State: California
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Length, One-Way: 35 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 2120 feet
Maximum Elevation: 4000 feet
Elevation Change: 2880 feet
Best Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Light
Blooming Death Valley Summer
Trail Information
The California Riding and Hiking Trail accessible to hikers and horseback riders stretches for 35 miles between Black Rock Canyon Campground, in the west and the north entrance, in the east. The trail is in the western portion of Joshua Tree National Park. There are several access points for this trail throughout the park, they include: Covington Flats, Keys View and Squaw Tank Roads; Ryan Campground, Belle Campground; and the north entrance of the park. Two to three days are required to hike the entire Length of the trail but shorter hikes of 4, 6.7 and 11 miles are possible by starting at one of these other points. The trail will give you a feeling for the higher elevations of Joshua Tree.
Directions
From the Black Rock Canyon Visitor Center:
Drive east to Joshua Lane. Turn right on Joshua Lane to reach the California Riding and Hiking Trail.
