Boy Scout Trail – Joshua Tree
The Boy Scout Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is a scenic and rugged trek that provides access to the stunning Wonderland of Rocks.
The full through hike begins at the Keys West Backcountry Board, also known as the south end of the Boy Scout Trail, along Park Boulevard, and ends at Indian Cove Trailhead.
Alternatively, you can turn around once you’ve reached the center of Wonderland of Rocks (about 4.5 miles in) then turn around for a 9 mile out-and-back hike.
The trail features a variety of terrain with little shade and can present challenges due to rocky sections and confusing topography.
With sweeping vistas and intimate views of striking rock formations, this hike offers a memorable experience for those with the hiking and navigation experience to explore the beauty of the desert.
Please note that this area can get extremely hot in the summer months, and we recommend only hiking in the cooler months. Even then, the desert can be hot, and we you’ll need to take precautions to stay safe.
Trail Details
| Trail Type | Out and back |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Length | 8 mile thru-hike; 9+ mile out-and-back |
| Elevation Gain | Varies depending on route |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 34.041060, -116.185719 |
| Location | Joshua Tree National Park |
| Best Season | Fall, winter, spring (avoid hot months) |
Getting to Boy Scout Trail
To reach the Boy Scout Trailhead (Trailhead GPS: 34.041060, -116.185719), enter Joshua Tree National Park via the West Entrance Station, located near the town of Joshua Tree.
After the entrance, follow Park Boulevard for approximately 8 miles until you see the Boy Scout Trailhead on the left, with parking available. As this trailhead serves multiple routes, parking may be limited, especially on weekends.
To access the Boy Scout Trail, head to the Keys West Backcountry Board, located along Park Boulevard. This trailhead serves as a self-registration point for backpackers and provides access to both the Boy Scout Trail and the Willow Hole Trail.
Trail Overview
The Boy Scout Trail begins at the Keys West Backcountry Board and meanders through the captivating Wonderland of Rocks. The path is primarily composed of hard-packed dirt, interspersed with sandy sections, rocky areas, and desert vegetation, offering hikers a diverse and dynamic experience.
Given the distance and rugged terrain once you enter the Wonderland of Rocks, the hike can be moderately challenging, but the breathtaking views make the effort worthwhile. As you hike, you’ll encounter striking rock formations, canyons, and panoramic vistas that showcase the park’s natural beauty.
The trail is well-marked, allowing hikers to explore at their own pace. While the entire length of the Boy Scout Trail can be hiked as a full round trip, many visitors opt for shorter hikes, turning back at various points along the trail. If you are looking for an obvious turn around spot, the view at 4.5 miles from the trailhead offers a satisfying destination for the hike.
It’s essential to plan ahead, as the trail has little shade and can be exposed to extreme weather conditions. Hikers should carry ample water. Starting your hike early in the morning is advisable, as temperatures are cooler and the likelihood of encountering other hikers is lower.
Camping/Backpacking Regulations
The Boy Scout Trail Zone, pictured on the map above, includes the area surrounding the Boy Scout Trail, where camping is limited due to heavy usage. Backpackers are required to camp only in designated campsites within the zone. While you can backpack through the area without a permit, camping is not permitted unless you have a designated permit for the Boy Scout Trail Zone.
Backcountry camping permits for Joshua Tree are available on Recreation.gov.
The elevation ranges from approximately 2,800 feet at Indian Cove to 4,000 feet at the Boy Scout backcountry trailhead. This zone provides breathtaking landscape vistas and intimate views of the Wonderland of Rocks, which includes cliffs, canyons, domes, and boulder piles.
The Boy Scout Trail and the Big Pine Trail are the primary trails in this area, bordered to the west by the Wonderland of Rocks, a day-use area where overnight camping is prohibited. Willow Hole is a spur off Boy Scout Trail.
For those planning to camp, permits are required for overnight stays in designated campsites along the trail. Be sure to follow all regulations to help preserve the area’s natural beauty.
For an easier, family-friendly trail that brings you to striking rock formations, check out the Arch Trail.
