Hiking Trail Guide: Joshua Tree NP - Negro Hill

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Joshua Tree NP - Negro Hill



Distance

1.25 miles



Elevation

400 feet gain



Difficulty

2/10



City

Joshua Tree ,CA (92252) Weather Map



Trailhead

Take the 10 freeway to the 62 - head North, pass through Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley and the town of Joshua Tree. You will see signs that say Joshua Tree National Park. Turn right on Park Avenue, there is a sign and a stoplight. Follow the road for 6 miles to the entrance gate. Pay your entrance fee and continue, drive for about ten miles, until you see the sign for Parker Dam, turn left and follow this road almost to the parking lot. Here you will see a dirt road on your right - this is Queen Valley Road - follow it. You will come to a fork, take the left one. Follow it to the parking area and new restroom.

You can also make a left at Geology tour road to get to the parking area.

There is no trail, just walk through the wash and up the side of Negro Hill, careful it is rocky.




Description


This is a good, quick and relatively easy scramble up the side of a hill. It only took me about 15 minutes to get up there, and I didn't have to stop to rest. Watch for loose footing and spiky succulents, cholla, cacti, and any other pitfalls you may encounter.

I can't give any advice on which way to go, just choose what looks best to you.

This is a great place to enjoy the cerulean sky, and to get away from the Disneylanders that flock in other more popular parts of the park.

Negro Hill is definitely off the beaten path, and it rivals Ryan Mountain as the best view in the park. From the top you get a 360 that includes Queen Valley, Ryan Mountain, San G and Jac, Wonderland of rocks, Pine City, and much more.

Be careful on the way down, it is harder going than it was coming up.

Map / Directions:

Hiking Trail Guide: Joshua Tree NP - Mastodon Peak Loop

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Joshua Tree NP - Mastodon Peak Loop



Distance

2.5 miles



Elevation

400 feet gain



Difficulty

2/10



City

Desert Center ,CA (92239) Weather Map



Trailhead

Take the 10 East from Los Angeles well past Palm Springs. When you are nearing Chiriaco Summit, you will see the sign for Joshua Tree National Park. Follow the signs, make a left and head into the park for 7 miles. Here you will see the ranger station on your right, and you need to make a right turn on Cottonwood Springs Road.

Park in one of the spaces provided and begin your hike.

I would recommend hanging around the springs for a bit and reading the signs along the interpretive trail. The last part of your loop is a continuation of this trail.

If you wish you can combine this trip with the Lost Palms Oasis to make this a 10.5 mile hike.




Description


Except for the .1 mile boulder scramble to the top of Mastodon Peak, this may be one of the easiest "hikes" of your life. The first and last bit of the trail follows an interpretive trail that is quite interesting and should be enjoyable for everyone on the hike.

This is really an extended version of the Nature Walk, but would make for an exceptional first peak for any child. Just be sure to help them up to the peak, as it could be a little scary for anyone afraid of heights.

The only problem with the peak is that at the top is a phallic petroglyph that in my estimation was not added by Cahuilla medicine men. You may have to explain it to children.

Along this hike you pass the remains of two mines, not very elaborate ones, but still. They are of limited interest, and could prove fascinating for children.

The loop back follows a wash where you can examine desert flora and boulder fields.

Map / Directions: