Name of area/general location: Joshua Tree National Park
Land acknowledgment: This recreation opportunity is located on the ancestral homelands and traditional territories of the Serrano, Western Shoshone, and Cahuilla Peoples. To learn more about the original residents and stewards of the lands, visit: native-land.ca
Trail/river/climb/ etc. rating and why (easy, moderate, hard):
The trail is generally considered a challenging one, primarily due to its length. However, shorter (and thus easier) day hikes can be planned, either as in-and-out hikes from the various trailheads throughout the Park (see below) or between trailheads with the use of a car shuttle with a fellow hiker.
Trail/river/ etc. mileage (different options if available):
The California Riding and Hiking Trail (CRHT) is 36.6 miles long and spans from the Black Rock Canyon Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park (in Yucca Valley) to the Park’s North Entrance (in 29 Palms). The trail meanders through a variety of diverse landscapes in the Mojave Desert portion of the Park.
The CRHT is popular with equestrians, hikers, and backpackers. For those interested in backpacking the entire trail, it typically takes two to three days to complete the entire length. Day hikers can explore shorter sections from the following trailheads in the Park: Black Rock Campground, Upper Covington Flat, Juniper Flats, Geology Tour Road, Twin Tanks/Arch Rock Trailhead, and North Entrance.
Permissible trail uses (dogs, horses, mountain bikes, others):
Equestrians and hikers/backpackers are permitted, but mountain bikes and dogs are not.
Permits are required for overnight stays in the backcountry. For more information on how to obtain a permit: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm
In addition, you will need to pay a fee to enter the Park. For more information about fees (which vary), please visit: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/fees.htm
The CRHT is not recommended during the summer due to high temperatures and extremely minimal shade. The best time to visit this trail is October through April. Regardless of when you visit, please be sure to bring adequate food and water supplies and proper sun protection. There are few places with trash or recycling receptacles, so remember to pack out what you pack in.
Cell service is not available in the Park except when you are near the Park’s boundaries adjacent to local communities.
Description of area, sights, wildlife and any key markers on the trail/river/climb etc.
You will see vegetation that is common to the Mojave Desert in this region – Joshua tree woodlands, Mojave yucca, junipers, desert agaves, and silver chollas. Wildlife that you may encounter include Gambel’s quail, Costa’s hummingbird, desert black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, southern mule deer, Mojave patch-nosed snake, and Great Basin gophersnake.
How to get there:
From State Highway 62 in Yucca Valley, turn right on Joshua Lane. Travel approximately 4.6 miles, then turn right on San Marino Drive. This road turns left and becomes Black Rock Canyon Road after a few hundred feet. Travel approximately 0.3 miles to the entrance to the Park and Black Rock Canyon Campground. The parking area (not paved) for the trailhead is only about a tenth of a mile into the Park along the left side of the road. Blackrock Canyon Campground is located within a short distance of the trailhead and is an ideal place to camp to do an in-and-out day hike on the CRHT.
From State Highway 62 in 29 Palms, turn right on Utah Trail. Travel approximately 3.9 miles to the Park’s North Entrance Station. Utah Trail turns into Park Road upon entering the Park. Continue traveling on Park Road for about 0.6 miles. Turn left on National Park Road (dirt road) and travel a few hundred feet to the parking area for the North Entrance Backpacking Trailhead (dirt parking area).
For all other trailheads (mentioned above), please refer to the Park’s website.
More information (AllTrails link, etc.):
Joshua Tree National Park: https://www.nps.gov/places/california-riding-and-hiking-trailhead.htm
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/california-riding-and-hiking-trail–3
