Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

Take a 00.25-mile walk around a Harmony Borax Plant to see a window into the mining past of Death Valley National Park. The Harmony Borax Site is considered to be an outdoor museum because the natural atmosphere in Death Valley preserves artifacts so well. The Harmony Borax plant and wagon cart are left right out in the open for visitors to come see. ...Read more.

Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is a level, 1-mile long boardwalk loop along what would be considered a pitiful creek anywhere outside of Death Valley National Park. Here it is extraordinary! The salinated stream is home to the Salt Creek Pupfish, a unique and bizarre creature that can survive in these harsh conditions. The small fish is most visible in these waters in the spring. ...Read more.

More than a hike, Grotto Canyon in an adventure. The unmarked road leading up the canyon does not show up on park maps, and the canyon itself has an undeveloped feeling of discovery. Rock obstacles in narrow sections of the canyon require some technical climbing, so this is not a stroll for beginners (nearby Mosaic Canyon is more appropriate for those hikers). ...Read more.

The most visible (but not the largest) sand dunes in Death Valley National Park are the Mesquite Flat Dunes. A small parking lot located off Highway 190, two miles south of Stove Pipe Wells offers a great starting point for a trek out to the dunes. There is no formal trail to follow, just strike out for the high sands, which are reachable within a half mile. ...Read more.

Walled with both mosaic conglomerates and smooth marbleized rocks, Mosaic Canyon is a fine specimen the geology of Death Valley National Park. Marble Canyon Trail travels up the canyon bottom past all the interesting features for an outing of 1 to 4 miles round trip. Mosaic Canyon From the parking lot at the mouth of the canyon, it is just a short walk into Lower Mosaic Canyon. ...Read more.