Joshua Tree National Park - Hiking

More than two thirds of Joshua Tree National Park is comprised of wilderness, some 585,000 acres, providing a large expanse for trail and cross-country hiking. Closer to the park roads are a number of short signed trails to points of interest. Several 1 to 3 mile trails are easily accessible from park roads, as well as longer routes such as the 16-mile Boy Scout Trail. The California Riding and Hiking Trail passes through the park and can be tackled in its entirety (35 miles) as a multi-day backpacking trip.

The Mastodon Peak and Ryan Mountain trails are strenuous 3 mile peak ascents to spectacular viewpoints of southern California. From the south side of the park, try the eight mile (round trip) hike to Lost Palms Oasis.