Cholla Cactus Garden trail closed
The Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is closed because work is paused for summer; do not use the trail. Check current park conditions before planning a visit to Cholla Cactus Garden.
Official details →
Hidden ValleyRock-ringed nature loop of boulders, lore, and desert lifeTrailhead · Parking
Keys ViewDrive-up ridge with vast Coachella Valley and Salton Sea viewsTrailhead · Parking
Ryan MountainShort, steep climb to the park’s best 360-degree summit viewsTrailhead · Parking
49 Palms OasisA true desert palm oasis at the end of a rewarding hikeTrailhead · Restroom
Arch RockShort hike to a photogenic granite arch amid boulder playgroundTrailhead · Parking
Barker DamShort loop to a rare desert reservoir, history, and rock artTrailhead · Parking
Cholla Cactus GardenA glowing forest of teddybear cholla on a 0.25-mile loopTrailhead · Parking
Desert Queen Ranch (Keys Ranch)A preserved homestead visited only on ranger-led toursParking
EasyCholla Cactus Garden Nature TrailA glowing stroll through the densest teddybear cholla stand around0.3 mi · 18 min
ChallengingRyan Mountain TrailShort, steep climb to a signature 360-degree summit panorama3 mi · 1.9 hr
ModerateBoy Scout TrailClassic desert traverse from Joshua trees to boulders, net downhill.8 mi · 4.5 hr
EasyHidden Valley Nature TrailIconic one-mile loop through a granite amphitheater with interpretive signs.1 mi · 36 min
EasySplit Rock Loop TrailShort loop through surreal boulders and classic desert scenery2.5 mi · 1.5 hr
ModerateWillow Hole TrailGranite mazes to a shady oasis, with sandy washes that sap energy.7 mi · 2.5 hr
ModerateCalifornia Riding and Hiking TrailA quiet 38-mile desert traverse for self-sufficient backpackers.37.5 mi · 16 hr
EasyBarker Dam Nature TrailShort loop mixing boulders, petroglyphs, and a rare desert pond.1.1 mi · 45 min
Bighorn SheepReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PM126 sightings
Golden EagleReports peak in the late morning, around 10 AM15 sightings
Desert TortoiseReports peak in the early morning, around 8 AM408 sightings
CoyoteReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM263 sightings
BobcatReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PM44 sightings
Mule DeerReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM31 sightings
Gray FoxReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM33 sightings
Cooper's HawkReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AM74 sightingsThe Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is closed because work is paused for summer; do not use the trail. Check current park conditions before planning a visit to Cholla Cactus Garden.
Official details →The Oasis of Mara Trail is closed because recent summer monsoonal flooding severely eroded the paved trail, undercut sections, and left steep drop-offs that make hiking unsafe; do not hike the trail. - Flooding also impacted the oasis’s cultural site. - The trail will remain closed until repairs are completed. - Do not drive through flooded areas; flash floods in the desert can quickly turn deadly. Check current park conditions before visiting the Oasis of Mara.
Official details →Park-wide fire restrictions are in effect June 15 through October 1, 2026, because hot, dry weather is increasing fire danger; follow them throughout Joshua Tree National Park. - Restrictions apply to all areas of the park, including all campgrounds, backcountry sites, picnic areas, and the backcountry. - Do not use campfires or open flames. Do not use charcoal fires, BBQs, or grills. - Do not smoke within 10 feet of vegetation. Self-contained gas stoves or grills are allowed. Check current seasonal closures and restrictions before bringing cooking or fire equipment.
Official details →PARKWOLF TOUR GUIDE
