Joshua Tree NP – Split Rock Loop Trail

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Introduction:

What? :

Split Rock Loop Trail in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park is a relatively easy 

2.4-mile loop hike. This hike features rock formations, boulder viewing, open desert landscapes with local plants.




It will take you an average of 1-1.5 hours to complete.


Where? : 

The trailhead of this trail is located on a side dirt road from the park main road, right near Live Oak Picnic Area and not so far from the popular Skull Rock location.


You can start the hike from Skull Rock, follow the wash north and you will connect to the loop near the “face rock”. Hike the loop and once you are done walk back to the main park road.


Google Map Link



When? :

The park is open year-round.

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 an 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 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 the planning blog.

 

Due note 7: 

This is one of the most crowded areas of the park, do not expect to be the only one here but the trail itself does not feel overcrowded as people spread-out. You may find parking issues, but you can park along the main park road and connect this loop trail near the area of Skull Rock.

Less crowded times are during early morning or in the evening.


Due note 8: 

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


Due note 9: 

On winter evenings and nights, it can be windy and cold, come with the right clothing.


Due note 10: 

The Split Rock parking area has picnic tables and Restrooms.

 

Due note 11: 

Please read the Safety Tips section in my main park and visit the planning blog.

 




My thoughts: 

Nice and easy loop trail that will take you between the large rocks and boulders.



The Hike:


The Split Rock itself is located just near the parking lot from where you start with your hike, it is about 2.5 miles around the loop. 



The loop hike can be done in either direction.

I will describe it clockwise.


For most sections the trail is clear but, in some sections, there are side exploration paths, keep heading the main trail and have an offline map with you, just in case.


You will start your walks through a sandy area heading southwest.

After a short walk the trail follows the wash area in the direction of a break between the boulders. The trail heading south, leaves the main creek and finds its way between and over the rocks. Here the trail circles the large rock hill on its left side in between the two hills that are towering from both sides.

Here I saw people exploring the high rocks on the south side.




Soon after the passage between the two hills you will get into a large dry wash, here the loop trail heading to the right (north). Before heading to the north, I do recommend walking to the south (the direction of the main park road). Follow the creek and soon you will see on your left a rock with a clear face view.


From here walk back and this time head up the creek, north.

The trail follows the creek and after a short walk it passes over the rocks.

From here the trail keeps heading north descending to the deep creek and climbing on its other side.



It circles the rock boulders area and turns right, after about quarter of a mile the trail turns to the right and goes down to the creek. From here the trail heads to the direction of the parking lot, finding its way between the large boulders.


This is a fun and not challenging hike that features many rock formations, boulder viewing, open desert landscapes with local plants.




Additional Pictures:
Location: Split Rock Loop Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

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