Trip Date: 3/14/2015

Location: Joshua Tree National Park

Permit/Pass: 7 Day Permit ($15), JT Annual Pass ($30) or National Parks Pass

Trails: NPS

Directions: On Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) in Yucca Valley take either Avalon Ave. south or Yucca Trail east to meet Palomar Avenue. Turn south on Palomar and continue for about three miles until you reach Joshua Lane. Turn left to take Joshua Lane south, then east on San Marino Dr., then very quickly a left turn onto Black Rock Canyon Rd. Follow this road for a short distance to a right turn onto the dirt road signed for Horse camping and Fire Station. Take this road to a parking area at it's end. The trailhead is to the southwest.

Synopsis: Take this hike if you want a Nature Trail with some teeth. There are excellent views from its high point (and even a summit register). This is a beauty of a 1.3 mile hike.

Trail sequence: High View Nature Trail

Type: Loop

Distance: 1.3 miles

Elevation: Min. - 4122’, Max. - 4503' 

Profile:

Rating: Easy-Moderate (factors: some decent climbing)

Trail notes: As you head out from the trailhead and look up ahead, you may be tempted to conclude, "Nah, this is a Nature Trail, it doesn't go up there." 

High View Nature Trail - Joshua Tree NP 

Turn by turn:

  --  Find the trailhead at the south corner of the parking area and head out for a few yards before reaching a fork. Take the left path for a clockwise loop.

  -- There are quite a few crossing trails in the Black Rock Canyon area, but just be aware of which trail you're on and there should be no problem at unexpected junction.

  -- The loop is pretty straightforward as it climbs south to a high point, then drops down into a little canyon to the west and returns north on a gentle descent.

  -- Keep track of the trailhead as you pass a few more crossing trails before reconnecting the loop just before returning.

Video: Youtube