Warren Peak Trail | Joshua Tree

Warren Peak
in Joshua Tree National Park

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Joshua Tree Warren Peak Hike

Warren Peak is a high point on the western edge of the Little San Bernardino Mountains in Joshua Tree National Park. Located away from Park Boulevard, Warren Peak offers private peace of mind and near endless views. A 5.5-mile round trip hike to the 5,103-foot summit begins from Black Rock Campground. Black Rock is the only campground in the park where visitors can sleep amongst the Joshua trees, and there are plenty of them along the early part of the trail. Higher up, the trees give way to Pinyon pines and panoramic views.

Park at the campground visitor center, and walk to the trailhead to the left of campsite 30. There are several junctions along the trail, so follow these directions:

When you reach the water tank 0.2 miles from the trailhead, turn left and make an immediate right on the single-track trail continuing east across undulating desert.
After another 0.4 miles, turn right up the wash in the center of Black Rock Canyon (and get ready for your pace to slow in the sand). From this point on, you will make a right at each forthcoming junction, following signs labeled WP for Warren Peak.
Up the wash 0.8 miles, the trail passes through the diminutive Black Rock Spring before continuing another 0.2 miles to a fork where the Panorama Loop breaks off to the left. Turn right here.
Make another right at a second fork 0.4 miles later where Panorama Loop rejoins the trail.
After another 1/3 of a mile the trail reaches a Y labeled WV-WP. To the left is the spur to Warren View. Take the right fork toward Warren Peak, which is now just 0.4 miles and 400 feet away.

Warren Peak

The trail ascends the ridgeline east of the peak and takes a somewhat steep and rugged climb to the summit. Warren Peak offers a great view of the Mojave Desert to the north and the Coachella Valley to the south. Also to the south is Mount San Jacinto, the prominent 10,834-foot peak that rises above Palm Springs. To the east is Eureka Peak, and lower summits in the Little San Bernardino Mountains. To the west is Mt. San Gorgonio, a 11,499-foot peak that is the highest point in Southern California. Warren Peak offers quite a view of these impressive Mountains.

Enjoy a moment of solitude on this less-visited summit, before returning the way you came. On the way back, there will be a sign at the junction where the wash meets the trail heading back to the water tank. The sign points to the left toward West Side Loop (Upper Campground). Turn left here. Everything else is self-explanatory — and downhill!

Warren Peak
Looking out at Mount San Jacinto

To get to the trailhead: From Route 62 in the city of Joshua Tree, turn south on Joshua Lane (5.8 miles west of the intersection with Park Boulevard). Drive 4.6 miles to roads end, turn right and drive an additional half a mile into Black Rock Campground.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Warren Peak GPS in a larger map
Or view California Desert Hikes in a larger map

Photos

These photos were taken in May of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Desert Queen Mine This 1.6-mile hike follows a level trail to an overlook before crossing a canyon to visits the ruins of one the most profitable gold mines in the California desert.
	Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Hidden Valley This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena.
	Ryan Mountain This 3-mile round-trip hike offers summit views from the center of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Lucky Boy Vista This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine.
	Inspiration Peak This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Lost Horse Mine This 4-mile round-trip trail visits a well-preserved mine and mill.
	Fortynine Palms Oasis The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
	Indian Cove The 101-site campground is home to a 0.6-mile interpretive trail and endless bouldering and rock climbing opportunities.
	Mastodon Peak This 2.6-mile loop visits a 3,400-foot summit with panoramic views of southeastern Joshua Tree.
	Lost Palms Oasis This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park.
	Cholla Cactus Garden This quarter-mile loop allows visitors to stroll through an intense concentration of Cholla cacti.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

Similar Trails

	Silver Peak in Mojave National Preserve This 8.5-mile hike summits a 6.365-foot peak in the Granite Mountains.
	New York Peak in Mojave National Preserve This 7 to 9-mile round trip hike summits the highest point of the New York Range in the northeast corner of the preserve.
	Wildrose Peak in Death Valley National Park This 8.4-mile hike summits a 9,064-foot peak in the Panamint Mountains north of Telescope Peak.
	Mount Waterman in the Angeles National Forest This 5.5-mile hike gradually ascends 1300 feet, passing through a pine forest to reach the round summit of Mt. Waterman.
	Mount Baldy in the Angeles National Forest This 11.3-mile hike incorporates Devil’s Backbone and Baldy Bowl – Ski Hit Trail into one see-all loop.