If you’re a fan of one-of-a-kind rock formations, you can’t miss this gem on your Joshua Tree National Park itinerary! Picture yourself strolling along the serene Arch Rock Trail, immersing yourself in the breathtaking desert scenery. As you wander, you’ll encounter a mesmerizing array of ancient rock creations, but none quite as captivating as Heart Rock and Arch Rock themselves. These natural wonders stand as testaments to the park’s geological history, inviting you to explore, photograph, and marvel at their unique beauty.
If you’re itching for more adventure and love bouldering and climbing big rocks, then explore past Arch Rock. Beyond this iconic spot, you’ll enter a boulder field surrounded by stunning rock formations. Picture massive granite boulders scattered across the desert landscape, forming intricate patterns and offering endless opportunities for bouldering and climbing enthusiasts.
If you venture past Heart Rock or Arch Rock, make sure you’ve packed a map, compass, and have good directional skills to navigate this off-trail terrain. Embrace the challenge, but always know your limits. Lace up your hiking boots, tread carefully, and get ready to discover a whole new dimension of the park’s awe-inspiring landscapes!
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Entrance Pass
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 Arch 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 did not have a hard time following the Arch Rock Trail. It was very well marked and easy to follow. If you decide to explore beyond Heart Rock or Arch Rock, make sure you are prepared and have good directional skills. It can be easy to get lost out there when there are no trail markers to guide you.
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
Arch Rock Trail (from Twin Tanks parking area)
Location: This trail is located near Belle Campground and White Tank Campground within Joshua Tree National Park.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 1.7 miles with an elevation gain of 110 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike with a small loop (also considered a lollipop).
Difficulty Rating: This hike is considered easy.
Terrain: The first part of the trail is mostly sandy, whereas the loop section is mostly rocky.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead to Arch Rock and Heart Rock is located at the Twin Tanks parking area, which is on the west side of Pinto Basin Road, about 1 mile south of Belle Campground.
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: Twin Tanks And Arch Rock Trailhead, California
Trail Directions
Arch Rock Trail (from Twin Tanks parking area)
From the Twin Tanks parking area, head towards the south end of the parking lot and follow the trail past an informational kiosk. The trail will soon cross the Pinto Basin Road.
Take a right onto the Arch Rock Trail. Follow this trail through the open desert landscape to a giant boulder field straight ahead.
In about 0.6 miles you will reach a junction in the trail. One way goes to Arch Rock and the other towards Heart Rock. I recommend stopping by Heart Rock first. So, take a left at the junction.
There used to not be a trail to Heart Rock, so it was very difficult to find. But now, there is a well-marked trail leading towards the beautiful rock formation.
Heart Rock is about 10-12 feet tall and is a naturally formed granite boulder. It faces both east and west, but the best view is from the east because it looks more like a heart on that side. We only viewed it from the west side but still awesome!
Retrace your steps to return to the junction in the trail and follow the signs for Arch Rock. There are different spots to view the Arch Rock. Explore around and be careful when climbing the rocks!
Arch Rock stretches over 30 feet long. It’s a very popular spot so expect to see other people. Try to get there early to beat the crowd!
If you’re up for hiking a little bit more and climbing up and over big boulders, then I suggest heading past Arch Rock. The boulder field past this point is amazing to explore! It was honestly my favorite part of this hike.
I found a rock that looks like a kidney bean! Not sure if anyone has claimed a name for this rock, but it will be the Kidney Bean Rock to me.
Return back to Arch Rock and complete the small loop. You will quickly be back to the same junction in the trail as earlier. Retrace your steps to finish the out-and-back portion of the trail back to the parking lot. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
🌵 Check out more amazing hikes in Joshua Tree National Park: Split Rock Trail, Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley Trail, and Wall Street Mill.
Alternate Route: White Tanks Campground to Arch Rock
If you are NOT camping at the White Tank Campground, then you cannot park at their parking lot. However, if you are camping at that campground then you have an even shorter hike to reach Arch Rock and Heart Rock.
From the White Tank Campground to Arch Rock is only 0.3 miles roundtrip. Add a little bit more distance if heading to Heart Rock. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow!
We Vlogged Our Experience!
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