Joshua Tree National Park hiking guide
Boy Scout Trail
An 8-mile point-to-point with 310 ft of climbing in Indian Cove, rated moderate.
Key facts
- Length
- 8.0 mi (12.9 km)
- Elevation gain
- 310 ft (94 m)
- Route type
- Point to point
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Area
- Indian Cove
About Boy Scout Trail
This trail moves through diverse desert country, beginning among Joshua trees and rising into the cliffs, domes and boulder piles of the Wonderland of Rocks, with sweeping views. It then descends through canyons toward the Colorado Desert, where yucca and cholla cactus take over. Expect little shade and a surface of hard-packed dirt and sand. Day hikers can turn back at any point, while backpackers who camp need a permit and a designated campsite.
Route map
This route was checked by Parka editors.
