Pudgy Buffalo

Spring is the perfect time for families with kids to hit the trails in Joshua Tree National Park. Comfortable temperatures and a blooming flowers make a wonderful environment for families to safely explore the desert and connect with nature. The park offers many trails that cater to the curiosity, energy, and skill level of young hikers young. Take a look at these favorite family-friendly trails in Joshua Tree:

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Distance: 1 mile, loop
Location: Hidden Valley parking area

Tucked away in a secluded basin, the Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a fun trail for kids. Passing through a secret cut through in the boulders that was once used by cattle rustlers to hide herds, the trail enters a small valley that was a favorite grazing spot for livestock in times past. The gentle trail loops around the rock-lined valley, and informative plaques line the path to spotlight the area’s flora, fauna, history and culture.

Discovery Trail

Distance: .7 mile, loop
Location: Across from Skull Rock off of Park Boulevard

True to its name, the Discovery Trail is a short, interpretive loop that packs loads of fun and learning opportunities into its easy path. The trail was created especially for young minds. The path loops up around the desert opposite famous Skull Rock, and visits a viewing telescope before meandering back down through a small slot canyon. Side paths visit other famous sights like Face Rock.

Skull Rock Nature Trail

Distance: 1.7 miles, loop
Location: Next to Skull Rock, off of Park Boulevard

Kids with a penchant for the peculiar will be thrilled to explore the Skull Rock Nature Trail. This short loop showcases the park’s iconic rock formations, including the aptly named Skull Rock. After capturing a fun family photo at the giant boulder with “eyes” and “a nose” hollowed by erosion, follow the loop as it heads towards Jumbo Rocks Campground and then swings back around to the trailhead. Informational signs along way spotlight the Mojave Desert’s unique plants and animals.

Arch Rock Trail

Distance: 1.4 miles, lollipop loop
Location: Twin Tanks parking area, across from White Tank Campground

For a slightly longer but still kid-friendly adventure, the Arch Rock Trail is a must-visit. The highlight of this trail is, of course, the natural arch that stands as a testament to the park’s geological wonders. Children will enjoy scrambling on the rocks and exploring the area around the arch. Adventurous minds will love feeling like they’ve stepped into the pages of a pulp novel with giant boulders resembling dinosaur spines. The trail begins at the Twin Tanks parking area and then heads across the street through the open desert to White Tank and Arch Rock. Informational signs at the lollipop loop at the end of the trail straightaway provide a close look into the geological forces at play here.

Indian Cove Nature Trail

Distance: .6 miles, loop
Location: Next to Indian Cove Campground

Venture into the high Mojave Desert for a unique desert experience on the Indian Cove Nature Trail. This trail follows a desert wash (a natural water drainage area) and provides a glimpse into the park’s diverse ecosystems, with opportunities to observe fascinating plant life and wildlife and learn about the area’s Indigenous culture. The easy trail abuts the famous rock-climber’s paradise, the Wonderland of Rocks, right next to Indian Cove Campground.