Hiking

There are more than 50 mi of hiking trails in Joshua Tree, ranging from 1/4-mi treks to 35-mi journeys. Many cross each other, so you can design your own desert maze. Remember that drinking water is hard to come by -- you won't find water in the park except at the entrances. Bring along at least a gallon per person for all but the shortest hikes, more if the weather is hot. Before striking out on a hike or apparent nature trail, check out the signage. Hiking trails are marked with a hiking figure; similar signs without the hiking figure identify rock-climbing routes.

Easy

Bajada All Access. Learn all about what plants do to survive in the desert on this easy, wheelchair accessible ¼-mi loop. South of Cottonwood Visitor Center, 1/2 mi from park entrance.

Cap Rock. This 1/2-mi wheelchair accessible loop -- named after a boulder that sits atop a huge rock formation like a cap -- winds through fascinating rock formations and has signs that explain the geology of the Mojave Desert. Junction of Park Blvd. and Keys View Rd.

Indian Cove Trail. Look for lizards and roadrunners along this 1/2-mi loop that follows a desert wash. This easy trail has signs with interesting facts about these and other animals of the Mojave Desert. West end of Indian Cove Campground.

Skull Rock Trail. The ¼-mi loop guides hikers through boulder piles, desert washes, and a rocky alley. It's named for what is perhaps the park's most famous rock formation, which resembles a human head. Jumbo Rocks Campground.

Moderate

California Riding and Hiking Trail. This well-traveled route stretches for 35 mi between the Black Rock Canyon Entrance and the North Entrance. No need to hike the entire trail, however. Start at any point along the way, including where it crosses major roads near Ryan Campground or Belle Campground, for hikes from 4 to 11 mi. Trailheads at Covington Flats, Keys View, and Squaw Tank.

High View Nature Trail. This 1 3/10-mi loop climbs nearly to the top of 4,500-foot Summit Peak. The views of nearby Mt. San Gorgonio make the moderately steep journey worth the effort. 1/2 mi west of Black Rock Canyon Campground.

Ryan Mountain Trail. The payoff for hiking to the top of 5,461-foot Ryan Mountain is one of the best panoramic views of Joshua Tree. From here you can see Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio, Lost Horse Valley, and the Pinto Basin. You'll need two to three hours to complete the 3-mi round-trip. Ryan Mountain parking area, 16 mi southeast of West Entrance or Sheep Pass, 16 mi southwest of Oasis Visitor Center.

Difficult

Boy Scout Trail. The moderately strenuous 16-mi trail, suitable for backpackers, runs through the westernmost edge of the Wonderland of Rocks, passing through a forest of Joshua trees, past granite towers, and around willow-lined pools. Completing the round-trip journey requires camping along the way, so you may want to hike only part of the trail or have a car waiting at the other end. Between Quail Springs Picnic Area and Indian Cove Campground.

Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail. Allow three hours for this moderately strenuous 3-mi trek. The trail makes a steep climb into the hills, then it drops down into a canyon where you'll find an oasis lined with fan palms. There's plenty of evidence of Native Americans in this area, from traces of cooking fires to rocks carved with petroglyphs. End of Canyon Rd., 4 mi west of Twentynine Palms.

Lost Horse Mine Trail. This fairly strenuous 4-mi round-trip hike follows a former mining road to a well-preserved mill that was used in the 1890s to crush gold-encrusted rock mined from the nearby mountain. The operation was one of the area's most successful, and the mine's cyanide settling tanks and stone buildings are the area's best preserved. From the mill area, a short but steep 10-minute side trip takes you to the top of a 5,278-foot peak with great views of the valley. 1¼ mi east of Keys View Rd.

Lost Palms Oasis Trail. Allow four to six hours for the moderately strenuous, 7 1/2-mi round-trip, which leads to the most impressive oasis in the park. You'll find more than 100 fan palms and an abundance of wildflowers here. Cottonwood Spring Oasis.

Mastodon Peak Trail. Some boulder scrambling is required on this 3-mi hike up 3,371-foot Mastodon Peak, but the journey rewards you with stunning views of the Salton Sea. The trail passes through a region where gold was mined from 1919 to 1932, so be on the lookout for open mines. The peak draws its name from a large rock formation that early miners believed looked like the head of a prehistoric behemoth. Cottonwood Spring Oasis.

Outfitters & Expeditions

Joshua Tree Hike and Fitness. Joshua Tree Hike and Fitness leads easy to moderate hikes to park destinations such as Willow Hole, Juniper Flats, Keys View, and Wall Street Mill; they also offer custom trips. Most hikes are four to six hours. Box 1088, Joshua Tree, 92252. 760/366-7985. www.joshuatreehike.com. $50-$240 per person depending upon number in party and duration. Daily.