The hike to Willow Hole in Joshua Tree takes you through quintessential desert scenery to a hidden willow grove that has its own microclimate. Willow Hole, a seasonal water source protected by a thicket of Willow trees, is nestled in a small canyon in the Wonderland of Rocks. The hike starts tame, making its way through some popular climbing areas, then it begins to feel like a real adventure, snaking through washes and canyons until you reach Willow Hole. And although the hike is 7 miles, it's relatively flat and doable by most hikers.
Three's a good amount of parking at the Boy Scout Trail trailhead, but it can fill up.There are primitive toilets by the trailhead.
Gear for the Hike
This is a moderately long (7 mile) desert hike, so I recommend having proper hiking gear if you have it available. Hiking boots with a cuff will keep the sand and debris out of your feet. There is no shade, so 2L of water and some sun protection make the most sense. And like most of Joshua Tree National Park, there is no/low phone reception, so having a satellite communicator is a safe bet.
Overall the hike is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. You do go through a popular rock climbing area, and you will see many small use trails off the main trail leading to climbing spots. Most of these side trails have markers but some don't. Stay on the larger, well-worn trail if you see a small use trail to the side.
Here's an example of a marker for a side trail used for climbing. These trails are NOT the ones you use to get to Willow Hole.
The trail is relatively flat and there's some exaggeration in this one-way elevation profile, but it does give you an idea of the overall scheme of things. You have a gradual (and gentle) upslope until you reach the Wonderland of Rocks, then you head downhill to Willow Hole.
Hike Landmarks
Landmark
Distance
Elevation
Trailhead
0
4035
Start Willow Hole Trail
1.3
4130
Start of Wonderland of Rocks
2.3
4130
Narrow Canyon
3.2
4050
Start of Willow Grove
3.4
4050
Willow Hole
3.5
4050
3D Map
The first half of the hike heads right across the desert, and the latter part of the hike makes its way through the washes and canyons in the Wonderland of Rocks.
Willow Hole Hike Directions
There are many small use trails around the parking lot. You want to the main trailhead of the Boy Scout Trail, called Keys West, that is right next to the toilet.Head past the hiker board to start the hike. You don't need to fill out the permit forms, they are only for overnighters.Soon after leaving the parking area there's a trail sign confirming that you're in the right place.As you hike you'll have great views of San Gorgonio,,the highest point in Southern California, to your left.Avoid all the climbing access trails and continue on the main Boy Scout Trail.At the junction with the Willow Hole Trail, make the right towards Willow Hole, leaving the Boy Scout Trail.Here's a closeup of the sign at that last trail junction.To your right you'll see some of the granite that has made Joshua Tree popular with climbers. This granite was pushed up from under the earth by action on the San Andreas Fault. Then thousands of years of erosion smoothed the edges of the rock, giving the granite at Joshua Tree that famous "melted ice cube" look. Keep your eyes out for climbers as you hike through all the rock formations. It can be fun to watch them make there way up the rock face.This section of the Willow Hole Trail is mellow and has some nice Joshua Trees that you can get up close with.And like before, there are climbing access trails to the side. Stay on the main trail.Soon the landscape changes dramatically and you'll enter the Wonderland of Rocks. There is more vegetation here because the plants extend their roots into the rock crevices where water pools.Most of the trail from here follows washes. Look for rocks that block the side trails and lead the way for the main Willow Hole Trail.Soon you'll see a wall of granite in front of you and the trail gently bends downhill to the right.Make your way down along the washes. Sometimes they are wide and obvious; and at other times you make your way around rocks and boulders.You'll also have some small rock piles, or cairns, to confirm where the trail is.Eventually you'll go through a narrow slot canyon with boulders.Continue to follow the wash down as it goes through narrow and wide sections.There's a great piece of granite on this stretch that has a sad gorilla face.The wide wash funnels into a thicket of vegetation. Take the narrow trail through the trees.And you'll come out in the hidden area where Willow Hole is. Continue straight and then up to the left.
The water at Willow Hole attracts lots of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep and birds.
The water here is seasonal, but is usually found in bogs and puddles like this. Sometimes the entire area is like pond. Other times it's totally dry.Cross over the logs to the left of the area.And take the small trail around the side of the granite.And finally you reach the actual Willow Hole.If you climb to the back of Willow Hole, there are some nice views to the East.
And that's the hike! From here, just return the way you came.
