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California
4,761 ft
Gain
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Why you'll love it
Ryan Mountain Trailhead
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<p paraeid="{8cc8f37b-3c36-45c6-83d6-94e72c114c11}{25}" paraid="396559091">Ryan Mountain is a 3-mile (round trip) out-and-back hike with 1,050 feet of elevation gain. The summit rewards hikers with one of the best 360-degree views of any trail in the park. From the summit, you can see the Wonderland of Rocks, the Sheephole Wilderness, Mount San Jacinto towering over 10,000 feet above Palm Springs, and Mount San Gorgonio, the tallest peak in Southern California. If you are on the top on a clear day, you can even see all the way to Mexico! </p> <p paraeid="{8cc8f37b-3c36-45c6-83d6-94e72c114c11}{109}" paraid="2072489688">This trail also features the oldest rock type in the park – Pinto Gneiss. It is estimated to be 1.8 billion years old! It is distinguished by its striking light and dark stripes and is noticeably different than the lighter-colored monzogranite cliffs and boulders below. </p> <p paraeid="{8cc8f37b-3c36-45c6-83d6-94e72c114c11}{157}" paraid="1638623062">In addition to the views and interesting geology, Ryan Mountain is habitat for some of the park’s elusive wildlife – the Desert bighorn sheep. Keep an eye out for these magnificent animals during your ascent and descent. </p> <p paraeid="{8cc8f37b-3c36-45c6-83d6-94e72c114c11}{193}" paraid="1236816984">Due to its popularity, visitors should arrive early to secure a parking spot on busy days. Pack warm layers on cold and windy days, and always bring adequate food and water supplies and sun protection. This hike is not recommended in the summer due to extreme heat. Please be courteous to other hikers, especially when passing people on the narrow trail. </p>
Ryan Ranch Trailhead
~2 min drive
<p paraeid="{5b31bcd1-638e-43cd-9cfa-6ec1a4d5f5ae}{107}" paraid="1311873658">Ryan Ranch is a one-mile (round trip) out-and-back hike with a 135-foot elevation gain. The trail travels along an old ranch road to a historic adobe structure at the base of Ryan Mountain. Ryan Ranch…
Minerva Hoyt (Minerva Hoyt Trail)
~3 min drive
The Minerva Hoyt Trail is an out-and-back hike to the Hidden Valley picnic area. It is 3 miles roundtrip with 100 feet of elevation gain. From the parking lot, the trail follows an old road before it takes a sharp right towards Hidden Valley. The hike goes through a valley of…
Echo T Trailhead
~3 min drive
Take the Echo T Trail to connect to the Barker Dam Trail from the Echo T parking lot. This trail follows a wash near unique rock formations. Meander among Joshua trees and other desert plants. Watch for climbers or try to spot desert bighorn sheep. Get ready for a minor rock s…
Cap Rock
~3 min drive
<p>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 grill…
Hidden Valley Trailhead
~3 min drive
<p paraeid="{9296a7fe-185c-4ce3-b578-0e633a2bc16b}{152}" paraid="1177623846">The Hidden Valley Trail is a one-mile loop hike through a scenic valley surrounded by large rock formations. The trail is excellent for families and offers exciting opportunities for rock scrambling.…
Cow Rock
~4 min drive
A rock formation that is shaped like a cow overlooking the Hidden Valley Trail. To find this rock formation while hiking the Hidden Valley Trail, stop at the Mountain Quail Interpretive Sign and look to the west. At the top of the tall wall of rocks is Cow Rock.
Stubbe Springs Trailhead
~4 min drive
<p paraeid="{2a1d1ef4-ea81-489f-93fa-fc6a192e84b3}{233}" paraid="1238713397">Stubbe Springs is a 12-mile “lollipop” loop hike in the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/juniper-flats-zone.htm">Juniper Flats area</a>. This trail is great for hikers looking for a lon…
Big Trees Trailhead
~4 min drive
<p paraeid="{4e0e7a30-766a-4ca6-b32c-bbdc9e5407e1}{154}" paraid="765287846">Big Trees Trail is a 6 mile (round trip) out-and-back hike less than 100 ft of elevation gain. This trail is great for admiring the desert vegetation and looking out for wildlife. On this hike, you’ll…
Lucky Boy Loop Trailhead
~6 min drive
<p paraeid="{52b92e0a-0a54-4723-a658-5668a4beb5b9}{82}" paraid="1852801838">Lucky Boy Loop is a 3.25-mile hike with 555 ft of elevation gain. This loop leads hikers through diverse scenery of desert vegetation, rock formations, vista points, and the remains of Elton Mine. Look…
California Riding and Hiking Trail at Geology Tour Road
~6 min drive
<p>Take a hike east or west from here on the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Carry water with you. The California Riding and Hiking Trail is 37 miles total, but smaller sections are popular day-hikes. This trailhead is in the middle of the California Riding and Hiking Trai…
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