Pudgy Buffalo

West Entrance Station is the main entry point into Joshua Tree National Park for folks traveling from Los Angeles, and easily connects via Park Boulevard to most of the best-loved sights in Joshua Tree. It’s also the spot of some very challenging (and rewarding!) hikes.

Take a look at these three leg-busting West Entrance area hikes:

1. Boy Scout Trail

• 8 miles (12.9 km) (one-way) / difficult
• Backpacking
• Wonderland of Rocks

Joshua trees… Boulders… The wide-open desert… Scout stunning terrain while putting your best outdoor skills into action on the Boy Scout Trail! The Boy Scout Trail is a hearty point-to-point hike that stretches north-south across the park’s fantastically rocky interior. An 8-mile (12.9 km) trek through the remote desert backcountry with absolutely no services; boulder navigating and tricky trail-finding; and the extra-special care required before embarking on this unfettered park adventure make this a solidly challenging hike. When considering exploring this quiet trail, remember the famous scouting mantra—be prepared. Hiking Boy Scout Trail point-to-point (that is ending the expedition at a different place from where you began) requires planning in advance for a car shuttle at the ending terminus. Similarly, tackling this trail as a long out-and-back 16-mile (25.7 km) adventure is not recommended for casual hikers.

2. Willow Hole

• 7.2 miles (11.6 km) / difficult
• Willow Hole pool
• Wonderland of Rocks

Follow the white tank granite and “go down the Willow Hole” on this difficult 7.2-mile (11.6 m) out-and-back hike through the heart of the Wonderland of Rocks to an enchanting willow-lined pool hidden inside Joshua Tree’s boulder paradise. Along the way, see extraordinary desert flora while navigating fantastical rock formations leading to the wildlife hotspot. Although the Joshua tree-lined trail is gentle leading to the rocky gateway, the interior of the labyrinth is a bit of a scramble to the seasonal watering hole. The Wonderland of Rocks can be difficult to navigate and disorienting with its towering stacks, and many adventurers have needed to be rescued after getting lost. Do not attempt this hike unless you have good way-finding skills, robust orienting tools, proper maps, and plenty of water. This challenging hike is not recommended for casual hikers.

3. North View, Maze, & Window Loop

• 7.4 miles (11.9 km) / very difficult
• Mojave Desert outback
• Joshua Tree’s Window Rock

See the best that northern Joshua Tree National Park has to offer on this high-desert circuit! North View, Maze Loop, and Window Loop are three loop hikes stacked on top of each other. North View is to the north, Maze Loop is in the middle, and Window Loop is to the south. The loops can be combined in a number of ways. The hike in this guide routes around the outer perimeter of all three loops to make one giant, challenging 7.4-mile (11.9 km) loop. The rugged circuit explores the higher-elevation Mojave Desert, with its mind-boggling landscape, astonishing rock piles, post-worthy desert flora, and phenomenal views.