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Joshua Tree Hikes

Hike Split Rock (Joshua Tree) Loop Trail

  • 2.5 miles - Easy Effort
  • 1-2 Hours (Total)
  • 360 Total Feet of Climbing
  • Max Elevation of 4,370 feet
  • No Dogs Allowed

The Split Rock Trail in Joshua Tree is one  of those hikes that packs a lot of scenery into a small package. The hike is just over 2 miles with minor ups and downs, and offers a mini "best-of" scenery tour, with some of the best rock viewing including Face Rock. And unlike the roadside attractions like Jumbo Rock, a small effort to do this hike will mean that you leave the crowds behind. The Split Rock Loop Trail is one of my favorite short hikes here in Joshua Tree. It's easy, great for beginners, and a feast for the eyes.

In this Guide:
  • Video and turn by turn directions for the Split Rock Loop Trail
  • How to Get to Split Rock in Joshua Tree
  • Everything You Need to Know Before the Hike

How to Get to the Split Rock Trail

There is a marked turn off from the main Park Blvd pointing to the Split Rock Trailhead. Once you leave Park Blvd the road turns to dirt, but it's fine for regular cars. Use this trailhead address:
Split Rock Loop Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

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There's a medium-sized parking lot at the trailhead along with a primitive toilet. During busy times the lot gets full.

Gear for the Hike

This is a short, relatively easy hike, and you can get away with fitness or casual clothes here. If you have the option, light hiking gear will be your best bet. Hiking boots with cuffs will help keep the sand and debris away from your feet. Bring at least 1L of water, especially if it's hot outside.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.


Gear Inreach Mini 2
Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.
Gear Hoka Speedgoat 5
HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Split Rock Loop Trail Maps

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Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

Split Rock Loop Trail Hike Directions

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Start the hike at the far end of the parking lot, just to the left of Split Rock.
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There's a trail sign for the Split Rock Loop Trail at the start. The trail is best hiked in this direction (counter-clockwise). The signs and trail hints are oriented to hikers doing it this way.
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Go around the left side of Split Rock.
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And you are rewarded with a cave shelter, used by thousands of years by native peoples. You can even see the fire stains on the ceiling. Unfortunately idiots have put graffiti in here too.
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From Split Rock, continue on the well-marked path through the big boulders.
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If you look back from that last boulder, you'll be able to clearly see the "split" in Split Rock. It's also a good photo op.
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After that, you'll go across some granite before the trail turns to sand again.
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Turn right at these boulders. You can also see the small sign pointing you in the right direction.
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After that, the trail becomes more of a trail again. And you have another small sign letting you know that you're in the right place.

If wildflowers are in bloom, check out this guide to flowers on the Split Rock Trail from Joshua Tree National Park to identify them.

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After that last sign you have the only real "climb" on the hike, a gentle uphill to the ridge.
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And then down through a wash and up some stairs.
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And then though another great boulder field. The trail is well marked with rocks.
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Continue on to the next series of boulders.
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And again, walk over some granite sections of the trail.
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At this part of the hike, up to your left, you'll be able to see the mummy face rock. Lots of rock faces on this hike. Lots of great places for photos.
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When you come to this junction, we're going to make the right to do the short side trail to Face Rock, which only adds about 10-15 minutes onto the loop. When we're done at Face Rock, we're going to come back here and continue straight on the loop trail.
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The trail follows a wash that has narrow and wide parts.
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When the wash widens out there's an old water basin on your left, likely the remnant of an old mine. There have been almost 300 mines in Joshua Tree. Some mines you can still see the remains of, while for others, like this one, only a small fragment remains.
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Here it is, Face Rock. Soak it in and then head back to the trail junction where we made the right turn.
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At the intersection, make the right to continue back on the Split Rock Loop Trail.
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The trail continues to another series of boulders and is easy to follow.
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You'll pass through this little grove of trees, one of the only places with shade on the hike.
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Keep your eyes peeled as you pass the large boulder fields. This is a popular climbing spot.
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Continue on the trail past the rock climbing areas.
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One last rock face before the end of the hike, the sleeping turtle.
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And soon after that you'll come back to the side of the parking lot, ending the loop hike.

Need More Info?

  • Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
  • When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.