Arch Rock & Heart Rock, Joshua Tree CA


• 4-star hike
• 2 mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 100 feet
• Twentynine Palms, CA | Joshua Tree
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A group of people explore and photograph a large granite arch in a desert landscape under a clear blue sky. The smooth, rounded rock formation spans between two boulders, with rugged terrain and sparse vegetation surrounding it.
Photo opportunists at Arch Rock.

Explore two unique features arising from Joshua Tree’s signature granite outcroppings along the route of the Arch Rock Nature Trail. The first you’ll reach is Arch Rock, a 30-foot natural opening carved through weathered stone. The second is Heart Rock, a boulder with a distinct heart shape that has inspired countless Instagram selfies. Between them lies a landscape of jumbled rock formations, desert vegetation, and interpretive signs explaining the park’s geology.

Despite its popularity, this trail is still worth a visit. Begin at the Arch Rock Nature Trail parking area and hike across flat desert lined with cholla cacti, Joshua trees, and yucca plants. Arch Rock requires some modest scrambling for a close approach.
⬤ 4★ Arch Rock Nature Trail   1.6 mi out & back, easy, gain 100 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
 $  NPS entrance fee

Heart Rock is located on a spur trail heading further east along terrain that becomes rockier than the main trail. The ten-foot-tall granite rock that resembles a heart stands among several other boulders with less pronounced shapes. Heart Rock is usually easy to find, particularly on busy days when you may see a line of people waiting for their turn for a photo opportunity.

There is no shade along the Arch Rock Nature Trail. Though the trail is relatively short, it’s still important to take precautions to avoid heat and sun exposure, including bringing more water than you think you need, along with lightweight clothing and head coverings, sunblock, and optional UV lip balm.

A dirt trail winds through a desert landscape beneath a clear blue sky. A prominent Joshua tree with spiky green leaves and a twisted trunk stands in the foreground, surrounded by shrubs and more Joshua trees. Large rock formations and low mountains rise in the background.
Arch Rock Nature Trail is mostly flat.

A large heart-shaped rock formation stands balanced on a narrow base in a sandy desert landscape. Scattered shrubs and rounded boulders surround the formation, with a clear sky and wispy clouds overhead.
Possibly the most Instagrammed rock in the park.

A group of adults and children hike along a sandy desert trail surrounded by large rock formations, Joshua trees, and sparse shrubs. The sky is mostly clear with a few wispy clouds, suggesting a sunny day in a rugged natural setting.
Slightly rockier terrain around the Arch and Heart Rocks.

A group of hikers in sun-protective clothing and backpacks walk along a stone-marked desert trail surrounded by dry vegetation and rocky terrain. Distant mountains rise under a mostly clear sky with wispy clouds.
Suitably attired hikers on the nature trail.

Tangents:
• Official: National Park Service
• AllTrails Public: Heart Rock & Arch Rock


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