Queen Valley Loop

The Queen Valley Loop is an 18-mile route within Joshua Tree National Park. From the Pine City parking area, the route circles Queen Valley clockwise using singletrack trails and doubtrack backcountry dirt roads. It crosses vast, open landscapes with mountain views, native plants, and unique geology within the Mojave Desert. The route passes through multiple campgrounds and intersects several trails, which makes it easy to modify as desired. The terrain is a mix of sand and rocky with little overall elevation change. This route traverses areas that are popular for trail running, hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. DIRECTIONSFrom the Pine City Parking area, head south on Desert Queen Mine Road for about a mile. Continue south on Desert Queen Mine Road, which turns into Geology Tour Road after crossing Park Boulevard. When you reach the California Riding and Hiking Trail, turn right. At the junction with Geo Tour Tanks Trail, turn right. You will pass Ryan Campground and cross Horse Valley. Turn right, pass Hidden Valley Campground, and proceed towards the Barker Dam area. Continue on Queens Valley Road which will bring you back to the start. PINE CITY TRAILHEAD AMENITIESSmall parking area. Backcountry registration.Bathroom.WATERThere is no reliable water along the route, however, you are allowed to cache water for multi-day trips. Make sure to label your cache and include your name, email, and/or telephone number so that park rangers can contact you if necessary. CAMPING AND BACKPACKINGThere are numerous campgrounds located within the park. Many of them require advanced reservation and some are first-come-first-serve. For information about reservations please visit www.recreation.gov. Backcountry camping is permitted in certain areas with regulations in place to protect the fragile desert environment. If you are planning to camp in the backcountry make sure you set up at least 1 mile from any roads, 500 feet from trails and water, and away from day-use only areas. Backcountry campers must make sure to register at one of the stations throughout the park. For more information please visit https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm. CYCLINGBiking is only allowed on roads open to vehicles within the park.FEESNational park fees are required for entrance into the park, this applies to travelers entering the park in a vehicle as well as on foot or by bike. More information, and current prices can be found at https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm. SEASONThe park is open year-round, however, the busiest months are October - May. CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ560. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFor more information about the park, rules, and regulations please visit: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm.