Name: Warren Peak Out-and-Back
Rating: 4.0

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No pets, as with the rest of Joshua Tree National Park.

Overview

This out and back route offers beautiful overlooks of the surrounding peaks. On a clear day, you'll be rewarded with views of San Jacinta, Big Bear, and Palm Springs.

Need to Know

Bring water and wear appropriate footwear. The provided map at the Ranger station is sufficient for basic navigation if you are not already familiar with the area.

Description

Overall, this is a fun hike that has great views. The hike is well traveled and mostly marked well. The route begins on the Black Rock Canyon Trail, which is a gradual warm up. The lower part of the trail is wide with softer sand. The trail narrows towards the end as it winds through a canyon like area which has various forms of vegetation and rock formations. This first portion of the route will have clear signs while the upper part has wooden posts with initials for either the Warren Peak Trail (WP) or the Panorama Loop Trail (PT). While the posts aren't quite as clear, they're not too confusing.

Up until the split for the Warren Peak Trail and the scenic overlook, the trail is a consistent gradual climb. At this point, you'll have a clear view of Warren Peak and the trail will become much steeper. The footing can be troublesome as there is a lot of loose sand on top of rock so care is needed. Making it to the top is well worth it as the views of Big Bear, San Jacinto peak, Palm Springs, and Yucca Valley are well worth it. The trail is Intermediate/Difficult only for the last .8 miles.

Once you've reached the top, take your time enjoying the view before you decide to return to the trailhead the same way that you came.