Wee Thump Joshua Tree Hike
- 7 miles - Easy Effort
- Or: 1-6 miles
- 1-3 Hours (Total)
- Not Often Hiked
- 400 Total Feet of Climbing
- Max Elevation of 4,140 feet
- Leashed Dogs Allowed
The Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness is only 6050 acres, but it packs a big punch; it's one of the densest Joshua Tree forests in the world. This hike through Wee Thump is simple and easy and gives you lots of time with these remarkable trees. Maybe you'll even spot one of the 700+ year-old trees!
- Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions
- Where to Park
- What Makes Wee Thump Joshua Trees Great
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
"Wee Thump" means "ancient ones" in the Paiute language and refers to the age of the trees, some of which are over 700 years old.
Where is Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness?
Wee Thump is located about an hour south of Las Vegas in the new Avi Kwa Ame National Monument. There are two trailheads to access Wee Thump, and this one will start in the middle of the wilderness area. It's such a remote and unvisited area that most mapping systems have no reliable address. Your best bet is to use latitude and longitude. Here's the link on Google Maps:
There are no facilities at the trailhead. You do not need a permit to park here.
Gear Recommendations
This is an easy hike, and you don't need any special equipment. What you do need to prepare for is the sun. In the summer, temperatures are too high to do the whole hike safely. Winter is the best time to visit. The sun is always intense, so protect your body and bring at least 1L of water.
Top Spring 2023 Gear Picks
Osprey Stratos and Sirrus 24 Daypack ( Amazon | Sirrus REI | Stratos REI )
Garmin Mini 2 Satellite Communicator ( Amazon | REI )
Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles ( REI | Amazon )
As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.
All My May 2023 Top Gear Picks
LAST DAYS ➤ Biggest REI Sale of the Year
Wee Thump Trail Maps
The great thing about this hike is you can just go as far as you'd like and turn around. The trail is a straight line following an old wagon road. When you've had your fill of seeing Joshua Trees, turn around and head back. If you hike to the end, there's an old ranch to visit. You can also drive to the ranch if you don't want to do the whole hike.
Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
Free Nav Tools: GaiaGPS - AllTrails
Guides to Help You Navigate
How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)
How To Read a Topographic MapThe hike is flat and easy.
Wee Thump Joshua Tree Hike Directions
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Turn around whenever you've had your fill of Joshua Trees.
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.
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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!).
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