01
Best overall pick
Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Hidden Valley Area • Classic Boulder-Ringed Desert Loop • Best For First-Time Visitors
A compact loop that packs in Joshua trees, towering boulders, and easy navigation in one highly walkable mile.
If you only have time for one hike, Hidden Valley is the go-to because it delivers the park’s signature scenery with minimal effort. The loop is mostly flat but lets you thread between massive rock walls and groves of Joshua trees at an easy pace. Go early or late in the day for softer light and a better chance at spotting climbers on the surrounding routes.
02
Top summit hike
Ryan Mountain Trail
Park Boulevard High Country • Steep Summit Trail With Big-Sky Vistas • Sunrise And Sunset Standout
A steady climb to one of Joshua Tree’s most prominent peaks, rewarding the effort with 360-degree desert views.
Ryan Mountain feels serious without requiring technical skills, making it a favorite for hikers who want a workout and a summit payoff. The trail is exposed and gains elevation quickly, so bring plenty of water and expect cooler, breezier conditions at the top. Aim for sunrise or late afternoon to avoid the harshest heat and to catch long views toward the Coachella Valley and the Wonderland of Rocks.
03
Best short walk
Barker Dam Nature Trail
Barker Dam And Wonderland Of Rocks • Short Interpretive Loop With Historic Dam • Best For History And Wildlife Spotting
An easy loop that weaves past ranching-era ruins, a small desert reservoir, and scattered petroglyphs.
Barker Dam is where natural desert scenery meets human history, with an old cattle dam tucked into a rocky basin. After wet winters you may see water in the reservoir, which draws bighorn sheep and birdlife, especially in the cooler hours. The interpretive signs and gentle terrain make this a great option for mixed groups or a low-key leg-stretcher between longer hikes.
04
Best desert canyon trek
Lost Palms Oasis Trail
Cottonwood Area, South Park • Remote Desert Canyon Hike To Palm-Filled Oasis • Best Cool-Season Long Hike
A longer out-and-back that trades boulders for wide-open badlands and a dramatic cluster of fan palms at the turnaround.
Starting near Cottonwood, this trail feels wilder and less crowded than the north-side hikes, with sweeping views over rugged washes and low desert hills. The final approach into the oasis dips steeply into a rocky canyon, so save energy for the climb back out. Heat can be intense here, so it shines in the cooler months when you can linger among the palms without baking on the return leg.
05
Backcountry feel
Boy Scout Trail
Between Indian Cove And Keys West • Long Point-To-Point Desert And Boulder Corridor • Best For Experienced Hikers
A rugged route that threads through broad washes and boulder gardens, offering a quieter, more immersive Joshua Tree experience.
Boy Scout Trail is ideal if you want to stretch your legs beyond the short loops and don’t mind a more committing outing. Many hikers arrange a shuttle and hike it one way, moving from open desert into increasingly intricate rock formations. The trail can be faint in spots and fully exposed, so bring navigation, sun protection, and enough water to stay out longer than you think you’ll need.