After Visiting Joshua National Park, These Are My Favorite Hikes

Joshua Tree National Park seems to exist on a different plane—where alien-like rock formations, rugged desert trails, and two distinct desert ecosystems collide in the most wonderful way. After a recent desert trip to indulge in all things Joshua Tree, I walked away, falling absolutely head over heels for this place, especially with all of the various terrains and trails available. I’ve hiked my way through many of this park's trails, from the Instagram-famous to the lesser-known gems, but one hike has captured my heart more than any other: Skull Rock Trail.

This trail is playful, accessible, and packed with visual wonderment, which is why I consider it not only my personal favorite but also one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park.

You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy Skull Rock Trail—this is a hike for everyone, from families with kids to solo travelers with a camera in hand. In fact, I saw such a wide variety of people on this trail, from adventurers in their 60s to parents with babies strapped to their fronts. It was nice to see people from all walks of life here enjoying the 1.7-mile loop.

The hike starts just off the main road, right near the Jumbo Rocks Campground, and the namesake feature (Skull Rock) is visible from the roadside. But trust me, don’t just stop for the photo-op. The full loop trail is where the real fun begins. After all, the entire hike only takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

As you follow the sandy path, you'll wind through a natural playground of massive granite boulders and desert washes. What makes this trail extra special is the imaginative quality of the rock formations. They don’t just look cool—they look like creatures, characters, and, of course, a giant skull. Erosion has sculpted the landscape into something whimsical and wild, giving you plenty to explore and photograph along the way. I loved adventuring through the area, pretending that each boulder and cliffside was a sleeping giant, enjoying the California sun as they snoozed.

So, why is this one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park? Skull Rock Trail is all about the experience. It’s short enough to squeeze in between longer hikes but interesting enough to stand on its own. While some trails focus on scenic views or major elevation changes, this one is more of a journey through the bizarre and the beautiful.

The trail is also centrally located, making it easy to pair with nearby favorites like Split Rock Loop or the Discovery Trail if you’re feeling ambitious. But even on its own, it offers a microcosm of what makes Joshua Tree so unforgettable: curious rock formations, hardy desert plants, and that vast, quiet magic that seems to hum through the air.

While Skull Rock is my personal favorite, the list of the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park is long and full of worthy competitors.

• Hidden Valley offers a loop through a historic cattle rustler hideout.
• Ryan Mountain delivers jaw-dropping panoramic views.
• Barker Dam gives you a glimpse of water in the desert, often with bighorn sheep sightings to boot.

But for accessibility, quirky beauty, and pure fun, Skull Rock Trail hits the sweet spot.

If you’re visiting Joshua Tree and want a trail that’s easy, engaging, and rich with the character that defines the park, Skull Rock Trail is the one to beat. Also, if you're looking for a place to stay within the area, check out this incredible Joshua Tree oasis courtesy of Airbnb.

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