Moderate

Burro Loop Trail

Quiet desert loop with sandy washes, rolling hills, and big views

Distance6.6 mi

Typical time3.5 hr

DifficultyModerate

PetsNot allowed

Overview

Burro Loop Trail is a moderate desert loop serving up classic high desert scenery, rolling hills, and a welcome dose of solitude. The most commonly reported full loop is about 6.6 miles total, with roughly 700–985 feet of cumulative gain. Expect a mix of firm singletrack, sandy washes, and short, rocky undulations—nothing technical, but the sand can slow you down. If you want to keep it shorter, there are variations via connector segments that trim it closer to 3.2 miles; at the other end, some mapped variants stretch to about 7.8 miles when combined with adjacent connectors. Plan 3–4+ hours for the standard loop depending on conditions and pace.

What You’ll See

This one’s about space and texture more than big-name landmarks: wide-open desert vistas, scattered Joshua trees, granite outcrops, and braided dry washes. It’s a great sampler of the park’s high desert topography without the crowds. The loop rolls gently—no big summit—so the views open and close as you weave through low ridges and flats.

Trail Experience

Underfoot, you’ll alternate between packed dirt, gravelly stretches, and loose sand in the washes. Wayfinding is generally straightforward on the main tread, but junctions with connectors and faint tracks in sandy sections can be confusing—having a map or GPS track makes the day smoother. There’s little to no shade and no water anywhere on route.

Best Time to Hike

Autumn through spring is prime: cooler temps, clearer air, and more enjoyable mileage. Winter can be crisp but comfortable on sunny days. Summer is harsh—if you go, start at first light and keep mileage conservative. Late afternoon light can be gorgeous for photography, but mind the heat and leave enough time to finish before dark.

Tips and Who It’s For

Come prepared for sun: brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and ample water (more than you think you need).
Wear sturdy footwear; sandy and rocky footing adds effort.
Download an offline map; washes and junctions can blend together.

This loop is ideal for hikers who want a quieter desert day with steady, moderate effort rather than a “headline” destination. If you’re chasing short, iconic rock-garden stops, you’ll find better fits elsewhere in the park; if you want miles, vistas, and solitude, this is a solid pick.

Pros

Multiple loop options let you tailor distance without committing to a single out-and-back
Less-trafficked than the park’s headline trails, offering real solitude

Cons

Sandy washes can be sloggy and make the hike feel longer
Junctions and faint tracks can be confusing without a map or GPS

Parking

Access the loop from the North Canyon Trail or the West Access Trail entry points, depending on the variation you choose. There is no water available at the trailheads.

Caution

Little to no shade, no water, and sandy footing that adds effort. Carry ample water, strong sun protection, and a downloaded map—washes and connectors can make navigation tricky.