Pros & cons
PROS
- Panoramic spur viewpoints toward Copper Mountain and Western Hills
- Typically far less crowded than the park’s marquee trails
CONS
- Sparse markers and multiple junctions make wrong turns easy
- Tiny trailhead lot; roadside overflow fills quickly
Small, unsigned dirt pullout near Mile Marker 24 off Park Boulevard about 1.8 miles from the West Entrance, marked by a small “24” stake; roughly 7 spaces with roadside overflow that fills early.
Full sun exposure with little to no shade, unreliable cell service, soft sand and rocky sections, and confusing junctions—preload maps/GPS and carry ample water.
Overview
North View serves up classic Joshua Tree scenery—Joshua trees, granite boulder gardens, sandy washes, and sweeping desert vistas—without the elbow‑to‑elbow crowds. The standard hike is a 5.6‑mile total out‑and‑back with about 836 feet of gain, rated moderate. Confident navigators can extend it into a bigger adventure by linking with Maze Loop and Window Rock for a loop up to about 7.4 miles.
What you’ll see
This route strings together broad valleys studded with Joshua trees, narrow passages through sculpted granite, and ridgeline perches with far‑reaching views across the Morongo Basin. Keep an eye out for two short spurs that deliver bonus panoramas toward Copper Mountain and the Western Hills. Birders get occasional treats here too—woodpeckers have been noted along the way.
Trail character and navigation
Expect varied footing: flat, soft sand in dry washes, rocky singletrack, and a few short, steeper ups and downs. Junctions can come quickly and signage thins between major intersections, so this is not a “follow‑your‑nose” trail. Preload a reliable map or GPS track before you enter the park—cell service is spotty—and stay alert at every split. That’s the price of solitude here, and why beginners may find it frustrating.
Logistics and parking
The trailhead sits near the park’s West Entrance along Park Boulevard around mile marker 24, by an unsigned dirt pullout marked with a small “24” stake. The lot is tiny—roughly seven spaces—and roadside overflow fills fast, especially on weekends. Carpool if you can and arrive early.
Best time to hike
This route shines in fall, winter, and spring. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and softer light on the boulders and Joshua trees. Summer heat and total exposure make midday hiking a poor choice here.
Tips
Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, sun protection, sturdy boots, and snacks. Preload maps, carry the Ten Essentials, and expect limited shade and no reliable cell service. If you want something similarly scenic but more straightforward, consider combining only the better‑signed portions of the Maze system rather than tackling every spur your first time.
Where it starts
34.0851, -116.2182Wildlife on this trail
Near North View Trail
All places →All trails →
1.4 mi awayMaze Loop TrailQuiet loop of sandy washes, rock mazes, and big desert viewsModerate · 5 mi · 2.5 hr
2.7 mi awayWest Entrance StationBusiest gate with restrooms and water just inside the parkEntrance Station · Parking
2.9 mi awayIndian Cove Nature TrailShort, quiet loop through boulders and desert plants with signageEasy · 0.6 mi · 30 min
2.9 mi awayIndian Cove OverlookQuiet granite views on a short loop with sunrise and wildlifeTrailhead · Parking
3 mi awaySamuelson's RocksDesert boulders etched with 1920s philosophy, found by treasure hunt
3.3 mi awayQuail Springs Picnic AreaConvenient picnic stop among boulders with trailheads and night skiesTrailhead · Restroom
3.5 mi awayBoy Scout TrailClassic desert traverse from Joshua trees to boulders, net downhill.Moderate · 8 mi · 4.5 hr
3.5 mi awayWillow Hole TrailGranite mazes to a shady oasis, with sandy washes that sap energy.Moderate · 7 mi · 2.5 hr
