Discovery Trail

Discovery Trail is a signed, easy 0.7-mile loop through sandy washes and jumbled granite boulders north of Skull Rock. It is a good pick if you want to get among the formations, read a few geology panels and take in a broad view without committing to the longer Split Rock loop. Expect about 30–45 minutes and around 70 feet of climbing; allow the full end of that range if you stop at the signs and overlook.

Start at the marked trailhead across Park Boulevard from Skull Rock and use the pedestrian crossing. The path winds through sandy washes, tight gaps and short rock slots, with occasional low steps and light scrambling over boulders. A junction connects to the separate Skull Rock Nature Trail; farther around, the Face Rock spur meets the longer Split Rock route. Stay with the Discovery markers at both connections and follow the loop back to the road—the neighboring routes can turn this short walk into a much longer outing.

A viewpoint has fixed binoculars and an illustrated panel aimed toward Skull Rock and the Jumbo Rocks formations. Take a moment there: the viewing scope and open boulder field are the trail's signature view. For a useful photo, keep the scope off-center with the rock skyline behind it rather than cropping down to the instrument.

A short side path reaches Face Rock from the shared junction; return the same way before finishing the Discovery loop. It adds about 0.1 mile and is excluded from the 0.7-mile main-loop distance above. The trail was built in 2013 by local students as an interpretive walk designed with children in mind, which helps explain the stops about how washes and boulder piles formed.

Park near Skull Rock along Park Boulevard, then use the marked crosswalk to the signed trailhead. The pullouts can be congested; park fully off the road and keep vehicles out of deep sand and desert plants. Shade is sparse outside the short rock passages, so bring water and sun protection. Pets are not allowed on this trail.