Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [250]
High View Nature Trail
1.3 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Dirt-road turnoff immediately before entrance to Black Rock Campground at park's northwest edge.
This well-maintained and popular trail involves a steady, moderately steep climb to one of Joshua Tree's many spectacular vistas. Alternately rocky and sandy, the trail matches up with numbered signposts keyed to a leaflet that is available at the Black Rock Ranger Station from October through May. Benches dot the trail at intervals and at the summit.
Mastodon Peak Trail
3 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Cottonwood Spring or Cottonwood Campground.
Well worn and scenic, this is the longest loop trail in the park, offering great views of the Eagle Mountains and the nearby Salton Sea. For history buffs, it also passes a long-abandoned gold mine. There is a small amount of elevation gain, about 400 feet on the way to the 3,371-foot summit of Mastodon Peak.
Oasis of Mara Nature Trail
.5 mile RT. Easy. Access: Behind the Oasis Visitor Center.
Leading into a miniature ecosystem of palm trees, small ponds, and abundant animal life (especially birds), this incredibly easy paved path is lined with interpretive signs. It's a great place to start your first visit to Joshua Tree and an excellent introduction to the centuries of human inhabitants who used the oasis to sustain life.
Pine City
3 miles RT. Easy. Access: Dirt road leading from Park Blvd., opposite the Geology Tour Rd.
This path takes you to a cluster of boulder formations and sandy washes. Pinyon trees thrive in the moisture provided by these natural drainage courses; their pine nuts were a food source for early inhabitants. Birds now gather in the trees, and bighorn sheep occasionally appear among the rocks.
Ryan Mountain
3 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: Marked parking area along Park Blvd.
A constant, steep climb (almost 1,000 ft.) leads to the best panoramic views in the park, encompassing snowcapped mountain peaks, broad tree-dotted valleys, and dark volcanic mounds. Ascending through a juniper and pinyon pine woodland, the trail is mostly rocky, well maintained, and easy to follow—you'll likely spot rock climbers to the west of the mountain.
Skull Rock Nature Trail
.5 mile RT. Easy. Access: Jumbo Rocks Campground (Loop E).
Leading to an unusually anthropomorphic rock formation, the trail meanders through boulders, desert washes, and a rocky alleyway. Watch for the "ducks" (small stacks of rocks) that mark the pathway. The official trail ends at the main road, but a primitive trail continues on a mile-long loop across the street.
LONGER TRAILS
Boy Scout Trail
16 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Keys West backcountry board, 6½ miles east of the West Entrance Station.
From the trailhead, you progress downhill, through picturesque, sandy washes lined with oak and pine trees. Traveling through a variety of terrain, this trail can also be taken one-way in either direction. The latter portion skirts a rocky mountainside, then finishes through open desert, ending up at the Indian Cove Ranger Station and backcountry board.
California Riding and Hiking Trail
35 miles RT. Easy to strenuous. Access: Six points along the trail.
Marked by distinctive brown posts stenciled with "CRH," the many miles of this trail pass through distinct areas of the park, from pinyon and juniper forests to flat, lower desert terrain. In general, traveling from west to east is easier than the reverse because the western sections are at higher elevations. Hiking the entire trail takes 2 to 4 days, but you can also break it into sections ranging from 4.4 to 11 miles. In deciding which of the six access points to use, your best bet is to consult with park rangers and obtain a topographical map to help