Geology Tour Road
Beginning on Park Boulevard two miles west of Jumbo Rocks Campground in the northwest section of the park, the 18-mile roundtrip Geology Tour Road traverses fascinating landscapes within Joshua Tree.
Plan Around Geology Tour Road
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Geology Tour Road Details
Beginning on Park Boulevard two miles west of Jumbo Rocks Campground in the northwest section of the park, the 18-mile roundtrip Geology Tour Road traverses fascinating landscapes within Joshua Tree. Suitable for both 4-wheel-drive vehicles and mountain bikes, the road travels south past Squaw Tank, and offers 16 marked stops. The whole trip should take about two hours by car. From the junction with Park Boulevard to Squaw Tank is 5.4 miles; this section of the road is mostly downhill, but bumpy and sandy. Starting at Squaw Tank, there's a 6-mile circular route exploring Pleasant Valley. Drivers (or bicyclists) will pass plenty of Joshua trees and some spectacular monzogranite rock formations along the way. Be sure to grab a printed guide to the road, highlighting each stop, which is available at its outset. Bikes are welcome in Joshua Tree on any road open to vehicles, including backcountry roads.
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Geology Tour Road
Compare nearby parks around Geology Tour Road when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Geology Tour Road
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Geology Tour Road while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Desert Queen Mine Road
Desert Queen Mine Road intersects with Park Boulevard directly across from the better-known Geology Tour Road.
0.0 mi away
Park Boulevard
One of Joshua Tree's most scenic roads is also one of its most accessible.
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West Entrance
The west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is five miles south of the junction of Highway 62 and Park Boulevard at Joshua Tree Village.
0.6 mi away
Face Rock
To access Face Rock, which many believe resembles George Washington, visitors must take the Split Rock Loop Trail.
1.0 mi away
Queen Valley
Located in the Joshua Tree backcountry east of Barker Dam, the Queen Valley is home to the park's largest Joshua Tree.
