Hikes in the California Desert

The California desert contains volcanic craters, sand dunes, oases, and some of the most fascinating geology in the United States. The best way to see many of these features is on foot. Choose a trail from the list below and begin exploring the California desert. Four excellent parks combine to protect 8,500 square miles of California desert: Death Valley National Park Mojave National Preserve Joshua Tree National Park Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Highlights of the California Desert [wp_ad_wide_page] California Desert Hiking This collection of trails in the California desert lists the hikes from north to south. ... Read more.
Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree National Park
For an introduction to plant and wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park, visit Hidden Valley. This one-mile loop circles a small valley that is surrounded by tall boulders. Hidden Valley Trail shows off Joshua Tree's rocky landscapes and is a great place to climb around. Hidden Valley Nature Trail Take the path from the parking lot between rock walls into Hidden Valley. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Bouldering · National Parks · Off Trail
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 75 feet
By: Published: February 18, 2010 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park boasts nine campgrounds with 500 a combined individual sites, so this park is ready to accommodate your visit! On Thanksgiving weekend and New Years weekend (the Memorial day and Labor day of the desert) the park will be packed and finding a campsite can be a challenge. On these weekend, consider visiting the less popular Mojave National Preserve to the north. ...Read more.
Tagged with · National Parks · Tent Camping
By: Published: February 17, 2010 Last updated: April 7, 2026
Indian Cove in Joshua Tree National Park
Beyond its 101-site campground, Indian Cove offers a 0.6-mile long interpretive trail, a picnic area, and plenty of rocks for climbers. The picnic area serves as the starting point for an unmaintained trail up Rattlesnake Canyon. The rock formations around Indian Cove are perfect for bouldering, rock hopping, and more serious climbing. Have some fun in the sun and burn some calories leaping and climbing up the mountain of sandstone boulders. ...Read more.
Distance: 0.6 miles · Elevation change: 25 feet
By: Published: February 17, 2010 Last updated: April 8, 2026
Fortynine Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park
A secluded palm tree oasis is tucked away on the north end of Joshua Tree National Park. To reach the awesome oasis, you'll hike 3 miles round trip with 350 feet of elevation gain, passing through a variety of desert scenery and panoramic views. The trail leads to a collection of palm trees wrapped around a rare spring, an out-of-place desert destination that's a perfect target for hikers. ...Read more.
Distance: 3 miles · Elevation change: 350 feet
By: Published: February 16, 2010 Last updated: January 9, 2026
New York Peak in Mojave National Preserve
The New York Mountains are a micro-range in the northeast corner of Mojave National Preserve. The highest peak in the range (7,533 feet) offers a sprawling desert vista, and is considerably easier to reach than other peaks in Mojave, which require slower hiking around cacti and other obstacles. Those driving a low clearance vehicle will not be able to make it all the way up the dirt road leading to the Keystone Canyon Trail. ...Read more.
Distance: 7 miles · Elevation change: 2400 feet
By: Published: February 12, 2010 Last updated: December 5, 2025