Monument Mountain is the high point of the Hexie Range in the southern region of Joshua Tree National Park. It sits near the transition zone between the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, a fascinating region for those with ecological curiosity!
Please note that this route follows a wash for much of its journey, not an established trail, and distances may slightly vary. Some may find the last mile to the summit to be difficult (class 2 in places). An attempt for a day hike of this route may be strenuous, and made easier by turning it into a two-day trip (a new backcountry permit system will be implemented in March 2023; check the park website for overnight permit information). There is no water along the way, and the region here is very exposed to sun and inclement weather. This is not a popular route, and thus few, if any, hikers will be in the same area at the same time. Please be prepared! A shorter climb of the same mountain can be done from the southern side, beginning on Pinkham Canyon Road.
There is a relatively small parking lot at Porcupine Wash off Pinto Basin Road. Porcupine Wash is easy to follow and mostly flat, but it is indeed sandy. Mountain Mountain is the high point to the southwest. At around 7.5 miles the route leaves the wash and begins the ascent to the peak. On a clear day, the views from the summit of Monument Mountain are remarkable, with especially great views of the Eagle Mountains, Pinto Mountains, and the in the distance to the west, San Jacinto. The best time of year for this hike is between October and April, and unadvisable in the summer.
A park pass is needed to enter Joshua Tree National Park.
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