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A great descent from Joshua Tree forest through monzogranite boulder mountains.


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Map Key

8.3

Miles

13.3

KM

95%

Runnable

4,182' 1,275 m

High

2,863' 873 m

Low

199' 61 m

Up

1,374' 419 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

Runner Notes

I have not run this trail, but the terrain is pretty smooth, and nothing too steep. The only part that would be less than ideal is a few sections in washes in the northern area of the trail that are a little sandy and slow.

Description

From the southern trailhead, where there is a backcountry board, sizeable parking lot, and bathrooms (but no water) the trail goes north, descending gradually through a classic Joshua Tree forest. After about 1.2 miles, there is a side trail to Willow Hole, which is nice, but not amazing. If you stay on the main trail, it continues through the J-Tree forest until it starts to descend more quickly though monzogranite boulder piles that are typical of the northern edge of the park between the towns of Joshua Tree and 29 Palms.

The last mile or so drags on a little bit, as you can see town, but as there are few markers, distances can be deceptive so you don't know how far you have to go to get to the northern parking lot (no water or bathrooms, much smaller than southern parking lot). I recommend doing this with two cars shuttling, as opposed to an out and back.

Flora & Fauna

Lots of J-trees, chollas, and hedgehog cactus. Very classic Joshua Tree.

Contacts

Shared By:

Peter Bugg

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 14 votes

#609

Overall
  4.4 from 14 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#75

in California

#609

Overall
52 Views Last Month
15,186 Since Apr 8, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

11%
11%
67%
11%
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Photos

Returning from an out and back on the Boy Scout Trail
Apr 23, 2015 near Joshua…, CA
Starting the climb through Boy Scout Trail.
May 18, 2016 near Joshua…, CA
Joshua Tree National Park.
Oct 31, 2016 near Joshua…, CA
The elevation gaining section is quite winding. Beautiful area though!
Dec 4, 2019 near Joshua…, CA
First half of trail.
Jun 18, 2016 near Joshua…, CA
Boy Scout Trailhead.
Jun 10, 2016 near Joshua…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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