Joshua Tree NP – Stirrup Tank Hike

on March 21, 2025

Introduction:

What? :

I have visited Joshua Tree National Park many times, but this is the first time I went to hike in this location. I went to see the sunrise at Cholla Cactus Garden and when driving back I saw this turn from the main road and decided to explore the area here.

There is no official trail here you can go and hike in different directions, exploring the nearby hills and rock boulders. I did about a 2.5 mile long hike and liked it very much.

The fun aspect of this location is that you will probably be the only one hiking here, endless boulders to explore and enjoy the solitude experience.

Where? :

The trailhead of this trail is located on a side dirt road from the park Pinto Basin Road, right east (south) of White Tank Campground.

If you are coming from Arch Rock Nature Trail or White Tank Campground you need to turn right and drive 1.4 miles over the direct road until you will get to the small parking lot at the end of the road.

The dirt road doesn't require an AWD, regular passenger cars can drive here.

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.

Additional related Blogs:

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 planning blog.

Due note 7:

This area is not considered to be one of the main park attractions so you can enjoy here, any time of the day, a solitude away from the crowd experience.

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 Stirrup Tank parking area has Restrooms.

My thoughts:

Nice and easy loop trail that will take you between the large rocks and boulders. You can also climb to a nearby hill that provides an interesting view of some of the remote wilderness areas of this large park.

What I really liked hiking here was that I was the only one here, no other car in the parking lot and that there is no “official trail" so it was “free” exploration of the desert and boulders.

The Hike:

The small parking lot is nestled between boulders and from here I went to explore for one and a half hour the surrounding area.

I start with heading down the main wash heading southeast. I headed up to the high point on the exposed hill.

After enjoying the view from the top, I went down to explore the nearby boulders.

I headed east and crossed the wash and then I went and circle the low boulder field east of the parking lot. I circle all the way to the dirt road and then I turn left and walk back to the parking lot.

Overall, I hiked for about an hour and a half covering about 2.5 miles.

Fun hike, interesting rock formation and wilderness views where no one else is around.

Additional Pictures:

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