Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
200.00 ft (60.96 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
7.00 mi (11.27 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Willow Hole is a unique oasis in Joshua Tree National Park. From the Boy Scout Trailhead, the path is incredibly easy to follow. Begin at the trailhead and walk into the desert. The hike is fairly easy to follow, the path is well-trodden and quite clear. A half-mile into the hike, you will come to a junction. Follow the sign's directions towards Willow Hole.

Continue walking through the desert floor, taking in the alien landscape filled with the famous rock formations and Joshua trees that make the park so famous. You'll notice the trail start to slowly descend into a wash after about 2.75 miles of easy walking. The trail soon turns sandy away from the packed dirt. Continue through the wash, admiring the countless cacti and other flora. If you come in the spring or summer, you may get a peak at some beautiful blooms! Soon you will walk into what feels like a valley as massive quartzite walls tower above you on both sides. These are fun to scramble up and provide an excellent view of the desert. Make sure you can get back down though! Shortly after entering this valley, the amount of greenery greatly increases, and small seasonal ponds appear. At this point you've reached the terminus of the hike. Enjoy the small ponds and the areas around them! This is a great place to take a break, sip some water, have a snack. When you're ready, turn around and follow the trail back to the parking lot!

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National or state forest pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Unique oasis. Great rock formations.

Cons

Crowded in season.

Trailhead Elevation

1,268.00 ft (386.49 m)

Highest point

1,268.00 ft (386.49 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Family friendly
Wildflowers
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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