Joshua Tree National Park: Panorama Loop Trail
We love living in the Pacific Northwest. But by January 1st each year, we’re more than ready for a break from the rain and the short, dark days. That’s when our thoughts turn to a warm-weather escape.
Most winters, we try to work a visit to Joshua Tree National Park into our travel plans, usually in January or February. Combined with a few days of hiking in the nearby Coachella Valley, a week of desert day hikes is just what we need to pull us out of our mid-winter stupor.
Our go-to hike in the park
I can’t think of a trail in Joshua Tree I didn’t enjoy (I’d even do the Hall of Horrors again), but one has become our go-to every time we visit: the Panorama Loop Trail.
You’ll find this trail in the northwest corner of the park. The trailhead is less than an hour from Palm Springs, making it an easy day hike if you’re staying in the area.
We always park at the Black Rock Nature Center and start from there. Walk through the campground behind the nature center, and the trail to Panorama Loop is easy to spot.
The views from the top are worth the effort
This high-desert trail climbs into the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Early in the hike, you’ll cross sandy washes before ascending a ridge dotted with pinyon pines and junipers. The climb is a workout, but stick with it; the views from the top are worth the effort.
At the high point, you’ll be standing on a ridgeline with 360-degree views, including a wide overlook of the Coachella Valley to the southwest. It feels remote and rugged, especially compared to the park’s more popular areas. If you’re looking for solitude, this is the hike you want.
Be prepared for wind and cooler temps
It’s often windy at the top, and the trail is usually cooler than many other desert hikes nearby. Bring layers you can easily put on or peel off as conditions change.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trail type: Loop
- Typical time required: 3.5 to 4 hours
- Best season: October through May
- Crowd level: Low to Moderate
Good to Know
- Parking: Park by the nature center or use the Black Rock Canyon Campground trailhead parking lot.
- Water: Carry plenty of water for everyone in your group. The high elevation and dry air accelerate dehydration.
- Hazards: Desert weather changes fast so bring layers for the windy ridge.
- Navigation: Follow the signs for the Ridge Trail, not Warren Peak, to complete the full loop correctly.
Nearby
- Warren Peak: This trail branches off the same starting point for those wanting a steeper climb to a summit.
- Black Rock Canyon: Explore the Joshua Tree forests surrounding the campground before or after your hike.
Other Resources
- Official Map: Visit the Joshua Tree National Park website for the Black Rock area topographic map.
