Joshua Tree NP – Arch Rock Nature Trail

Introduction:

What? : A 1.4-mile trail leads to the small 30-feet across stone arch nested in the boulder garden. This is very popular easy trail that combine the arch viewing with exploration of the boulders.

 

Related blogs:

Joshua Tree National Park – Visit planning

Joshua Tree NP – Keys View

Joshua Tree NP – Geology Road (4x4 drive)

Joshua Tree NP – Barker Dam Nature Trail

Joshua Tree NP – Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Joshua Tree NP – Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

 

Where? : Twin Tanks parking lot is located on Pinto Basin Road, 2.3 miles south of the junction with Park Blvd road and 27.6 miles from Cottonwood Visitor Center. This location is popular, when parking lot is full you can park on the side of the main road.

White Tank Campground overnight campers will find a 0.5 mile long trail to Arch.

Google Map Link

 

When ? : Late fall, winter and spring is the preferred time to visit the Mojave desert, summer is hot.

 

Due note 1: Water - Always take more than what you think you need, this is desert and temperature can be hot, in summer this is extremely hot environment. There is no water available in the park.

 

Due note 2: Pets are not permitted on any trails in the park, except for the paved Oasis of Mara Trail.

 

Due note 3: There is limited cell service in Joshua Tree National Park, so make sure to have a park map on hand.

 

Due note 4: No gas service in the park, there are many options near the north and west entrance to the park, make sure you have enough gas when driving into the park especially if you are driving down to Highway I-10.

 

Due note 5: Most of Joshua Tree trails have little to no cover from the sun, make sure you are coming prepared especially at the hot summer.

 

Due note 6: Please read the Safety Tips section in my main park and visit planning blog.

 

Due note 7: One of the most crowded trails I had at the park, do not expect to be the only one there. Many peoples are waiting to take their picture in the arch. Pictures can be misleading; I manage to get the arch for few seconds without people but the next picture show how it really looks like.

 

Due note 8: Joshua Tree National Park has 24 access; you can travel in the park at night or before sunrise.

 

Due note 9: At winter evenings and nights it can be windy and cold, come with the right clothing.

 

Due note 10: Please read the Safety Tips section in my main park and visit planning blog.

 

My thoughts: Nice easy trail, small arch nested between the large boulders. My main problem was with the amount of people here, simply overcrowded, maybe coming early in the morning or much later at the afternoon the situation is better.

 

The visit:

The trail that starts at the parking lot and cross the road to the arch location takes less than 1 hr to hike (1.4 miles), but you can spend a lot more time exploring the rocks and boulders in this location.

The hike at Arch Rock is an easy one and good for all experience levels. Wear a brimmed hat, hiking shoes, suntan lotion, and as always bring a lot of water

 

www:

https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/places/twin-tanks-and-arch-rock-trailhead.htm

 

Map:

https://www.nps.gov/carto/hfc/carto/media/JOTRmap1.pdf

 

Pictures: