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Natural

Arches, peaks, overlooks, fossils, caves, and places of scenic beauty

27 posts

Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks

Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks

Nestled in the remote backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park lie Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks, two seldom-visited summits with incredible views. This adventurous cross-country ramble climbs up rugged canyons and rocky ridges to reach these two peaks. The views are the reason to be up here. Down below, but

California Riding and Hiking Trail

California Riding and Hiking Trail

The California Riding and Hiking Trail was part of an ambitious 1940s California State Parks project to create a statewide trail network. Due to land ownership issues, it was never completed. However, the sections within Joshua Tree are complete and provide an excellent opportunity for experienced hikers to explore the

Covington Crest

Covington Crest

The Covington Crest trail offers a short but rewarding trek into little-visited Covington Flat. It is an easy 3-mile round trip hike that rambles through some of the park's largest Joshua trees. The trail culminates at a dramatic precipice overlooking the canyons of the Little San Bernardino Mountains,

Warren Peak

Warren Peak

Warren Peak is an unassuming peak in the quiet northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park. At 5,103 feet, it is only the 10th highest peak in the park, but from its summit the extraordinary panoramic view takes in Mount San Gorgonio, the Coachella Valley, Mount San Jacinto, as

Lucky Boy Vista

Lucky Boy Vista

This short trail heads out to the site of the Elton Mine (originally called the Lucky Boy and the Elltun) and the fantastic Lucky Boy Vista. The trail follows the old mine road out to the mine and then returns via a wash. There isn't anything left of

Fried Liver Wash

Fried Liver Wash

Fried Liver Wash is one of those hikes in Joshua Tree that really tests your appreciation for subtle desert landscapes. The canyon itself is pretty unremarkable - just a long stretch of typical desert scenery. And when I say long, I mean it. This is a 15.4-mile one-way trek,

Ryan Mountain

Ryan Mountain

Ryan Mountain, rising above the boulder-strewn plains of Lost Horse and Queen Valleys, is one of the best and most popular hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. It is a signature hike. The mountain offers fantastic panoramic views only available elsewhere in the park by long, cross-country hikes. The mountain