I suggest doing this hike counterclockwise to save the highlights till the end. The trail begins by wrapping around the namesake Split Rock. Watch for markers and signs to keep you on the correct trail, multiple climbers trails branch off making it easy to stray off course if you’re not paying attention. Continue north for 0.3 miles, cross a wash, and arrive at a trail junction with Eagle Cliff Mine Trail.
A large cave is formed underneath the Split Rock boulder
Cruise through open Mojave Desert terrain as you parallel a wash. This part of the hike wraps around the backside of the rock formations, leaving all the good stuff till the end.
Yucca dot the trail as it crosses open Mojave Desert
Cross the wash at mile 0.8 and continue south staying alongside the western edge of the rock formations.
Stone markers line the path helping keep you on track
At mile 1.3, you’ll reach a signed junction with the Face Rock Spur Trail. This 0.4 mile out-and-back is a nice addition to the standard loop trail.
Keep your eyes peeled for the large face-like profile on a tall cliffside. Face Rock is just one of many strange rock formations on this loop, what other shapes can you see along the way?
The silhouette of Face Rock
After retracing your steps to the spur trail junction, continue east through the best section of the Split Rock Trail.
After a total of 2.0 mile, you’ll round a corner and see some tall pinyon pines nestled into a small canyon. This is a beautiful spot to take a moment to rest in the shade before finishing the 0.4 miles to the trailhead.
