Willow Hole Trail – Joshua Tree
Willow Hole Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is a 7-mile out-and-back hike that explores the iconic Wonderland of Rocks, providing stunning desert vistas and a tranquil oasis destination.
The trail begins at the Boy Scout Trailhead and features 246 feet of elevation gain, offering a moderate yet rewarding experience for hikers. The trail travels through sandy washes, expansive desert views, and rocky formations, ending at Willow Hole, where occasional water pools form, attracting diverse desert wildlife. Due to the fragile ecosystem, camping is prohibited in the Wonderland of Rocks and Willow Hole areas.
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 | 7 miles |
Elevation Gain | 246 feet |
Duration | 3-5 hours |
Trailhead Coordinates | 34.041060, -116.185719 |
Pets Allowed | No |
Location | Boy Scout Trailhead, Joshua Tree National Park |
Reservations | Not required |
Best Seasons | Winter, Spring, Fall (Avoid summer) |
Accessibility | Dirt trail with both hard-packed and sandy sections; not wheelchair accessible |
Service Animals | Allowed, must be on a 6-foot (1.8-meter) leash at all times |
Getting to the Trailhead
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.
Trail Overview
Starting at the Boy Scout Trailhead, the Willow Hole Trail shares the path with the Boy Scout Trail for the first 1.2 miles. Here, the trail branches off to the right (northeast) and continues another 2.3 miles to reach Willow Hole. This section follows a sandy wash through the Wonderland of Rocks, an area filled with stunning cliffs, canyons, and intricate rock formations.
The trail’s initial segment provides expansive views of Joshua Tree’s desert landscape and distant mountain ranges. As you enter the Wonderland of Rocks, the path winds through sandy washes, rock domes, and rugged terrain. This area can feel like a maze, so keep an eye out for trail markers to stay on course.
The endpoint, Willow Hole, is marked by clusters of cottonwood and willow trees, and after seasonal rains, it may feature a small pool of water. If wildlife is spotted here, be sure to observe from a distance and avoid approaching, as this is a sensitive habitat.
Important Notes
- Overnight camping is not permitted at Willow Hole or within the Wonderland of Rocks due to the sensitivity of the wildlife and vegetation. However, backpacking is allowed on the western portion of the Boy Scout Trail.
- Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed, but service animals on a leash are welcome.
Enjoy the unique desert landscape while respecting this beautiful but fragile environment to ensure it remains a haven for both wildlife and future hikers.
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. No camping is allowed along the Willow Hole Trail spur, but there are camp sites along Boy Scout Trail.
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.