Joshua Tree National Park guide · 2 min read
Arch Rock and Heart Rock Scramble
The Arch Rock Trail is a 1.8-mile loop in Joshua Tree National Park that most hikers finish in one to two hours.
The route is rated easy and climbs about 210 feet in total, passing several of the park's most unusual rock formations. Many visitors also add a short spur to Heart Rock while they are out.
The trailhead parking lot is on Pinto Basin Road, and it is listed as Arch Rock Nature Trail on Google Maps. The trail is located next to White Tank Campground. From the lot, an access trail crosses Pinto Basin Road and runs 0.6 miles one way to reach the loop, so much of the outing is spent getting to the main trail. Once you reach the loop, you can hike the circuit or branch off to Heart Rock first.
Arch Rock sits right beside the trail and gives the route its name, though it is easy to miss. Look for the sign pointing toward the arch, or follow the line of people. For the classic photo, the photographer will need to scramble onto the rocks across from the arch. Rocks just to the right of the arch offer another good view. Heart Rock was once a secret spot, but a maintained trail now leads to it, marked by small brown trail signs.
Rock scrambling sits between hiking and climbing, and it involves moving over second-, third-, and fourth-class rocky terrain, often using your arms to hold onto the rock. It usually happens off-trail, and the park has many large boulders that make it a common activity here. Stay on established routes, test loose rocks before you commit your weight, and keep three points of contact with the rock. Know your limits, and never climb up rock you cannot get back down, since going up is easier than coming down.
