Distance (round-trip)
6 mi
Time
3 hrs
Elevation Gain
780 ft
Season
Spring
Fall
Winter
Weather
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Hike the Parks: Joshua Tree National Park
Scott Turner
The 6-mile loop through Johnny Lang Canyon is a great introduction for folks interested in getting into off-trail desert hikes. I enjoyed this hike, but there are long stretches of exposure and trudging through the desert, so I wouldn’t recommend it on a hot day. Even in mild weather it’s a good idea to get an early start — the desert is at its best in early dawn hours.
Get started from the Quail Springs picnic area, located along Park Boulevard west of the Wonderland of Rocks. The trail begins by heading southwest towards a deep canyon nestled in the mountains. There is a faint social trail which starts at the runoff pavement located on the southern side of the parking lot. Aim for the second obvious canyon from the right, and forge ahead.
It’s always a good idea to carry a high quality map with you on any hike, but it’s especially important when doing any off-trail travel such as in this hike. The USGS Indian Cove 7.5 minute series quad is the map you’ll want for this hike.
After 3000 feet, the route drops into the wash that exits the canyon you will be scrambling up. Drop into this wash and follow it up canyon. The sand quickly gives way to numerous 3rd class rock scrambles. None of these scrambles are difficult, but they do provide a fun way to move up canyon.
0.75 miles from the trailhead the canyon opens back up into a series of broad valleys. There is no right or wrong way to go from here — the idea is that you want to cross over the low saddle and into the upper sections of Johnny Lang Canyon. The route I took followed the left most (southerly) wash at a notable confluence.
I found a series of small cairns leading up the wash and used them as a guide. A large rock pile marks the crest of the saddle overlooking Johnny Lang Canyon, 1.6 miles from the trailhead.
Follow any number of gullies to drop into the canyon proper. Once you’re in the wash the best part of the hike begins. Follow the sandy bottom as it curves northwest past diverse flora and beautiful geologic features.
After a mile, the canyon begins to open up and an old road is visible on your left (southern) side. Walk on the road for easier going, or stay in the canyon until it empties out at mile 4.1.
The final leg of the journey is a bit unglamorous (depending on how hot it is). Turn right to head east on Quail Springs Trail. This is a historic route and parallels Quail Wash all the way back to the parking lot. The sand is very soft and very deep, so prepare to get a good workout in over these 2 miles. Pay special attention when the trail crosses the wash, it can be hard to differentiate, but you want to maintain an easterly course back to your car.
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Camping
Solitude
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Trail Conditions
This route is follows faint social trails but no established trail. Expect short 3rd class scrambles and moderate route finding. The canyon section has long stretches of deep, loose sand.
Camping Info
Numerous first-come, first-served campgrounds are found a few miles east on Park Boulevard, including: Hidden Valley, Ryan, and Jumbo Rocks. Each of these sites is $15 per night and are equipped with pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, but NO WATER. Backcountry camping is free and easily accessible from the nearby Keys West backcountry board.
How to get there
Turn north onto Highway 62 from I-10. Continue through Yucca Valley to the town of Joshua Tree, then turn right (south) onto Quail Springs Road at the stoplight. This road turns into Park Boulevard after 6 miles, then continue another 6 miles to the first large picnic area on your right (Quail Springs).
