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Ryan Mountain Trail Hike

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 4, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1:30-2 Hours
Total Climbing: 1060 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Joshua Tree National Park

The Ryan Mountain Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree for a good reason. Ryan Mountain, at 5,457 feet, right in the middle of Joshua Tree, offers panoramic views as far as the eye can see. On a clear day you'll be able to see the massive peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, the highest point in Southern California. The actual trail is straightforward but tough, climbing 1,050 feet to the summit of Ryan Mountain. It's a must-do hike in Joshua Tree, so give it a try!

How to Get to the Ryan Mountain Trail

The Ryan Mountain Trail is located right in the middle of Joshua Tree Park on Park Blvd. Use this trailhead address:
Ryan Mountain Trail, Park Blvd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 2 — There's plenty of parking in the lot and primitive bathrooms. The parking lot fills up quickly.

Ryan Mountain is the most popular hike in the park. Get here at dawn for the best experience.

Gear for the Hike

The Ryan Mountain Trail is pretty straightforward but it is tough. There is no shade and in the summer there have been emergency evacuations due to the heat. Bring at least 1L of water; when it's hot bring at least 2L. The trail is rocky and light hiking boots will be the best option for your feet. You can also do this hike in fitness clothes. I've seen folks do it in casual clothing but it won't feel great.

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Ryan Mountain Trail Maps

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Elevation Pr0file

Ryan Mountain Trail Hike Joshua Tree Elevation — You basically climb straight up, then come back down. There's no hiding on the climb; you have to work to climb the 1,060 feet in 1.5 miles.

3D Map

Ryan Mountain Trail Hike Directions

Ryan Mountain is named after J.D. Ryan, who started a mill to crush stone here for miners in 1895. The steam mill required wood from the neighboring landscape to run, and the deforestation from the mill is still evident today in the park, over 100 years later.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 3 — The trailhead is on the east side of the parking lot. The massive rock on the right is called white tank granite that's 135 million years old.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 4 — From the start you climb up stairs built from native rocks.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 5 — Some of the stair sections are beautifully laid out.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 6 — After about 0.2 miles you'll reach the junction with the Sheep Pass Campground trail. Make the right turn.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 7 — The stairs break and you get some nice views of Mt San Jacinto in the distance.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 8 — And then there's more stairs as you climb up to the saddle.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 9 — Once at the saddle the trail turns right and you're done with the stairs. The trail still climbs to the summit but it's a little bit easier than the first half.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 10 — Keep right towards the summit.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 11 — And there it is! The pile of rocks marks the Ryan Mountain summit.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 12 — From the top you get panoramic views Joshua Tree National Park, San Gorgonio Mountain (right), and San Jacinto (left).

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 13 — Grab your shot on the summit and then head back down the way you came to finish the hike.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 14 — The views on the descent are pretty spectacular.

Native Rock Shelter

When you get back to the parking lot, don't forget to visit the Native American rock shelter a minute away from the lot.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 15 — The trailhead is marked by an interpretive sign about Desert People.

Ryan Mountain Trail Directions 16 — Head under the rocks to see where Native peoples would shelter, grind nuts and berries, and cook them. You can still see the smoke stains on the top from centuries of use.

Originally published February 18, 2020

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