• 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:

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

clouds and skyline

Warren Peak View

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• Highlights: Amazing views, slot canyon, sheer drop-offs
• Near: Zion National Park, UT
• Distance: 8 miles
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 2500 ft
• Hike Time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: 7/10
• Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
• Trail head map: Click here for Google map
• Rating:

Summary:
This trail offers one of the best viewpoints in Zion National Park. There is plenty of variety including dizzying drop offs and incredible scenery looking down into Zion Canyon. Your journey starts out winding your way up the steep mountainside and briefly leveling off through Echo Canyon. After that,  the walls drop sharply providing spectacular views and your destination.

This path is steep, making it one of the most strenuous of the classic hikes in the park. Make sure your shoes are well broken in before attempting this hike. Most of the trail is a well-maintained hard surface with little shade when the sun is high in the sky. There are drop-offs that give me nightmares to this day. As if I need to say it…stay away from the edge of the trail and cliff edges!

Trailhead:
From the Saint George – Hwy 15 (north) to Hwy 9 (east) to Zion Main Entrance to Floor of the Valley Rd. (left) to Weeping Rock parking lot.

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observation point view

echo canyon bridge

ken in echo canyon

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• Highlights: Intense uphill, lush forest, streams, sweeping 360 views
• Near: Forest Falls, CA
• Distance: 18 miles
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 5500 ft
• Hike Time: 10 hours
• Difficulty: 9/10
• Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
• Trail Head: Click here for a Google map to the trail head.
• Rating:

Summary:
This trail is one of the demanding in Southern California. You gain nearly a vertical mile in 9 miles to reach the highest peak in Southern California. On the way up, you will encounter lush forests with plenty of stream water available as high as 9,000 ft. It is up the entire way and most of that way is steep. By the time you reach the top, you will be rewarded with one of the most scenic trails Southern California has to offer.

Trailhead:
From Redlands – take the 38 East. Stop at the Mill Creek Ranger Station to get your permit, if it is during the week, you will probably be okay if you are early. If it is a weekend, you might want to get your permit in advance, contact them for instructions. They leave permits outside for first come, first serve in the morning before they open.

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san gorgonio sunset

mountain view from bottom

ken at summit

barefoot on summit hike

 

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