right next to a dirt trailhead. The area is filled with scattered shrubs. Next to the trailhead there is a dirt parking lot surrounded by large rocks. To the east, south, and west are rocky mountains, while the north has a large wide open valley.

The Indian Cove Wilderness Backcountry Board is located at the beginning of the Lower Boy Scout Trail, aka the north end of the Boy Scout Trail in Indian Cove. This trailhead provides access to the Boy Scout Trail, which in turn connects to several other trails for longer hikes. The Boy Scout Trail runs eight miles, one way, between Indian Cove and Park Boulevard on dirt, rock, and sand surfaces. The backcountry board serves as a self registration point for backpacking along the Boy Scout Trail.

Two people walking down a dirt trail between two split rail fences past a bulletin board.

Indian Cove Wilderness Backpacking Board

Backcountry board and trailhead for the north end of the Boy Scout Trail.

As you enter Keys View there is a large paved loop parking area with a paved sidewalk and stone wall along the overlook. From the overlook there are wide views of the Little San Bernardino Mountains with Coachella Valley in the distance and a second mountain range on the horizon. The mountains are rugged and rocky with scattered small trees and shrubs. To the left of the overlook, a paved trail leads to more views. A pit toilet is located near the entrance and exit to the parking area.

Keys View provides wide panoromic views of the southern side of Joshua Tree National Park. Perched in the Little San Bernardina Mountains, Keys View offers exceptional views of the mountains as they flow into the Coachella Valley below. On a very clear day, it is even possible to see Signal Mountain in Mexico 90 miles to the south. From the parking area you can enjoy the .25 mile paved Keys View Nature Trail for more views as well as educational wayside signs along the trail.

Dry rocky mountains with a small tree leading to a valley in the distance under puffy clouds.

Keys View

Keys View is a popular viewpoint providing wide vistas of the Little San Bernardino Mountains and Coachella Valley.

The Keys West Backpacking Board is located in a wide valley along Park Boulevard. The parking area is a dirt parking lot with a pit toilet and trash cans. In the northwest corner is a trailhead with a backpacking board with info on backpacking and self registration. The area has scattered Joshua trees, small trees and shrubs. In the distance are rocky mountains.

The Keys West Backcountry Board is located at the Upper Boy Scout Trail, aka the south end of the Boy Scout Trail, along Park Boulevard. This trailhead provides access to the Boy Scout Trail and Willow Hole Trail. The backcountry board serves as a self registration point for backpacking along the Boy Scout Trail.

A sign by a dirt trail with information on backpacking with scattered Joshua trees and shrubs nearby

Keys West Backcountry Board

Backcountry board and trailhead for the south end of the Boy Scout Trail.

Keys West Wilderness Backpacking Board

The Lost Horse Mine Trailhead is a dirt trail starting from a dirt parking lot. The area is surrounded by rocky hills with scattered Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs. There is a pit toilet on the west end of the parking lot near the dirt road that provides access to the area.

The Lost Horse Mine Trailhead provides access to the Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail and the Lost Horse Mine. The trailhead is located at the end of the dirt Lost Horse Mine Road off of Keys View Road. The Lost Horse Mine can be reached on the Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail as part of a four mile out and back hike with 550 feet of elevation or as part of a longer loop for those that want a longer hike. The trail is a mix of dirt and rock.

A dirt road going by rocky hills with a dirt trail leaving the road and heading over a rocky hill.

Lost Horse Mine Trailhead

The Lost Horse Mine Trailhead provides access to the Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail and the Lost Horse Mine.

Located on the west side of the Oasis Visitor Center, the Oasis of Mara Nature Trail starts from a covered patio paved with tiles next to the white one story visitor center. Heading west, a paved trail heads out into a desert landscape between desert palms, small trees, and shrubs. Nearby on the patio area there are interpretive signs, picnic tables, and trash cans.

The trailhead for the Oasis of Mara Trail is located right next to the Oasis Visitor Center. Located on the back side of the Oasis Visitor Center this trailhead provides easy access to the Oasis of Mara on a .5 mile paved trail.

A colorful sunset over a paved path that goes between shrubs towards desert palms in the distance.

Sunset at Oasis of Mara

Oasis of Mara Nature Trail Trailhead

A medium sized dirt parking area on the east side of the road. The area is surrounded by uniquely-shaped rock formations and desert vegetation. A valley and mountains can be seen in the distance to the south.

Ever-changing Landscape  This area wasn’t always a desert. As recent at 12,000 years ago, lush green vegetation covered the valleys and mountain slopes around you. Streams once fed a seasonal lake that is now the dry playa you just drove across.  Changing Climate  Pleistocene Epoch: Until 12,000 years ago, the climate in this region was much cooler and wetter. Thick soils anchored by lush vegetation covered rolling hills and slopes and water flowed through year-round streams.  Present Day: At the end of the Pleistocene, the climate dried out and warmed up. The vegetation that was adapted to a wetter climate died, leaving behind bare slopes that are more vulnerable to erosion. Valley floors filled with sediment, creating the flat plains you see today. These plains are preserved because there isn't enough running water to erode them away.  Changing Landscape  Look for the following features to see evidence of an ever-changing landscape.   Bajada: Find bajadas where alluvial fans merge to form a vast sediment slope at the mouth of canyons.  Pediment: These sloping bedrock surfaces covered by gravel can be seen along the edges of mountains.   Dry Wash: Washes transport sediment downhill. The smallest, lightest particles are carried farthest. Desert washes fill with rushing water after rain and monsoons. The washes in Joshua Tree spend most of the year dry.   Playa: Streams carried sediment into a now dry lake. Clay and silt deposits are hundreds of feet deep here.  Exploration Area  Explore the desert surrounding you on foot. Notice the small details in the plants. Look for signs of animals. Take plenty of water with you.  Glossary  Alluvial fans: Alluvial comes from a Latin word, alluere meaning “to wash against”. Alluvial fans generally form where mountains meet the plains. A fast-running stream moving down a steep canyon can carry more sand, rocks, and pebbles, but when the water reaches the flat plains, it flows more slowly and can't carry the larger rocks and sand anymore. (Picture how fine silt settles out of a still lake, whereas a rushing river can push along sand, pebbles, and even large rocks.) These sediments accumulate in a fan shape at the mouth of canyons or washes.  Bajada: A bajada is where many alluvial fans meet and converge.   Pediment: A relatively flat or slightly concave surface of bedrock.

A trail sign next to a small, dirt trail, surrounded by rocks.

Access Trail at Paac Kü̱vü̱hü̱’k

Paac Kü̱vü̱hü̱’k

Pine City Trailhead is located in an open area of desert. The trail starts from a dirt parking lot that is accessed by a dirt road. From the parking area two dirt trails head off into the surrounding area, with the Pine City Trail heading north and the Lucky Boy Vista Trail heading south. The area is filled with scattered rocks, Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs. Next to the trailhead is a backpacking board with information on backpacking and a box for backpackers to self register. There are rocky mountains in the distance.

Pine City Trailhead is located in the central portion of the park at the east end of Queen Valley Road. This trailhead provides access to the Pine City Trail and the Lucky Boy Vista Trail. The Pine City Trail is a four mile out and back mostly sand and level trail with occasional steep sections that makes its way through a dense stand of junipers and pinyon. Both of these trails can be combined with other trails for longer hikes. This trailhead also has the Pine City Wilderness Backpacking Board with backpacking information and self registration for backpackers.

A dirt trail going between desert shrubs past a backpacking bulletin boards towards mountains.

Pine City Backpacking Board

Trailhead for Pine City and Lucky Boy Vista.

Pine City Trailhead

Quail Springs Picnic Area is located near Park Boulevard in a large open area. There are a number of picnic tables and grills nestled among Joshua Trees, small trees, and shrubs, right next to some large rock formations. The area is flat with large open dirt areas. Next to the paved parking area there are two pit toilets. Large, rocky mountains are on either side of the valley.

Quail Springs Picnic Area is the first picnic area along Park Boulevard when entering from the west entrance. Picnic tables and grills are nestled among Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs, next to large rock formations. The area also contains pit toilets and has trailheads for the Quail Springs Historic Trail and Ryan Johnnie Connector Trail as well as quick access to the Boy Scout Trail.

Two picnic tables and a grill in front of a large rock formation with scattered shrubs.

Quail Springs Picnic Area

Quail Springs Picnic area provides picnic tables, grills, pit toilets, and trail access.

The Ryan Mountain Trailhead is located in a large flat valley with rocky mountains in every direction. Around the parking area and trailhead there are several rock formations as well as scattered Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs. The parking area is a paved half loop connecting to Park Boulevard on either side with regular parking spots on the south side and RV spots on the north side. A dirt trail heads south from the center of the parking lot towards Ryan Mountain. There is a pit toilet on the north side of the parking lot.

Ryan Mountain Trailhead provides access to one of the most popular hikes in the park. Located along Park Boulevard, Ryan Mountain is a three mile out and back hike on a dirt and rock trail with 1,050 feet of elevation gain.

A hiker next to a sign for Ryan Mountain by a dirt and rock trail heading towards a mountain.

Hiker at Ryan Mountain Trailhead

Ryan Mountain Trailhead

Ryan Ranch Trailhead is in a desert valley bottom with rocky mountains in a every direction. A dirt trail heads south from a small parking area on the south side of Park Boulevard. The area is filled with scattered Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs.

Ryan Ranch Trailhead is located just east of Ryan Campground. This trailhead provides access to Ryan Ranch on an easy one mile hike along an old dirt road with 135 feet of elevation gain.

A dirt trail through Joshua trees, shrubs, and grasses heading towards mountains in the distance.

Ryan Ranch Trail

Ryan Ranch Trailhead

Located along a paved road are two dirt trails heading off from either side with a crosswalk in between. There are paved parking spots on each side of the road. There are large rock formations on both sides of the road surrounded by scattered Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs.

Located along Park Boulevard between Jumbo Rocks and Live Oak, these trailheads provide access to the Skull Rock Nature Trail and the Discovery Trail. The Skull Rock Nature Trail is a 1.7 mile loop that can be started from trailheads on either side of the road. The north side of the loop also provides access to the Discovery Trail. Both trails are dirt and rock, include stairs and steep sections, and have narrow locations.

Scattered shrubs and a skull rock sign pointing towards large rock formations in the background.

Skull Rock Area

Trailheads for the Skull Rock Nature Trail and Discovery Trail.

Skull Rock and Discovery Trail Trailheads

Split Rock is nestled among rock formations. This is a rocky area with scattered shrubs with a trailhead for a dirt and rocky trail, a couple of picnic tables, and a dirt parking area. Picnic tables are close to the parking lot and to the east, north, and northwest of the lot.

Split Rock is a trailhead and small picnic area nestled among rock formations up a short dirt road from Park Boulevard. The trailhead provides access to Split Rock Loop, a 2.5 mile loop with 150 feet of elevation gain that connects to additional trails for longer hikes.

A picnic table in front of small shrubs and a rock formation.

Split Rock Picnic Area

Split Rock

A small dirt pullout along Geology Tour Road. To the west are light-colored, granitic rock piles, including one called Star Wars Rock. Desert vegetation surrounds the area. The pullout is small and can only fit a few vehicles.

<h2 paraeid="{b2b44f02-c0ab-4592-bf70-03786aad773d}{6}" paraid="753569398">Building Boulders  </h2> The unique, sculpted granitic boulder piles seen throughout the park are the result of jointing, weathering, and erosion.  <ol role="list" start="1"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" role="listitem"> Magma cooled and solidified miles beneath the surface to form various types of granitic rocks including the monzogranite that is common in the park.  </li> </ol> <ol role="list" start="2"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" role="listitem"> Cracks or fractures— called joints— formed while these rocks were still underground due to stress from geologic forces.  </li> </ol> <ol role="list" start="3"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Calibri" data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" role="listitem"> Groundwater entered the joints and began rounding out the edges and corner, and weathering the rock into smaller pieces.  </li> </ol> <ol role="list" start="4"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="" data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" role="listitem"> Erosion carried away small particles of broken-down rock, exposing rounded boulders.  </li> </ol> Notches mark the height and give us insight into past soil levels. The notches form because water in the soils is slightly acidic, slowly dissolving the rock away. Tafoni are concave pits of varying size that form on the rock’s surface from wind erosion or from soil contact (similar to how notches form).  <h2 paraeid="{b2b44f02-c0ab-4592-bf70-03786aad773d}{98}" paraid="2005158771">Exploration Area </h2> Scramble among the roadside boulders. See their crystalline structure. Feel their surfaces. Discover unique contours.  <h2 paraeid="{b2b44f02-c0ab-4592-bf70-03786aad773d}{118}" paraid="1958303054">Glossary </h2> Magma: Pressure and heat below the earth’s surface melts rock into a molten or semi-molten fluid called magma. When magma cools, igneous rocks are formed.   Erosion: A geological process in which natural forces such as wind or water move natural materials like rocks, dirt, and sand.   Weathering: natural process when water, wind, heat, plants and other forces, slowly break or change the rock.  Monzogranite: a specific kind of biotite-rich granite rock. The monzogranite here is light-colored and is commonly seen in the northern part of Joshua Tree National Park.   Tafoni: Rhymes with macaroni. Tafoni is a natural process that results in the formation of rock cavities. Tafoni occurs when long exposure to moisture eats away at a rock face. Stop by Skull Rock and look at the eye sockets and nose to see large examples of tafoni.

A dirt road leads towards rocks, a desert valley, and mountains.

Star Wars Rock Pullout

Star Wars Rock Viewpoint and Climbing Access Trailhead

A very small, dirt pullout on the side of the road has space for 2–3 vehicles. To the west of this pullout are tall, light-colored, granitic rock formations. The rest of the surrounding area is scattered with desert vegetation. The pullout is on the westside of Geology Tour Road.

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3c3ad110-163c-4633-91ea-a4010c57b51a}{57}" paraid="1274703881" xml:lang="EN-US">An Island Getaway </h2> The large boulder piles of light-colored rocks that pop up from the flat plains are inselbergs, meaning “island hill” in German; they speckle the landscape like islands speckle an ocean. Inselbergs are the core of ancient hills, and they are revealed when the soil above them weathers and erodes away. The inselbergs remain while the other substances erode away around them because they are stronger and more durable.  <h2 paraeid="{3795eb8f-666b-4741-8213-898f2cf0d5a9}{189}" paraid="154462048">The Island Life </h2> Humans: Strong, durable rock in Joshua Tree attracts rock climbers. The rocks around you have hundreds of climbing routes. Climbers from all over the world come to Joshua Tree to climb these inselbergs.  Raptors: Predatory birds perch and nest near the high peaks of these rocks. From the pinnacles, raptors can search for prey running through the valley floors all around. This area is often closed to climbing in the spring and summer to protect the park’s nesting raptors. Climbers should check climbing closures on the park website before climbing.   Vegetation: Water is a valuable commodity in the desert. When rain lands on inselbergs, it runs off to areas at the base of the rock adding additional moisture to the soil. The inselberg also shields some of the soil at its base from the sun, especially on the north side. The addition of water and shade in the desert creates unique microclimates that allow certain plant species to thrive.   <h2 paraeid="{3795eb8f-666b-4741-8213-898f2cf0d5a9}{225}" paraid="382775278">Glossary </h2> Inselberg: Isolated terrain that abruptly rises above the surrounding area. Inselbergs can be rock formations, hills, ridges, or small mountains.   Erosion: A geological process in which natural forces such as wind or water move natural materials like rocks, dirt, and sand.  Microclimate: The climate of a small, specific area that differs from the climate of the surrounding area.  Weathering: A natural process when water, wind, heat, plants and other forces, slowly break or change the rock.

Towers of Uncertainty

The Towers of Uncertainty Viewpoint and Rock Climbing Access Trailhead

The Twin Tanks and Arch Rock Nature Trail Trailhead is located in a wide desert valley. The trail is a dirt path that starts from the south end of a paved parking lot on the west side of Pinto Basin Road. Next to the trailhead is a wilderness backpacking board with information, an area map, and self registration box for backpacking. The area contains scattered Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs. Rocky mountains are in the distance in every direction.

Located along Pinto Basin Road, the Twin Tanks and Arch Rock Nature Trail Trailhead provides access to the California Riding and Hiking Trail as well as the Arch Rock Nature Trail. Arch Rock provides a short 1.4 mile hike to 100 feet elevation gain to an arch while the California Riding and Hiking Trail provides opportunities for longer hikes and wilderness backpacking. Backpackers can self register at the Twin Tanks Wilderness Backpacking Board by the trailhead.

A dirt trail between split rail fences with a backpacking information board surrounded by shrubs.

Twin Tanks Trailhead

Arch Rock Nature Trailhead and the Twin Tanks Wilderness Backpacking Board.

Twin Tanks and Arch Rock Trailhead

The West Side Loop Trailhead is a dirt trail that begins between two split rail fences. The trail heads west through scattered Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs towards a rocky ridge in the distance. Extending to the south from the trailhead is a dirt parking area with a split rail fence around it.

Located on the west side of Black Rock Campground, this trailhead provides access to the West Side Loop, a moderate 4.1 mile loop with 785 feet elevation along a series of ridges and washes on a dirt and rock trail. This loop can also be combined with other trails for longer hikes.

A dirt trail between split rail fences leading through Joshua trees and shrubs towards a ridge.

West Side Loop Trailhead

Trailhead located on the west side of Black Rock Campground for West Side Loop, a moderate 4.7 mile hike.

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself.