Hiking Warren Peak in Joshua Tree National Park

Warren Peak

Warren Peak is a high point on the western edge of the Little San Bernardino Mountains in Joshua Tree National Park. Located away from Park Boulevard, Warren Peak offers private peace of mind and near endless views. A 5.5-mile round trip hike to the 5,103-foot summit begins from Black Rock Campground. Black Rock is the only campground in the park where visitors can sleep amongst the Joshua trees, and there are plenty of them along the early part of the trail. Higher up, the trees give way to Pinyon pines and panoramic views.

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Joshua trees along the start of the trail

Park at the campground visitor center, and walk to the trailhead to the left of campsite 30. There are several junctions along the trail, so follow these directions:

• When you reach the water tank 0.2 miles from the trailhead, turn left and make an immediate right on the single-track trail continuing east across undulating desert.
• After another 0.4 miles, turn right up the wash in the center of Black Rock Canyon (and get ready for your pace to slow in the sand). From this point on, you will make a right at each forthcoming junction, following signs labeled WP for Warren Peak.
• Up the wash 0.8 miles, the trail passes through the diminutive Black Rock Spring before continuing another 0.2 miles to a fork where the Panorama Loop breaks off to the left. Turn right here.
• Make another right at a second fork 0.4 miles later where Panorama Loop rejoins the trail.
• After another 1/3 of a mile the trail reaches a Y labeled WV-WP. To the left is the spur to Warren View. Take the right fork toward Warren Peak, which is now just 0.4 miles and 400 feet away.

Looking north from Warren Peak toward the Mojave Desert

The trail ascends the ridgeline east of the peak and takes a somewhat steep and rugged climb to the summit. Warren Peak offers a great view of the Mojave Desert to the north and the Coachella Valley to the south. Also to the south is Mount San Jacinto, the prominent 10,834-foot peak that rises above Palm Springs. To the east is Eureka Peak, and lower summits in the Little San Bernardino Mountains. To the west is Mt. San Gorgonio, a 11,499-foot peak that is the highest point in Southern California. Warren Peak offers quite a view of these impressive Mountains.

Enjoy a moment of solitude on this less-visited summit, before returning the way you came. On the way back, there will be a sign at the junction where the wash meets the trail heading back to the water tank. The sign points to the left toward West Side Loop (Upper Campground). Turn left here. Everything else is self-explanatory — and downhill!

Mount San Jacinto

To get to the trailhead: From Route 62 in the city of Joshua Tree, turn south on Joshua Lane (5.8 miles west of the intersection with Park Boulevard). Drive 4.6 miles to roads end, turn right and drive an additional half a mile into Black Rock Campground.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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