Boy Scout Trail

Joshua Tree National Park's Boy Scout Trail is a 16-mile out-and-back trail near Twentynine Palms, California. This backcountry adventure is an excellent way for visitors to get away from the road and into the wilderness. Among its highlights are the Wonderland of Rocks, a landscape formed by massive boulders and granite rocks as well as Joshua Tree groves and Bighorn Sheep (if you are lucky enough to see one). With its gentle grade and rolling hills, this trail is a popular place for trail running, hiking, and backpacking. 

Indian Cove Trailhead serves as the starting and ending point for this route, however, it can also be completed in the opposite direction, beginning and ending at the south trailhead located off of Park Boulevard. 

COMMON VEGETATION

Pinyon and juniper trees, desert grasses, various cacti, and cholla. 

CAMPING AND PERMITS

• Backpackers are required to register at the backcountry registration board before starting. The backcountry registration board is located at both the north and south trailheads. More information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm. 

• Joshua Tree National Park requires a national park pass or a fee to enter the park. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/fees.htm. 

WATER

All water must be carried with you. 

SEASONS

This hike is open and accessible year-round, however, it is best completed in the cooler months, October - May. Due to extreme sun exposure, temperatures, and lack of water, this trail should be avoided in the summer. 

ALTERNATES

If time and/or distance are a concern, visitors can arrange a shuttle and complete this hike as a one way, 9 mile adventure. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Wilderness backpacking along the Boy Scout Trail: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/wilderness-backpacking-along-the-boy-scout-trail.htm. 

• Joshua Tree National Park: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/hiking.htm. 

• Visitor Information: 1-760-367-5500