Wonderland of Rocks: Guide to Joshua Tree’s Rugged Maze of Boulders

The Wonderland of Rocks, a wild and rocky expanse within Joshua Tree National Park, is a twelve-square-mile playground of massive granite boulders, towering rock piles, and maze-like terrain.

Known for its secluded atmosphere and challenging off-trail adventures, this area draws experienced hikers and rock climbers eager to explore its rugged beauty. The area also offers some shorter hikes to the ruins of human occupation and industry from the early 1900s.

Situated in the northern part of the park, Wonderland of Rocks is renowned for its distinctive rock formations, such as Astro Dome. While the shorter hikes in the southern area are relatively easy, navigation skills are required for those venturing deeper into its labyrinthine landscape. It’s not known as “Wanderland” for nothing.

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.

Destination Details

Season	October to April (best in cooler months)
Location	Joshua Tree National Park
General GPS Coordinates	34.03843, -116.14483
Management	U.S. National Park Service
Size	Approximately 12 square miles
Nearest major city	Palm Springs

Getting Oriented

Located in northern Joshua Tree National Park, the Wonderland of Rocks sits in the heart of California’s Mojave Desert, a landscape shaped by the forces of wind and erosion over millions of years. Characterized by a high-desert climate, this area’s terrain combines boulders, canyons, and unique rock formations.

The Wonderland of Rocks is divided into two primary sections—Wonderland North and Wonderland South—each offering distinct entry points and challenges.

The complex rockscape attracts seasoned outdoor adventurers and climbers, while its remote setting and lack of formal trails promise solitude for those who venture here.

Depending on how far you would like to hike, there are various options for approaching Wonderland of Rocks. A few sections in the southern portion offer short hikes to see the ruins of human settlements from the 1920s and 1930s, such as Wonderland Ranch and Wall Street Mill.

If you are looking for a particularly rugged adventure, the Boy Scout Trail brings you deep into the northern part of the area. For an easier, family-friendly trail that brings you to striking rock formations, check out the Arch Trail.

Getting to Wonderland of Rocks

From Palm Springs, head north on CA-62 towards Joshua Tree. Enter the park at the West Entrance near the town of Joshua Tree and follow Park Boulevard to get to the the rugged Boy Scout Trailhead, which is also the trailhead for Willow Hole Trail (7.5 miles; Trailhead GPS: 34.041060, -116.185719).

To get to the southern portion, take Park Boulevard further south and turn left onto Barker Dam Road, which will turn into Queen Valley Road after 1.5 miles. Got another 750 feet and turn right onto Wall Street Mill road to get to the trailhead for Wonderland Ranch and Wall Street Mill.

Things to Do

Once you reach Wonderland of Rocks, there are a number of things you can do in the area, including exploring the rock gardens, rock climbing, and visiting an abandon ranch.

Rock Climbing

Wonderland of Rocks is one of Joshua Tree’s premier climbing areas, with over 600 climbing routes suited for trad climbers. Classic routes include “Mental Physics” (5.7), “Dazed and Confused” (5.9), and “Figures on a Landscape” (5.10b R). The area offers climbs of various difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced. For more details on climbing in the area, check out the full guide on Mountain Project.

Hiking and Scrambling

Willow Hole Oasis in Wonderland of Rocks, Joshua Tree National Park

For experienced hikers, the Boy Scout Trail leads into the Wonderland, but the best views and formations require off-trail navigation and scrambling. The Willow Hole route provides a less challenging trail for those seeking a glimpse of the Wonderland’s rugged beauty without venturing too deep.

Photography

The unique boulder formations, crevices, and natural arches make for striking photography, especially in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. Skull Rock and the Astro Dome are especially photogenic landmarks.

Historic Ruins

There are several historic ruins from the early 1900s located on the edge of Wonderland of Rocks, which you can visit on foot or by taking a ranger led tour.

Keys Ranch Tour

Keys Ranch, a fascinating historical site within Joshua Tree National Park, tells the story of resilience and resourcefulness in the harsh desert. Built in 1910 by William and Frances Keys, the ranch was home to their family for over six decades. Initially drawn to the desert by the promise of gold, William established the ranch as a mining and ranching operation.

Today, Keys Ranch is accessible only by guided, ranger-led tours, offering visitors a rare glimpse into this well-preserved homestead.

Wonderland Ranch and Wall Street Mill

Wonderland Ranch (GPS: 34.030282, -116.138790), also known as the Worth Bagley Ranch, is an enigmatic site within the Wonderland of Rocks area. The ranch once served as a homestead in the 1930s and 1940s, and now only the stone walls and foundations of the structures remain, giving the place a haunting allure. Visitors often stumble upon rusted artifacts, like an old stove and car parts, adding to the ranch’s historical intrigue.

The ruins of of Wonderland Ranch, Joshua Tree National Park.

Wall Street Mill (GPS: 34.036475, -116.133950) is a historic gold ore processing mill in Joshua Tree National Park that provides a glimpse into California’s mining past. Located near the Wonderland of Rocks area, this well-preserved site was operated by William F. Keys, a homesteader and prospector, in the 1930s and 1940s. The mill, powered by a gas engine, was used to crush gold ore for extraction, and it’s one of the best examples of a small-scale mill in the region.

Wall Street Mill is a short hike past the ranch, passing through beautiful desert scenery scattered with remnants of abandoned cars, mining equipment, and other relics. The trail is relatively easy and offers interpretive signs explaining the mill’s operation and its significance to the area’s mining history.

Wall Street Mill Trailhead. Photo courtesy: A dirt path heading past a sign, Joshua trees, small trees, and shrubs towards large rock formations Wall Street Mill Trailhead NPS / Hannah Schwalbe

Where to Camp

Joshua Tree National Park offers both developed and dispersed camping options:

Campgrounds: The closest developed campgrounds are Indian Cove Campground and Hidden Valley Campground. Indian Cove, a reservable site, is convenient for accessing Wonderland South, while Hidden Valley is a first-come, first-served campground, popular among climbers.
Dispersed Camping: The park allows limited backcountry camping in designated zones; however, dispersed camping within Wonderland of Rocks itself is not permitted due to the delicate ecosystem and day-use restrictions. Backpackers can set up camp at designated backcountry sites accessible via other nearby trails.

Safety Tips

The Wonderland of Rocks is remote and complex, making it easy to get lost, particularly if you get off any of the establish trails. Particularly for Boy Scout Trail, visitors should have proficient navigation skills, and it’s advised to travel with a companion, leave an itinerary with a friend, and bring plenty of water and sun protection. Cell service is unreliable, so downloading maps in advance is recommended.