Joshua Tree National Park · California

Boy Scout

8.0 mi of trail, end to end · about 1,400 ft of climbing · 2,854 ft–4,184 ft · earth surface · trail class Highly Developed · hiking, horse

3,582 ft 4,039 ft · 4.9 mi high 4,184 ft

Hike Boy Scout Trail the Park Service's write-up

1-10 Hours · no dogs · season <p>Use caution if hiking in the summer, the temperature regularly exceeds 100°F (38°C). If hiking in the summer take plenty of water. Summer hikers should start this trail before 10 am, turn around well before they are tired,and avoid hiking during the middle of the day.</p>

Hikers on a dirt trail going between Joshua trees and shrubs heading towards a rock formation.
Hikers on the Boy Scout Trail Photo: NPS / Hannah Schwalbe

Explore the Wonderland of Rocks on the Boy Scout Trail. The Boy Scout Trail is 8 miles, but many hikers complete shorter sections of the trail and turn around early. Hikes of any length can be a great way to experience the Wonderland of Rocks along the Boy Scout Trail. Start from the Keys West Wilderness Backpacking Board along Park Boulevard and enjoy a hike for as long as you would like.

This trail has little shade and unreliable cell service. Always check the weather forecast before heading into the park and consider changing plans if the weather conditions are too extreme. Before hiking, tell a safety buddy where you are going and when you plan on leaving the park.

Accessibility The Boy Scout Trail is a dirt trail with both hard packed and sandy sections, as well as rocks, vegetations, and other obstacles. Manual wheel chairs are allowed on the trail but it is recommended to check on trail conditions a visitor center first. More information on accessibility is available here . Pets are not allowed on this trail, but service animals are welcome. Service animals must remain on a 6-foot (1.8 meter) leash at all times.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 94 trails in Joshua Tree National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.