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Natural

Arches, peaks, overlooks, fossils, caves, and natural areas

19 posts

Ryan Mountain

Ryan Mountain

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

The Lost Arch

The Lost Arch

No, there is another... In 2022, while brainstorming for our annual Turkey Day Vacay, I recalled a saguaro that I’d seen in Vidal Valley and wondered if it was still there. The problem was that I’d never been to Vidal Valley, so I couldn’t possibly have seen

Duct Peak

Duct Peak

In early 2016, I dusted off my peak-bagging boots and climbed up the 3,137 ft Duct Peak. It's a small peak in the far eastern part of Joshua Tree in what I call the "Empty Quarter" of the park. This section of the park is undeveloped, and the peak

Fortynine Palms Oasis

Fortynine Palms Oasis

The Fortynine Palms Oasis is a popular and well-traveled hike to a shady palm oasis just outside of Twentynine Palms. The trail was once part of an old Indian trail. The Serrano and Chemehuevi Indians knew this oasis well, ate fruit from the palms, and used the fronds in their

Barker Dam

Barker Dam

It goes without saying that water is vital in the desert, and that is no different in Joshua Tree. A rancher by the name of C.O. Barker built the dam around 1902 to improve the natural tank here for his cattle. Along with the nearby Cow Camp reservoir, the

Window Rock

Window Rock

I'm a fan of arches. I don't know why, but they are always fun to find. There aren't that many in Joshua Tree National Park (Arch Rock and Garrett's Arch come to mind), but the lesser-known Window Rock is one that is lurking right off the road. Directions

Boy Scout Trail

Boy Scout Trail

This is a shuttle hike that goes along the edge of the maze that is the Wonderland of Rocks and then drops down into Indian Cove. It's not a backcountry hike to an old mine or anything, but I am including it for completeness of Joshua Tree hikes that I