Want to see Joshua Tree National Park’s magnificent desert landscape full of Joshua Trees and other beautiful plants along with boulder fields and unique rock formations? If you answered yes, then I have the perfect short and easy hike just for you!
The Split Rock Trail takes you through rocky and sandy terrain and up and over giant boulders with spectacular scenic views. It is a 2.5-mile loop trail but there is an opportunity for a short side quest to see a few more unique rock formations, such as Face Rock and Skull Rock. I definitely recommend the latter to the adventurers who want to add a few more miles to their hike. It will 100% be worth it!
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Know Before You Go
Entrance Fee
Entrance into Joshua Tree National Park is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass then you get in for free. If you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase! It costs $80 for one whole year.
Summer in Joshua Tree
It is recommended to hike Split Rock Trail in either spring, fall, or winter. Try to avoid hiking this trail or any other trail in Joshua Tree in the summer due to extreme heat and lack of shade.
If visiting Joshua Tree National Park in the summer, always check the local weather forecast prior to going so you can plan your day around the heat. The smart thing to do would be explore and hike early in the morning and later in the evening to avoid the peak summertime heat.
Bring plenty of water, salty snacks, and other items to replenish your electrolytes if you are out hiking in the heat and sweating a lot. Also, protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen and SPF lip balm and wearing sun-protective clothing.
Be smart and be safe out there if visiting in the summer!
“False” or Social Trails
Hiking trails within Joshua Tree National Park can be confusing due to difficulty following the trail markers (or lack thereof). We highly recommend downloading offline maps and having a physical map and compass in your backpack just in case you get off trail.
We personally had a hard time following the Split Rock Trail. We got off trail several times but were always able to get back onto the main trail quickly. It was definitely tough to navigate. However, we never got lost. We would just start hiking along a “false” or social trail which would be close to the main trail.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Split Rock Trail
Location: This trail is located within Joshua Tree National Park about 10 miles from the Oasis Visitor Center and about 27 miles from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 270 feet. (5 to 6 total miles if adding both Face Rock and Skull Rock to this hike)
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is a loop hike.
Difficulty Rating: Easy to moderate depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of dirt/sand, rocks/boulders, and a few steps.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The Split Rock Trailhead is located at the end of Split Rock Road. There is a road sign indicating when to turn off from Park Boulevard to reach the trailhead. The dirt road leading to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles.
The parking lot is fairly big but fills up quick during the busy season. Read my blog about how to avoid crowds in the great outdoors so you can have a better experience!
Put this address in Google maps: Split Rock Loop Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Trail Directions
Split Rock Trail (optional: Face Rock and Skull Rock)
Quick funny story. My husband and I hiked this trail in March 2023. We started in the opposite direction (clockwise) as compared to everyone else who went counterclockwise. We were searching for the Split Rock the entire time but didn’t know which cracked boulder was the actual Split Rock. We completed the loop and found a picnic table at the trailhead to eat lunch. Right in front of our faces was… the Split Rock! We had no idea it was literally at the trailhead. Silly us.
Anyway, it’s your turn to hike this trail! We recommend going to other direction (counterclockwise). Apparently, this is the best way to go according to other reviews. Start by hiking to the left of Split Rock along the Split Rock Trail.
On the other side of the Split Rock is a neat little cave. I read that native people used this cave thousands of years ago. Please respect this area (and everywhere else in this National Park) and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Follow the trail signs and trail markers the best you can. Some sections can be a bit confusing as you will encounter more false or social trails that can cause you to go off trail. Make sure to have an offline map to help you stay on the main trail.
You will eventually reach a junction in the trail. If you only want to do the Split Rock Trail, then follow the trail sign to remain on that trail. But if you want to see a few more awesome rock formations and you don’t mind adding a few more miles to the hike, then take a right to get onto the Face Rock Trail. From the side this giant rock really does look like a side profile of a face! But from the front… not even recognizable.
Follow the Face Rock Trail until you merge onto the Discovery Trail. You will soon reach Skull Rock. This is probably one of my favorite rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park.
Retrace your steps back to the junction in the trail to return to the Split Rock Trail. Continue straight ahead until you complete the Split Rock Loop.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
🌵 Check out more amazing hikes in Joshua Tree National Park: Arch Rock & Heart Rock, Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley Trail, and Wall Street Mill.
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