Located conveniently off one of the main roads within Joshua Tree National Park, Skull Rock is a very popular tourist attraction. This rock formation has formed from many, many years of erosion. It got its name due to the erosion process resulting in two big eye sockets and the entire rock itself resembling the shape of a skull.
Although the rock formation itself is extremely popular, the trail does not get too crowded. Hike along the Skull Rock Nature Trail for a more peaceful experience. It’s short and easy with stunning views of the desert landscape. Explore the area, (carefully) climb some rocks, and learn more about the desert’s animals and plants. Add this hike to your itinerary when visiting Joshua Tree National Park!
Table of Contents
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.
Popularity & Parking Situation
Skull Rock is one of the most popular rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s probably the most popular mainly because of how easily accessible it is. It lies right beside Park Boulevard which is one of the main roads that goes through the Park. Plus, there is roadside parking, so you don’t have to walk so far.
Because of this it can get very crowded. Although you may have to wait in line to take a picture with the Skull Rock, you will not see too many people on the trail.
Most people park their car along the roadside pullout, take pictures of Skull Rock, then leave. They don’t hike the short loop trail, so you should have a more peaceful experience if you hike the trail!
Like I said above, most people will try to park their cars along the roadside pullouts. There are quite a few roadside pullouts, but they fill up fast due to this rock formation’s popularity. I would suggest parking either at the Jumbo Rocks Campground or at the Skull Rock parking lot. Still try to get there early just in case!
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in Great Outdoors
Summer in Joshua Tree
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” 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.
For us, we thought the Skull Rock Nature Trail was well-marked and easy to follow. Other reviews about this hike stated otherwise. With that being said, always be prepared!
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
Skull Rock Nature Trail
Location: Near the Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Park.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 1.7 miles with an elevation gain of 150 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 1 to 1.5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is a loop hike.
Difficulty Rating: Most people rate this hike as easy.
Terrain: This trail consists of dirt/sand, rocks, and steps.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
There are several places to begin this hike. You can either park your vehicle alongside Park Boulevard or at either one of the parking lots across from the entrance to Jumbo Rocks Campground or inside the campground across from the amphitheater.
Put this address in Google maps: Skull Rock Nature Trail, Park Blvd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Trail Directions
Doesn’t matter which direction you go since it’s a simple and easy loop trail. For the purpose of this blog, we will assume you parked at the parking lot across from Jumbo Rocks Campground. From here, follow the trail clockwise along the Skull Rock Nature Trail. In 0.7 miles, cross Park Boulevard and you will be at the Skull Rock.
Continue following the trail pass Skull Rock. Take your time and learn more about this beautiful landscape and the area’s animals and vegetation from the educational plaques that are placed throughout the trail.
Follow the trail for about 0.5 miles until you reach Jumbo Rocks Campground. Follow the paved road through the campground for another 0.5 miles.
Carefully cross the road and return back to your car. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Alternate Route: Skull Rock via Split Rock Trail
If you want an even bigger adventure, I highly suggest taking the Split Rock Trail to Face Rock Trail to Discovery Trail to Skull Rock. It will be a much longer hike but very do-able for the average hiker.
Begin at the Split Rock Trailhead and hike along the Split Rock Trail. You will eventually reach a junction in the trail. Hop onto the Face Rock Trail and you will see another awesome rock formation called Face Rock.
Merge onto the Discovery Trail until you see Skull Rock. Admire its spooky vibes. You can either continue on the Skull Rock Nature Trail to complete the loop or retrace your steps back onto the Discovery Trail, pass Face Rock, and back onto the Split Rock Trail.
The Split Rock Trail is a loop so you can also finish the loop or simply retrace your steps. So many possibilities! Either way this entire hike (depending on if you complete any of the loops) will end up being around 4 to 6 miles in total. Definitely worth it!
🌵 Check out more amazing hikes in Joshua Tree National Park: Arch Rock & Heart Rock, Split Rock Trail, Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley Trail, and Wall Street Mill.
We Vlogged Our Experience!
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