Warren Peak

  • Highlights: Joshua Trees, Pinyon Pines, Spectacular Mountain and Desert Views
  • Near: Joshua Tree, CA
  • Distance: 4.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 950 ft
  • Hike Time: 2.5 hours
  • Difficulty: 5/10
  • Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
  • Trail head map: Click here for Google map
  • Trails of Black Rock Canyon Map
  • Rating: ★★★½☆

Summary:

If you are camping at the Black Rock campground or just want a nice view, try this hike. Along the way you will see some interesting plants that are synonymous with Joshua Tree National Park.  Located within the northwestern-most portion of the park, temperatures are much cooler than in the parts further south. Once you reach your destination, the views of the San Jacinto Mountains and surrounding desert terrain are quite spectacular. The trail, which begins adjacent to campsite #30 in the Black Rock Canyon Campground is well-signed.

Trailhead:

From Los Angeles – the 10 Freeway (E)  to 62 Hwy (E) to Joshua Ln. (R) to San Marino Dr. (R) to Black Rock Canyon Rd. (Straight) to Black Rock Campgound to site #30 to trailhead. Park in front of ranger station.

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ken on warren peak

ken on warren peak

clouds and skyline

clouds and skyline

Warren Peak View

Warren Peak View

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Rocky Peak

  • Highlights: City Views, Neat rock formations, great sunsets
  • Near: Simi, CA
  • Distance: 6 miles
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 ft
  • Hike Time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: 5/10
  • Trail Condition: Well maintained trail and fire road
  • Trail head map: Click here for Google map
  • Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary:
This is a fun hike through dramatic rock formations and continuous panoramic views of both Simi and the San Fernando Valleys. In the spring, the green grass and rocky formations make for a stunning contrast, and wildflowers dot the trail along the way. On a clear day, you can see to the ocean and several islands. This hike is great for the whole family.

Trailhead:
From the 118 Freeway (W) in Simi to Kuehner Drive (R) to Parking Lot (R) to trailhead. Overflow parking is on the other side of the 118 Freeway.

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Rocky Peak View 1

Rock Peak Trail View

Rocky Peak View 2

Rocky Peak View

Sunset On Rocky Peak

Sunset On Rocky Peak

rocky peak city lights

Rocky Peak City Lights

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Mission Point

  • Highlights: City Views, rolling grasslands
  • Near: Granada Hills, CA
  • Distance: 6 miles
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 1400 ft
  • Hike Time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: 5/10
  • Trail Condition: Well maintained trail and fire road
  • Trail head map: Click here for Google map
  • Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary:
You will be following a well maintained fire road that climbs steadily up to a little grove of four oak trees just below the summit of Mission Peak. This is a great spot to have a snack before making the final ascent. There are two ways to go up: you can follow the obvious steep trail on the eastern side or you can keep following the fire road around the next bend to the left and then up a another moderate trail to the left again.

Trailhead:
From the 118 Freeway (W) in Granada Hills to Balboa Bl. (R) to  Senson Bl. (L) to O’Melveny Park to trailhead.

Hiking up to Mission Point

Hiking up to Mission Point

Heavy Winds at Mission Point

Heavy Winds at Mission Point

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