1.5 miles
400 feet gain
2/10
Yucca Valley ,CA (92284) 104.58 miles from you Weather Map
From the 10 Freeway east of Cabazon and west of Palm Springs, exit at the CA-62 E turnoff (which is signed as the route to Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley). Travel northeast along CA-62 (which eventually becomes 29 Palms Hwy) past Desert Hot Springs and Big Morongo Canyon to Yucca Valley. Look for the "Black Rock Canyon Campground-5 miles" sign at Joshua Lane-turn right on Joshua Lane, and follow the directions on the signs to the campground. After turning right for the campground and following the bend, look for a sign just prior to the entrance marked for the South Park Parking Area-turn right (dirt road), and follow the road to its end at the trailhead.
A hike to the "summit" of this trail promises magnificent views of surrounding mountain ranges (San Gorgonio, San Jacinto), a comfy bench, and even a trail register!! Interesting flora is signed with interpretive markers (a brochure can be obtained at the campground Visitor's Center), and, following the loop, the way down from the top is less steep than the way up (most of the elevation gain occurs in a narrow area as one approaches the top). Rabbits, roadrunners, woodpeckers, and Gambel's Quail are also commonly sighted here. This hike is an excellent introduction to the unique terrain of the Black Rock Canyon area, and also provides a short but excellent "warm-up" for the longer and generally sandier and steeper trails within the northwestern section of Joshua Tree National Park.