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OUTDOORBLUEPRINT

Hike Boy Scout Trail

Joshua Tree National Park

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Hike Boy Scout Trail pano

15.8 Mi

out-and-back

6 - 8

Hours

1870

Gain (ft)
4 Star Quality
Quality

Moderate

Difficulty

Boy Scout Trail is one of the longer day hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. This hike can be done many different ways:

  • a 15.8 mile out-and-back day hike from the Boy Scout backcountry board (near Indian Cove)
  • a 7.9 mile one way day hike from the Keys West backcountry board - requires a vehicle shuttle
  • a jumping off point for a backpacking loop in the Wonderland of Rocks or Windows/Maze loop area
  • an adventurous loop starting at the Boy Scout backcountry board, passing Willow Hole, and descending back to Indian Cove via Rattlesnake Canyon

This description is for the 15.8 mile out-and-back version of this hike -- I recommend beginning at the Boy Scout backcountry board so that you can hike downhill on the way back.

My favorite thing about this hike is that it provides a connection between the lower elevation Indian Cove area and the upper Mojave Desert more commonly associated with the park. No matter how you decide to hike this trail, make sure to carry A LOT of water and get an early start to avoid the midday heat.

Hike Boy Scout Trail Map Hike Boy Scout Trail Elevation Profile
Marker Trailhead

The Boy Scout backcountry board is located at a small pullout just past the Indian Cove entrance station -- you can fill up water here before beginning your hike. For the first 1.6 miles, the trail cuts west towards a narrow canyon. Look for tiny flowers popping up during the spring months as you traverse this alluvial fan.

Approaching Boy Scout Canyon

Hiking up the alluvial fan to the mouth of Boy Scout Canyon

Highlight #1

During periods of high rain, water surges down the canyons depositing unconsolidated sediments referred to as alluvium. As the flow of the current slows, larger pieces of sediment get deposited which forces the water to change course and fan out. This process continues as the water drops increasingly smaller pieces of rock and sand, resulting in a gradual and wide triangular-shaped slope -- an alluvial fan. From here, look north towards Highway 62 and observe how the alluvial fan spreads out.

Marker A

At mile 1.6, enter a wash and work your way up a tight canyon. The trail begins a gradual ascent, crossing in and out of the wash once near the start.

Boy Scout Canyon

Steep walls in Boy Scout Canyon

Marker B

After 1.3 miles of wash hiking, the trail ducks out of the canyon to the south and begins a steady uphill climb. Pay attention to the cairns and rock markers as you cross a series of washes and ascend multiple small sets of switchbacks. Keep on the lookout for more tiny flowers through this section and notice the different varieties as you gain elevation.

Canyon panorama

Sweeping views from near the top of the switchback section

Marker C

The climb eases off at the junction with Big Pine Trail at mile 4.1. Continue southeast up the canyon for another 1.2 miles.

Big Pine Trail junction sign

The signed junction with Big Pine Trail is a nice shady spot to take a break

Marker D

Now you’ve entered the land of joshua trees. The canyon opens up to a broad valley and the flora shifts in favor of those that prefer these higher elevations. A large rock pile at mile 5.3 is a great place to carefully scramble up for an expansive view and the western threshold of the Wonderland of Rocks.

Panorama of the Mojave Desert

On the final miles the trail crosses a flat valley filled with joshua trees

Marker E

Pass the junction for Willow Hole Trail at mile 6.7. This is a great spur trail if you’re hiking one way and want to extend your experience. From here to the Keys West backcountry board the trail is flat, straight, and easy.

Marker F

After 7.9 miles, you’ll reach a parking lot on the north side of Park Boulevard. Relax in the shade of the nearby boulders before turning around to retracing your steps back to the Boy Scout backcountry board.

    Directions

  • Either hike this trail as an out-and-back from the Indian Cove backcountry board, a loop trail starting at the Indian Cove backcountry board, or a one-way starting at the Keys West backcountry board.
  • Driving Directions

    Permits & Fees

  • $25 : Joshua Tree Entrance Fee

    Season

  • October - May

What's Nearby?

Willow Hole Trail

Willow Hole Trail

Gunsight Canyon

Gunsight Canyon

Indian Cove Campground

Indian Cove Campground

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