Keys View

Located about 45 minutes from the West Entrance of the Joshua Tree National Park, Keys View offers outstanding views of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the San Andreas Fault, The Salton Sea, and the entire Coachella Valley area including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta and more. On a clear day you can see 50 miles at this remarkable viewpoint. At it’s highest peak you are standing at 5,558 feet. Keys View is worth the drive and some people say the best view in the Joshua Tree National Park, and Keys View is the only view of the 5 mentioned in this article where you can drive straight to it, the others require intensive hiking.

Ryan Mountain Trail

Ryan mountain is a moderate to difficult uphill hike and is located about 45 minutes into the Joshua Tree National Park from the West Entrance. The Ryan mountain trail is a beautiful hike and gives you lots of great views as you walk up to the top of the mountain which rests at an elevation of 5457 feet, 1663 meters. Once at the top you have amazing 360 views of of the park, including Hidden Valley and Jumbo Rocks. It is worth the hike and is considered one of the best hikes to go on in Joshua Tree National Park. It takes a little more than an hour to hike to the top and is a little easier as you hike back down Ryan Mountain. You’ll have a fun hiking experience on this 3 mile trail, Ryan Mountain Trailhead is located close to the Jumbo Rocks Campgrounds in the Joshua Tree National Park.

Warren Peak Trail

Warren Peak is a 6.3 mile loop with a 1100 foot elevation gain which starts at Black Rock Canyon Campground in Yucca Valley, CA. The loop starts fairly flat and then gets steeper as you hike passed Joshua Trees and surrounding desert nature. You’ll see lots of Joshua Trees as you walk up towards the top of Warren Peak, at the height of Warren Peak Trailhead you’ll get an amazing view of the city of Morongo and the backside of big bear mountain and nice views of the transverse mountain range.

Eureka Peak Trail

Eureka Peak is an 11 mile loop, about 5.5 miles in one direction with an elevation gain of 1748 feet. On average its around a 5 hour round trip from the trailhead. To begin, follow the California riding and hiking trail from Black Rock Canyon. At 1.1 miles into the trail you’ll see a sign that says Eureka Peak. The hiking gets very steep towards the peak. Most of the hiking takes place in a sandy wash, so somewhat tough to walk in. This is a hard hike. Once at the top of Eureka Peak you’ll have 360 views of the San Bernardino Mountains and Coachella Valley. The view is amazing and the hike is a fun experience, note this hike is not for beginners and is a difficult hike. Bring lots of water, sun screen, and food. Keep a look out for Big Horn Sheep and Desert Tortoises.

Mastodon Peak Trail

The Maston Peak Trailhead can be reached from the Cottonwood Springs Visitor Center on the south part of Joshua Tree National Park. This is an easy hike great for beginners. The 2.4 mile loop takes you through billion year old Metamorphic rocks and features an old gold mine and amazing views of the Salton Sea and Coachella Valley.