Trail Overview

Joshua Trees and Cliffsides is a captivating trail that immerses you in a magical forest of soft sand and dense Joshua trees, creating a unique and enchanting environment. This picturesque route gracefully runs alongside majestic cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape as you journey through this beautiful area. As you navigate the trail, watch for cattle that may wander onto the path, adding a touch of wildlife to your adventure. You'll also encounter rocky sections along the way that provide a bit of challenge, along with narrow parts of the trail where sharp creosote bushes may pose a risk of scratching your vehicle's paint. Important Note: Watch for the Desert Tortious, a rare site in the area and an endangered species. Cellular service is generally reliable, with three bars of LTE available throughout the route. Please download your offline maps before your journey in case your service cuts out.

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Difficulty

This trail is rated as a 3, primarily due to its long, soft sandy sections and rocky areas. Airing down your tires would be a good idea for improved traction and comfort on the sandy terrain.

Technical Rating

Rich B

Feb 15, 2026

Open

Rode this trail to end a loop back onto Road No More after going up Mormon Mesa from Carp Elgin. Lovely views off the Mesa down into shallow canyons and cliffs. Easy trail, mostly dirt/rock until you get into the Joshua Tree Forrest and there it becomes sandy. Absolutely nobody else seen all the way from Mormon Mesa back to our truck at Carp Elgin/I-15. Nice to have the desert to ourselves.