Boy Scout Trail

Joshua Tree National Park's Boy Scout Trail is a 16-mile out-and-back trail near Twentynine Palms, California. This backcountry adventure is an excellent way for visitors to get away from the road and into the wilderness. Among its highlights are the Wonderland of Rocks, a landscape formed by massive boulders and granite rocks as well as Joshua Tree groves and Bighorn Sheep (if you are lucky enough to see one). With its gentle grade and rolling hills, this trail is a popular place for trail running, hiking, and backpacking. Start from either end, the north (no water or bathrooms, much smaller than southern parking lot), or the south (sizable parking lot, and bathrooms, but no water). Starting from the southern trailhead the trail goes north, descending gradually through a classic Joshua Tree forest. After about 1.2 miles, there is a side trail to Willow Hole, which is nice, but not amazing. If you stay on the main trail, it continues through the J-Tree forest until it starts to descend more quickly though monzogranite boulder piles that are typical of the northern edge of the park between the towns of Joshua Tree and 29 Palms. The last mile or so drags on a little bit, as you can see town, but as there are few markers, distances can be deceptive so you don't know how far you have to go to get to the northern parking lot. If time and/or distance are a concern, visitors can arrange a shuttle and complete this hike as a one way, 8-mile adventure. Backpackers are required to register at the backcountry registration board before starting. The backcountry registration board is located at both the north and south trailheads. All water must be carried with you. This hike is open and accessible year-round, however, it is best completed in the cooler months, October - May. Due to extreme sun exposure, temperatures, and lack of water, this trail should be avoided in the summer.