Split Rock Loop, Joshua Tree CA

• 5-star hike
• 2 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 270 feet
• Twentynine Palms, CA | Joshua Tree
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The image shows a desert landscape with a sandy path leading through rocky terrain. Large boulders and rock formations are visible on both sides of the path, with some vegetation, including bushes and small desert plants, scattered throughout the scene. The sky is clear, suggesting it is either early morning or late afternoon, as the sun is low on the horizon, casting a warm glow on the rocks.

The image shows a desert landscape with a sandy path leading through rocky terrain. Large boulders and rock formations are visible on both sides of the path, with some vegetation, including bushes and small desert plants, scattered throughout the scene. The sky is clear, suggesting it is either early morning or late afternoon, as the sun is low on the horizon, casting a warm glow on the rocks.

Sun setting on the Split Rock Loop Trail.

We wonder how many people view Split Rock from the parking lot, then head straight back out in search of the next Joshua Tree icon. While we agree that there's lots to see in the park, folk may be missing out on the bigger picture. An easy two-mile looping tour of the rocky landscape around Split Rock reveals a dramatic and varied terrain with views in all direction and surreal stone formations as far as the eye can see.

Curious shapes weathered out of the stone over the years make this place look otherworldly. Rocky arches and gaps where the sun can peek through make for dramatic views. Spotting faces, animals and comically shaped heads in the formations is always fun too.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Split Rock Loop 2.0 mi loop, easy, gain 270 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ NPS entrance fee

We were lucky enough to visit here during golden hour towards the end of the day, and before the Split Rock parking lot gates closed at sunset. We shared the area with only a few people, enjoying great light while bird calls echoed around the rocks.

Check out neighboring roadside rock features just to the South of here, including Face Rock, Skull Rock and Jumbo Rocks. Also very popular is Arch Rock located a ten minute Southwesterly drive away. A link to AllTrails' map of the trail to Arch Rock is linked at the foot of this page.

The image shows a landscape with large, rugged rock formations under a clear blue sky. The rocks are light brown and have various shapes and sizes, creating a dramatic and rugged terrain. There are some desert plants, such as shrubs and possibly yucca, at the base of the rocks.

The image shows a landscape with large, rugged rock formations under a clear blue sky. The rocks are light brown and have various shapes and sizes, creating a dramatic and rugged terrain. There are some desert plants, such as shrubs and possibly yucca, at the base of the rocks.

The Split Rock looms large over the trailhead.

The image shows a panoramic view of a desert landscape with large rock formations and scattered vegetation. The rocks are smooth and rounded, with some towering higher than others, creating an interesting and varied terrain. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.

The image shows a panoramic view of a desert landscape with large rock formations and scattered vegetation. The rocks are smooth and rounded, with some towering higher than others, creating an interesting and varied terrain. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.

Walking within the rocky landscape is a surreal experience.

Tangents:
• Official: Joshua Tree National Park
• AllTrails Public: Split Rock Loop, Arch Rock
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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