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California
429 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Joshua Tree National Park
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
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Why you'll love it
Short Loop Trailhead
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
<p paraeid="{6bc60043-8ab0-44ec-84ee-e15a05a0bebc}{97}" paraid="802879122">This 4-mile loop hike passes through the hills, washes, ravines, and valleys east of the Black Rock Campground. It is a great hike for those camping in Black Rock or those looking to explore the quieter side of the park. </p> <p paraeid="{6bc60043-8ab0-44ec-84ee-e15a05a0bebc}{111}" paraid="1440379439">Enjoy the scattered Joshua trees, Juniper trees, rabbitbrush, and the occasional pinyon pine. Keep an eye out for jackrabbits, lizards, and the rarely seen desert tortoise. </p> <p paraeid="{6bc60043-8ab0-44ec-84ee-e15a05a0bebc}{131}" paraid="2102949914">Because this trail is located at a higher elevation than much of the park, it has slightly cooler temperatures on warm days. However, there is very little shade mid-day, so it is not recommended in the summer heat. Make sure to bring at least 2 liters of water and proper sun protection. </p> <p paraeid="{6bc60043-8ab0-44ec-84ee-e15a05a0bebc}{155}" paraid="526239675"> </p> <p paraeid="{6bc60043-8ab0-44ec-84ee-e15a05a0bebc}{159}" paraid="714411799">There are multiple options for parking. Park at the Black Rock Backcountry Trailhead or park at the Black Rock Nature Center and start the trail near campsite 30. On busy days, there is additional overflow parking in the horse camp area. </p>
Black Rock Backcountry Trailhead
~0 min drive
<p>The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/black-rock-area-hiking.htm">Black Rock area</a> of Joshua Tree National Park is isolated and not connected by roads to other areas of the park. Visitors must leave the park through the North or West Entrance and re-enter t…
The Sink
~35 min drive
Easy 1-mile walk with 90 ft elevation gain.
West Side Loop Trailhead
~0 min drive
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 h…
Joshua Trees
~1 min drive
<p>Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) dominate much of the Black Rock area with their bright green leaves and spindly forms. These plants absorb as much water as possible after summer rains or winter snows through shallow roots that extend in a wide subterranean circle from their…
End of Trail
~1 min drive
The end of the Hi-View Nature Trail.
Tortoise Crossing
~1 min drive
<p>The trail seems steep for short reptilian legs, but desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) are impressively stalwart creatures that travel through the desert scrub to cross passes like this one in search of wildflowers to eat. In the spring, visitors sometimes spot tortoises…
Peak Experience
~1 min drive
<p>The peak of the High View Nature Trail is 4,445 feet above sea level. To the northeast lies the community of Yucca Valley, and on clear days it is easy to see the distant expanse of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, over 40 miles away. The peak of Mount San Gorgoni…
Little San Bernardino Mountains
~1 min drive
<p>The High View Nature Trail is in the northern foothills of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, which stand between the Morongo Basin to the north and the Coachella Valley to the south. The Little San Bernardino Mountains are part of the Transverse Ranges, a group of mounta…
Nolinas - Not Yuccas
~1 min drive
<p>Parry’s nolina (Nolina parryi) is a hardy desert plant with long, thin, flexible leaves that make it easy to tell apart from Joshua trees or yuccas. In the spring, nolinas can grow a very tall flower stalk-- up to 12 feet tall! The flowers are cream colored and appear like…
Oaks and Pines
~1 min drive
<p>While common in the Black Rock Canyon area, mature stands of pine and oak trees like these are relatively rare in Joshua Tree National Park. These species prefer a slightly cooler climate and are therefore confined to the higher elevations of the Little San Bernardino Mount…
