Just three hours west of Los Angeles, where you can conveniently pick up your fully-loaded campervan rental from Travellers Autobarn, is Joshua Tree National Park. Here you will encounter some epic views of the famous Mojave and Colorado Deserts, as well as the famous Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), as you hike any one of its many trails and loops. And regardless of whether you are an amateur or avid stamina hiker, Joshua Tree has something for you.
With trails scattered throughout the park- some thirty minutes to an hour away from others- you’ll be happy you have your Travellers Autobarn campervan so you can conveniently visit multiple sites during your stay and recuperate in between hikes.
In this article, we’re going to break down options for hikers in Joshua Tree based on your skill level and preferences. We’ll also review safety precautions and best practices to ensure you have a safe and memorable trip. So gather your gear, head over to Travellers Autobarn to book your decked out campervan, and let’s get going!
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSBe Prepared. A Safe Hike is a Happy Hike.
Before we begin, let’s review some tips for what to pack, what to do, and how to stay safe during your visit.
- Always be sure to check the official NPS site to stay up to date on any closures and safety advisories.
- Of course, you should call 911 in an emergency, but cell service isn’t great in certain areas of the park. There are emergency phones at the ranger station in Indian Cove and at the parking lot at Intersection Rock, near Hidden Valley Campground.
- Make sure to pack plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking Joshua Tree during the summer months. Be sure to have provisions for two gallons of water per person, per day.
- Pack salty snacks which will help you replace electrolytes lost through sweating.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, a wide brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Wear good hiking sneakers or boots.
- Keep your distance from wildlife and don’t feed them. Always look before you place your hands and feet and avoid reaching or stepping into areas you can’t see.
- Carry a map and compass with you in case you lose cell service. You can also download a GPS app that doesn’t require cell service called, National Parks by Chimani.
- Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit that includes tweezers, pocket knife or multi-tool, safety pins, bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic, butterfly bandages, moleskin or duct tape for blisters, compression bandages, ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamine, headlamp or flashlight, extra salty snacks, and an emergency blanket.PRO TIP: Combs are helpful for removing cactus spines that get caught in your shoes and clothing.
Trails For Advanced Hikers
For more advanced hikers who like to feel more “George (or Jane) of the jungle” and want to get that deep wilderness feeling, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best longer, more challenging hikes.
You’re going to get some really magnificent views while on these trails, and because they are less traveled and quiet, you may get to sneak a peek at some of the amazing wildlife in Joshua Tree. These include bighorn sheep, lynx, and jackrabbits.
Warren Peak Trail – 5.5 Miles
This trail will give you a great “bird’s eye view” of the desert due to its elevation at the end. It is an “out and back” hike taking you out and up Warren Peak, for a great panoramic view of Yucca Valley, and back.
Panorama Loop – 6.6 Miles
This loop offers scenic views of the Mojave Desert where dense Joshua Trees and open valleys reveal mountainous Pinyon-Juniper woodlands. This species, which originated more than 10,000 years ago were widespread but now is considered to be a relic.
Lost Horse Mine Loop – 6.6 Miles
Take a trip back in time on this historic trail that was once used for wagons coming to and from the mine. Between 1894 and 1931, this mine produced more than 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver (worth approximately $5 million today). Don’t stop there! Just a bit further after the mine are considered to be the best views of the trail.
Trails For Beginning Hikers
For those new to hiking, or who just want a more laid back nature hike, we’ve compiled some of the best choices for you. You’re likely to see more hikers on these routes but hey- the more the merrier right?
You’ll also see wildflowers, Ocotillo and Cholla cacti, epic scenic overlooks and stunning landscapes. So don’t feel like you’ll be missing out on the beauty of Joshua Tree just because you aren’t able to do one of the more challenging hikes. Here are some great options.
Cholla Cactus Garden – 0.25 Miles
This one is a favorite in many circles, likely because of the other primary plant in Joshua Tree, the Cholla cacti. The Cholla cacti are a bit odd-looking but add to the charm and wonder of the park. Bonus- it’s a short walk so you have plenty of time to check it off your list.
Hidden Valley – 1 Mile
This trail is great for families or those who just want a more leisurely stroll. It’s a short, flat loop and very easy to trek. It features enormous boulders and other formations that really bring home the desert feel of Joshua Tree.
Skull Rock Nature Trail – 1.7 Miles
There are mixed reviews of this trail, but personally, we love it! The feature rock formation, like so many, started long ago with raindrops accumulating in tiny depressions that erode the granite. As time passed, these erosions started to resemble two hollowed-out eye sockets, hence its name- Skull Rock.
Bonus: More to Love About Joshua Tree
The hikes in Joshua Tree National Park are epic, but there’s more to the park than just the trails. Here are a few non-hiking suggestions for anyone planning a trip to the park.
Unbelievable Sunsets and Sunrises
Anyone who’s spent any time in the desert will tell you it’s the ideal place to experience these times of day. Because of the openness and elevation, it makes for a crystal clear and quit breath-taking view of something many of us normally take for granted. Don’s miss this opportunity!
Stargazing
For the same reason that the sunrises and sunsets are so popular here, stargazing is equally as rave-worthy. Bring a telescope if you have one, but even if you don’t, you won’t be disappointed.
Campsites Galore
With over 300 campsites within Joshua Tree, your options are limitless and there really is no need to stay outside the park (unless you want to). Change it up and plan to stay at a few different sites so you have more time to take in all the different landscapes and ecosystems within the park.
There you have it! We’ve given you some really awesome hiking opportunities for both advanced and beginner hikers alike as well as some bucket list items of stuff to do and see while in the park.
We hope you enjoy your trip and as always, we recommend you plan ahead, make reservations, and observe safety precautions to ensure the best trip possible.
Speaking of the best trip possible, why not plan a few stops on your way out to Joshua Tree? With unlimited miles on all our campervan rentals and killer itineraries like our Ultimate National Parks Campervan Road Trip Adventure, you might as well make the most of your trip! Be sure to share it with us when you get back.
You may find these other articles helpful.
The Van Life Guide to Hiking Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree Festival – Music Festivals by Campervan
Guide to the Best Campgrounds for Campervans in the USA
About the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
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