Best Rock Formations - Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park gets its namesake from the Mojave Desert’s unique tree-like spiny yucca plants, but no trip to Joshua Tree is complete without exploring some of its incredible rocks and boulder piles. This week I’m thrilled to share a few of my favorites with you, so join me below as we head out to the top spots in Joshua Tree to see unique rock formations.
Skull Rock - Joshua Tree National Park
1. Skull Rock
This has long been a favorite with park visitors. Located along the main east-west park road, Skull Rock certainly looks like an eerie skull with two sunken in eye sockets. Parking is located along the road right next to this formation, so be prepared to join a crowd unless you plan a very early morning visit. For more adventures, don’t just stop here…take a quick look or continue along the 1.7 mile nature walk for more great rock outcrops.
Split Rock - Joshua Tree National Park
Split Rock Cave - Joshua Tree National Park
2. Split Rock
Splits Rock’s name is self explanatory, and this massive rock is situated at the picnic area and trailhead of the 2.3 mile Split Rock Loop (not far from Twentynine Palms). A distinct crack runs from top to bottom, and you can explore the cave on the backside for yourself along with numerous other rock formations along the entire trail.
Barker Dam Trail - Joshua Tree National Park
Barker Dam Petroglyphs - Joshua Tree National Park
3. Barker Dam Petroglyphs
The 1.1 mile Barker Dam Trail can be reached in the northwest section of the park just off Pinto Basin Rd. The historic dam and occasional pools of water are often considered the main draw to this trail, but as you head back to the parking area keep your eyes peeled for the petroglyphs sign at the trail junction. Close by is a giant overhanging boulder which is home to some historic petroglyphs. If some of the etching here look extra colorful it’s becuase this area was used as a backdrop for multiple movies in the 1950s & 60s. It’s believed at some point a few of the markings were painted over to make them “pop” on screen a bit more…something that would be a huge no-no now!
Sunrise at Arch Rock - Joshua Tree National Park
Arch Rock - Joshua Tree National Park
4. Arch Rock
The Arch Rock Trail passes White Tank Campground, and this gentle hike leads to one of my favorite sunrise spots in the whole park. Arch Rock spans over 30 feet in a short (but fun to explore) slot canyon. While the towering arch is the highlight of this hike, there are plenty of rocks to scramble along and explore.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Arch Rock blog post here.
Arch Rock Slot Canyon - Joshua Tree National Park
Heart Rock - Joshua Tree National Park
5. Heart Rock
Easily reached from the Arch Rock Trail, Heart Rock is another favorite with visitors. This boulder looks like a giant heart standing over 10 feet tall. Heart Rock is located off the main trail system, so if you do decide to visit please plan ahead wisely with GPS directions and appropriate water/food & sun protection.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Heart Rock blog post here.
Penguin Rock & Juniper Tree - Joshua Tree National Park
6. Penguin Rock
Penguin Rock & Juniper Tree have long been a favorite pair with Joshua Tree photographers. The lone juniper tree arches over towards a towering boulder perched like a penguin standing straight up. To view this fun duo for yourself, head to the Jumbo Rocks Campground area, and if you’re lucky enough to snag campsite #18, this pair is located just above your tent site.
Jumbo Rocks - Joshua Tree National Park
Sunset at Jumbo Rocks - Joshua Tree National Park
7. Jumbo Rocks
Jumbo Rocks Campground is the largest campsite inside Joshua Tree National Park, and the easy one mile loop trail will lead you to some of the most incredible “jumbo” rocks in this area. These Jumbo Rocks are incredible to view anytime, but watching the moon rise over the giant bowling ball size boulders is extra special in my opinion.
Moonrise at Jumbo Rocks Campground - Joshua Tree National Park
Hidden Valley - Joshua Tree National Park
8. Hidden Valley Nature Trail
This one mile loop trail is surrounded by spectacular boulders at every angle, so it’s hard to pick a specific spot to highlight here. Whether you want a short family friendly introductory hike to Joshua Tree or a full day of scrambling, bouldering or climbing, you can’t go wrong here. This is definitely a popular hike, so my insider tip is head behind the trail to the picnic area for more unique boulders and epic outcroppings and without the crowds.
For more information on this spot, check out my full Hidden Valley blog post here.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area - Joshua Tree National Park
Hidden Valley - Joshua Tree National Park
Know Before You Go
• Joshua Tree covers nearly 800,000 acres (think the size of Rhode Island) and much of the park is designated as wilderness, so please plan ahead with knowledgeable navigation and proper provisions before your visit.
• If camping & hiking inside the park, remember Summers can be dangerously hot with little to no shade, and Winter nights can reach below freezing temperatures with whipping winds.
• Entrance fees to Joshua Tree National Park are currently $30 per vehicle. Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass for $80, which grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a 12 month period.
• Please be sensitive when exploring the great outdoors and remember the Leave No Trace Principles to help keep this special spot pristine, so that others may enjoy it for years to come.
Top 10 Joshua Tree Attractions
Jumbo Rocks & Skull Rock
Barker Dam Nature Trail
Split Rock Loop Trail
Hall of Horrors
Arch Rock Tral - Joshua Tree National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Joshua Tree National Park. While the above spots just scratch the surface of the countless incredible boulders found here, I hope they will help inspire your next adventure. For a virtual visit to each of the above locations, see my Behind the Blog YouTube video at the top of this post. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area - Joshua Tree National Park
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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.