Maze Loop Trail

Maze Loop is the official five-mile circuit from Maze Loop Trailhead, with about 400 feet of elevation gain and a typical two to three hours on foot. It runs through sandy washes, boulder piles and Joshua-tree woodland before returning to its starting access. Choose it for a longer walk through the park's granite maze. North View and Window Rock combinations add separate mileage and are not part of this loop.

Some stretches can be hard to tell apart from sandy washes and informal social paths. Watch for trail markers and keep the route map handy through wash crossings; the park notes short steep sections, too.

The walk begins in a sandy wash, then meanders among boulder piles and Joshua trees. The scene shifts from open wash to tighter passages between rock. For a worthwhile photo, include a stretch of trail between the boulders so the picture shows both their scale and the walking line.

Ravens and hawks may pass overhead, with cottontail rabbits, lizards and the occasional desert tortoise closer to the ground. These are possible sightings, not a promise.

There is little shade, making this a poor choice in summer heat. Bring the food, water and sun protection you'll need before leaving the trailhead; no trail-side supply is listed. Pets are not permitted on park hiking trails.