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 the town of Joshua Tree head east about ten miles to a right turn onto Indian Cove Rd. Follow the road south for three miles. Shortly after passing the Group Campground turnoff you come to the main campground loop. Take a left onto Indian Cove Rd. East and follow the dirt track to its end at the trailhead for Rattlesnake Canyon. 

Synopsis: If you like scrambling then Rattlesnake Canyon is a great spot to check out. Only the first few yards of walking through a wash resemble a trail. After that it's all about climbing boulders up into and through the canyon. The normal Rattlesnake Canyon hike is about three miles round trip, but due to time constraints I cut it short and exited through a side canyon to the north. 

Trail sequence: Rattlesnake Canyon trail / Rattlesnake Canyon / side canyon / Indian Cove Rd. East

Type: Loop

Distance: 1.1 miles

Elevation: Min. - 3030’, Max. - 3312' 

Profile:

Rating: Moderate (factors: scrambling, heat)

Trail notes: Be aware that you take your chances when you eschew the beaten path, even on a scrambling hike like this one. The side canyon I took was less travelled, harder scrambling and guarded at the exit by merciless thorny mesquite bushes. Also, keep in mind that your hiking rate slows way down, so leave plenty of time even though the distance may seem short.

Rattlesnake Canyon loop - Joshua Tree NP

Turn by turn:

  -- Depart next to the signboard and walk through the wash to the east. Soon you circle to the south and begin to encounter rocky trail. Be aware of the route through Rattlesnake Canyon as you make your way up the boulders.

  -- Your path soon circles to the west as you climb up through the canyon.

  -- There are several points at which you reach a level alcove. At around three-quarters of a mile in you hit one of these spots. To the west the climb into main canyon continues. To the north you can see through a side canyon cut out onto the desert below. This is where I exited Rattlesnake Canyon.

  -- Follow the descent as you work your way northeast - I had more success along the east side of the canyon - squeezing and crawling through openings in the talus several times.

  -- Almost immediately a level wash is visible below. Head for this, scouting while you go for a better exit to the road than I found (full of bramble).

  -- After exiting the canyon wash, turn right to follow the road a few yards back to the trailhead.

Video: Youtube