Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
584.00 ft (178.00 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
18.00 mi (28.97 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.

The Queen Valley Loop is an 18-mile route within Joshua Tree National Park. From the Pine City parking area, the route circles Queen Valley clockwise using singletrack trails and doubtrack backcountry dirt roads. It crosses vast, open landscapes with mountain views, native plants,  and unique geology within the Mojave Desert. The route passes through multiple campgrounds and intersects several trails, which makes it easy to modify as desired. The terrain is a mix of sand and rocky with little overall elevation change. This route traverses areas that are popular for trail running, hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. 

DIRECTIONS

From the Pine City Parking area, head south on Desert Queen Mine Road for about a mile. Continue south on Desert Queen Mine Road, which turns into Geology Tour Road after crossing Park Boulevard. When you reach the California Riding and Hiking Trail, turn right. At the junction with Geo Tour Tanks Trail, turn right. You will pass Ryan Campground and cross Horse Valley. Turn right, pass Hidden Valley Campground, and proceed towards the Barker Dam area. Continue on Queens Valley Road which will bring you back to the start. 

PINE CITY TRAILHEAD AMENITIES

  • Small parking area. 

  • Backcountry registration.

  • Bathroom.

WATER

There is no reliable water along the route, however, you are allowed to cache water for multi-day trips. Make sure to label your cache and include your name, email, and/or telephone number so that park rangers can contact you if necessary. 

CAMPING AND BACKPACKING

There are numerous campgrounds located within the park. Many of them require advanced reservation and some are first-come-first-serve. For information about reservations please visit www.recreation.gov


Backcountry camping is permitted in certain areas with regulations in place to protect the fragile desert environment. If you are planning to camp in the backcountry make sure you set up at least 1 mile from any roads, 500 feet from trails and water, and away from day-use only areas. 

Backcountry campers must make sure to register at one of the stations throughout the park. For more information please visit https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm

CYCLING

Biking is only allowed on roads open to vehicles within the park.

FEES

National park fees are required for entrance into the park, this applies to travelers entering the park in a vehicle as well as on foot or by bike. More information, and current prices can be found at https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm

SEASON

The park is open year-round, however, the busiest months are October - May. 

CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ560

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information about the park, rules, and regulations please visit:  https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic desert landscape. Route can be easily modified.

Cons

No water. Some areas and campgrounds may get crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

4,445.00 ft (1,354.84 m)

Highest point

4,553.00 ft (1,387.75 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

Yes

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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