Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
200.00 ft (60.96 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.00 mi (3.22 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 Split Rock loop is one of several short hikes that explore the magical rock heaps that, along with Joshua Tree National Park’s namesake trees, define this unique desert enclave. Just a short drive from the popular and crowded Skull Rock area, this hike will likely offer solitude and many chances to scramble on and around the rough granite boulder heaps.

From the parking lot, the trail is an oval loop that doesn’t involve much elevation change, but it climbs in and out of several small basins. The trail is an excellent introduction to the varied plant life of the Mojave Desert, featuring Joshua Trees, cholla cacti and creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). The huge formations of granite boulders present a limitless supply of interesting and imagination-tweaking shapes. To the distant east, the Twentynine Palms Mountains are visible. About 0.3 miles up the trail there is a sharp turn to the left with a small “Split Rock” sign. Follow that direction to continue the loop or continue straight to take the trail to the fascinating Eagle Cliff Mine site.

The loop trail wanders among the boulder piles to a junction with the Skull Rock Trail, where a sharp left will return to the Split Rock parking area. Watch for rock climbers in this area.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Fairly flat. Great scenery.

Cons

None.

Trailhead Elevation

4,218.00 ft (1,285.65 m)

Features

Rock climbing
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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