Joshua Tree National Park · California

Cap Rock

0.4 mi of trail, end to end · Hike Cap Rock: 0.4 mi loop in the Service's write-up · about 20 ft of climbing · 4,269 ft–4,294 ft · earth surface · trail class Fully Developed · hiking

4,270 ft 4,269 ft · 0.4 mi high 4,294 ft

Hike Cap Rock 0.4 mi loop · the Park Service's write-up

15-45 Minutes · no dogs

Start Cap Rock Trailhead

Desert shrubs and Joshua trees in the foreground and rock formations and mountains in the background
Cap Rock gets its name from the boulder resting atop the rock formation. Photo: NPS / Preston Jordan Jr.

This trail is an easy 0.4-mile (0.6-km) loop with minimal elevation change. It winds through Joshua trees, Mojave yuccas, and spectacular granite rock formations. Along the trail, there are benches to rest on and interpretive signs showing information about plants and wildlife.

There are picnic tables and a bathroom near the trailhead.

This trail has minimal shade and no cell service. Summer hikers should start this trail before 10 am and bring water. 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.

Pets Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on trails, but service animals are welcome. Service animals must remain on a 6-foot (1.8 meter) leash at all times.

Accessibility This is a dirt trail that is mostly flat with occasional mild inclines. 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.