The best 360 degree views of Joshua Tree National Park, Ryan Mountain is a tough but gradual climb up to the 5,400+ foot peak. Down below you’ll see the desert valleys and staggered mountain ranges jutting out of the faultlines.
The Ryan Mountain Trail is a 3 mile up and down hike starting from a small parking in Joshua Tree National Park in California. Due to the ascent of this trail it is considered moderate to difficult. Dogs are not able to use this hike as its within the boundaries of a national park. It took us 1 hour with only a stop at the top to soak in the views.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Ryan Mountain trailhead, search for the Ryan Mountain Trailhead in Joshua Tree National Park, California or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From the town of Joshua Tree, take Quail Springs Road until you enter West Park Entrance. Take Park Blvd all the way until you reach the small parking area.
Driving Info: The drive is paved and easy the entire way.
Time & Weather: We hiked this trail in early March and started hiking around 1pm. The weather was crisp at 60 degrees but very windy at the peak, so the extra layer of warmth was helpful.
Gear: We wore 1-2 layers for warmth, solid hiking boots, hat & sunglasses. Hiking poles help immensely on this hike as the ascent is steep and often times on stone steps.
Trail Navigation: The trail is easy to follow as it winds up the mountain.
Water & Food: We drank about a liter each, but in the warmer months you should definitely bring extra water since it gets extremely hot in the desert. There is no water source along the trail. We at a few snacks but the hike only takes about 1 hour.
Trailhead Info: The trail starts just outside the small parking area. There is a bathroom at the parking lot. For overflow parking you can park a half-mile further down Park Blvd and then walk the extra distance to the official trailhead.
Pictures of the Ryan Mountain Trail:
We couldn’t find parking in the main lot, so we went half a mile down Park Blvd to some additional spots and then walked the extra distance to the official trailhead.
The ascent starts right away, as you take the steep steps up along the mountainside.
As you climb up and weave into the mountain, look back for stunning views of the valley floors below.
Once you round the first mountainside you can look ahead to the treacherous climb to the final peak off to the left.
Approach the top and the panoramic views begin.
Vast desert valley below as you walk around the peak of Ryan Mountain.
Off the other side of the peak you can see the rest of the sprawling Joshua Tree desert.
For another great hike in Joshua Tree National Park? The Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail goes 7 miles across rolling hills of cacti, and stops at an old abandoned mine where you can read up on some of the local history.
