Joshua Tree National Park
USA Holiday Destinations

The Joshua Tree National Park is truly immense and contains a stunning variety of different landscapes within the one park. Many people believe the desert park to be a harsh environment, they assume the brutal summer heat and desert environment means the area is tough and forbidding. This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact the eco-system is extremely delicate and fragile. RV rentals are an ideal way to visit this region and will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Rainfall in the area is unpredictable. River and stream beds are mostly dry and there are very few waterholes. As a result the region does not support much human habitation. Although campgrounds are available supplies must be bought from one of the surrounding towns. This makes RV rentals the wisest choice when visiting this park.

Much of the desert is restricted to day use only. This means that from dusk until dawn visitors are not allowed outside of the designated campgrounds unless a permit has been obtained. This should not pose a problem for most visitors as the campgrounds are plentiful and campervan rental vehicles are welcome all year round.

HIKING TRAILS

While the park itself is enormous there are only 6 main hiking trails that are representative of all the different environments. These are in addition to the dozen or so nature paths dotted throughout the park. There are many more challenging hiking trails however these trails are not maintained. They can be found along the northern mountains close to the roads and also to the south and east where they penetrate more remote regions.

Many of the maintained tracks are located close to the main roads and at some, parking is even provided. You will be cheering when you return from a strenuous hike to reliase that your RV rental vehicle has all the comforts of home.
The maintained trails are recommended for most visitors to the park. They range in length from 2 miles to 36 miles and are the best way to experience the park for the first time.

Boy Scout (8 miles)

This trail can be found in the northern section of the park, near the ranger station. It crosses open desert plains and then follows a canyon into the Wonderland of Rocks. Following this path for several miles through the boulders and cliffs the path again enters open country, this time the landscape is filled with Joshua trees. The path ends at the southern trailhead along the main park road. At this point hikers must turn around and go back. As this is one of the longer hikes available we recommend you take plenty of bottled water and also park your campervan hire nearby for quick access to shade and refreshments.

California Riding and Hiking (36 miles)

This trail has many unconnected sections, one of which crosses through the western section of the park. It runs from the Black rock Canyon campground over mountainous terrain to reach Upper Covington Flat. It then slopes down into Lost Horse Valley where one must cross the road to Keys View. The path then skirts around Ryan Mountain, and ends with a descent past the edge of the Pinto Mountains. It would possibly take several nights backpacking to cover the whole length of this track. As this is one of the more strenuous trails we recommend planning ahead.

Fortynine Palms Oasis (1.6 miles)

This is one of the easiest trails available. The path climbs to the top of a barren ridge which overlooks the town of Twentynine Palms. It then descends into a large group of California fan palms which grows at the junction of the two rocky canyons. This track is suitable for most people. The track is conveniently located near the main road which means you will have easy access to your RV rental once your journey is complete.

Lost Horse (2 miles)

This trail leads from the main road to the foot of Lost Horse Mountain, from where a trail climbs to the summit. Along the way hikers pass several restored buildings from the abandoned Lost Horse Mine. Once past the mine hikers will find an unmaintained trail that winds along the mountain ridgetop then descends a ravine and loops back to the start.

Lost Palms Oasis (4 miles)

By all accounts this is possibly the best day hike in the park. The path winds its way through rocky ridges, sandy washes and granite boulders all the while providing spectacular views over the nearby mountains. Hikers are rewarded with a stunning grove of fan palm trees and pools at Lost Palms Oasis. This path can be found close to the southern entrance at Cottonwood Spring. RV rental travelers will find this one of the easier tracks to acces as it is close to the visitor center and other modern conveniences.

Mastodon Peak (3 miles)

Continuing on from the Lost Palms Oasis trail this path crosses a variety of rocky slopes and dry sandy washes and eventually reaches a high point at Mastodon Peak. Nearby are the remains of an old gold mine. The views from here are spectacular and stretch in all directions. The view south is particularly good as the Salton Sea is clearly visible 20 miles away.

Ryan Mountain (1.5 miles)

Although Ryan Mountain is remote, the peak can be reached quite easily. It is surrounded by open plains which affords a view of the area unlike any other in the park. There is a parking area at the start of the track which lies along the main road, a miles west of the turn off to the Sheep Pass campground. This parking area is an idea spot to park your campervan hire which will be appreciated when you return from the effort of an afternoon's hike.

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