Discovery Trail - Family Friendly Hike in Joshua Tree National Park
Hi friends! This week we’re taking a road trip to Joshua Tree, and today we’re exploring one of THE most family-friendly hikes in any national park I’ve visited...and that’s because the trail we’re embarking on was designed and constructed by local students, highlighting the very things that interested them along the way! Join me as we venture out on the Discovery Trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
Slot canyon and rock formations along Discovery Trail
Location
The trailhead for the Discovery Trail is located in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park right across the street from the famous Skull Rock along Park Blvd. Parking can be found along the road at the trailhead, but because of Skull Rock, it can fill up quickly by late morning. About a half mile down the road is Jumbo Rocks Campground, which is one of my top spots to camp in Joshua Tree, as its centrally located and is surrounded by miles of unique rock formations and fields of Joshua trees.
Slot canyon along Discover Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
Discovery Trail kid friendly fixed binoculars with Skull Rock in the distance
Trail Creation
As one of the newest trails in the park built in 2012, local students from the Morongo Unified School District were asked to point out what interested them in this area, which influenced the trail placement as well as the information panels that were placed along the way. High school students in the Youth Conservation Corps were then tasked to construct the trail...so as a result, this trail was indeed designed by, created by, and established for kids! And if you’re a kid-at-heart, I promise you this trail is totally worth checking for adults as well 😊
Skull Rock found across the road from the Discovery Trailhead
Discovery Trail joshua trees and rock formations
Discovery Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
The Hike
The Discovery Trail loop is less than 3/4 miles long with about 50 feet in elevation gain. Since the trailhead is located right across the street from Skull Rock, the best place to start, in my opinion, is Skull Rock! This unique feature has long been a favorite with park visitors, so unless you arrive early, don’t be surprised to see a line forming with people waiting their turn to snap a pic in front of this ghoulish resemblance. Once along the Discovery Trail, some of the highlights you’ll enjoy along this kid-inspired adventure are educational placards, multiple slot canyons, rock formations to scramble up, close up Joshua trees, and fixed binoculars that provide views of Skull Rock and Jumbo Rocks from a distance.
Unique rock formations along Discovery Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
Face Rock along a spur trail connecting Discovery Trail & Split Rock Loop Trail
Additional Hiking
For those that are looking for a longer hike, there are multiple add-on trails that connect with the Discovery Trail. Along the south end of the loop the path connects with the Skull Rock Trail, which would add 1.8 miles and 120 feet in elevation gain. Towards the north end of the loop, you’ll come across a spur trail that takes you up to see Face Rock...at only a tenth of a mile, it’s certainly worth the extra few steps. This spur trail also connects with another great Joshua Tree hike. Continue on this path for another 0.25 miles to connect with the Split Rock Loop Trail to add another 2 miles and 150 feet in elevation gain to your adventure.
Slot canyon along Discovery Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
Sunrise hike along Discovery Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
Know Before You Go
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles so this park’s natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Make sure to check out the official Joshua Tree NPS website prior to your visit for the most up-to-date park, road and trail conditions.
• The parking spots at the trailhead can fill up quickly because of Skull Rock, so I’d recommend checking out this area earlier in the morning and on weekdays if possible.
• In addition to joshua trees, there are a wide array of plants and cacti along the path, including cholla cactus. Barbs from this “jumping cactus” can be painful and difficult to remove, so make sure to stay on the designated path.
• Other than the short slot canyons, this trail offers minimal shade. As with any Joshua Tree hike, come prepared with sun protection and plenty of water.
Top 10 Easy Joshua Tree Hikes
Cholla Cactus along Joshua Tree’s Discovery Trail
Rock formations along the family friendly Discovery Trail
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Joshua Tree National Park. For a virtual visit of the Discovery Trail, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Unique Rock formations along Discovery Trail in Joshua Tree
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Today we're exploring the Cap Rock Nature Trail in Joshua Tree National Park. This is the perfect family friendly spot to take an easy hike and enjoy a bbq lunch at the picnic area amidst towering rock formations, cactus & endless Joshua trees. Read this travel guide to discover one of the top things to do and places to go in Joshua Tree on your next SoCal weekend road trip from Los Angeles.