Joshua Tree National Park

Trip Type:  Out and Back - 2 Days, 1 Nights

Total Trip Mileage  11 miles (5.5 miles each way) on AllTrails

Altitude Gain: 500' gross

Trail Difficulty: Easy. Great trail for the entire family and a great way to get an early season trip in

Season:  Go in SPRING when the flowers are blooming but before it gets hot.

Trail Traffic: Expect high trail traffic, particularly in spring. Boy Scout Trail is quite popular but branches alongside it, like this one into the Maze is less traveled.

WSH Trip Rating: 5 out of 5 stars: For those that appreciate the beauty of the desert you'll love Joshua Tree (JT). The rock and Joshua Tree's add to an incredible landscape of varied flora. The hiking is easy, although it can get sandy in places, allowing travelers to really relax and enjoy the views. However, please be aware that it does get hot starting in late April and you MUST carry your OWN WATER.

Day 1: Boy Scout Trailhead to The Maze:  ~5.5 miles 

Follow the wide and well marked, sandy path out of the trailhead parking area. The first couple of miles are flat and super pleasant. Around mile 2 the terrain becomes more varied with hills and rocks which add even more interest to what is an already an amazing experience. At mile 4 take "The Maze Loop" trail West. Here's you'll climb a couple hundred feet through area with strange new cacti and an wonderful hillside filled with pink and white quartz. Follow this trail for a mile to the Big Pine trail cut off. Take this north about a half mile to where the trail ends.

Day 2 - Reverse Day 1  

Trail Notes: 

- Carry your water - there is no water in backcountry campsites

- Be prepared for the heat and sun. Carry sunscreen and lip balm- A MUST!

- The ground can be hard in JT. I recommend bringing a free standing tent to avoid challenges with finding a place to stake down a free standing tent.