Creosote Trail

Creosote Trail is a lightly signed, nearly level, 1.2-mile out-and-back on an unpaved desert path just inside Joshua Tree's West Entrance. The named corridor measures about 0.62 mile each way, so allow 30 to 45 minutes to walk it and look around. Published distances disagree: a visitor reported a 0.5-mile sign but could not tell whether it meant one way, while another listing gives 0.9 mile round trip. This route stops at the junction at the end of the Creosote segment; longer trails continue beyond it.

Use the roadside turnout on Park Boulevard just inside the West Entrance, near an "Exhibit Ahead" sign. The Creosote Trail marker is small, and the first fork can be hard to read; bear left to stay on this short spur. Continue to the larger junction and turn back there. Going on from that fork adds a different, longer hike. Check the route marker before starting because the sign's reported mileage and the mapped corridor do not match exactly.

The unpaved path is almost flat. It crosses open ground among creosote shrubs, Joshua trees, low desert plants, and scattered granite boulders. Near the far junction, a rocky valley opens toward the surrounding ridges. A visitor has also reported barrel cactus along the walk; plants are not guaranteed to be in flower or equally visible on every visit.

There is little shelter from the sun along this short desert route. Carry water even for the brief walk. The park recommends starting short walks before 9 a.m. in summer and avoiding the hottest part of the day. Pets are not allowed on park trails; the exception is the paved Oasis of Mara Trail, which is a different walk.