Boy Scout Hiking and Equestrian Trail
This moderately strenuous trail skirts through the westernmost edge of the Wonderland of Rocks, climbing through steep mountains and rocky canyons.
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Boy Scout Hiking and Equestrian Trail Details
This moderately strenuous trail skirts through the westernmost edge of the Wonderland of Rocks, from the Indian Cove backcountry registration board through a sandy wash, climbing through steep mountains and rocky canyons as it winds toward the Keys West backcountry registration board. The trail spans a transition zone between the high and low Mojave Desert, passing through a large variety of flora, which changes noticeably about three miles into the hike to include juniper, pinyon and oak trees. The trail levels out on a high plateau before entering an open wash, and from then on becomes intermittently rugged, alternating through narrow washes and tangles of mesquite and oak. Hikers will follow a twisting course to the top of a deep canyon and will crest the trail at 4.65 miles in, at 3,958 feet of elevation. At around 6.5 miles, desert willow, Mormon tea, creosote, and jojoba are particularly abundant. The trailhead for this 16-mile-roundtrip, moderately difficult trail, which takes one to two days to complete in entirety, is at the Indian Cove backcountry board or Keys West backcountry board, 1/2 mile east of Quail Springs Picnic area. If you plan to be out overnight, you must register at a backcountry registration board.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
16 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Boy Scout Hiking and Equestrian Trail
Compare nearby parks around Boy Scout Hiking and Equestrian Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Boy Scout Hiking and Equestrian Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Boy Scout Hiking and Equestrian Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Boy Scout Trail (Joshua Tree)
This moderately strenuous trail skirts through the westernmost edge of the Wonderland of Rocks, climbing through steep mountains and rocky canyons.
0.5 mi away
Indian Cove Road
As you might suspect, this is the access road to the Indian Cove section of Joshua Tree National Park.
1.5 mi away
Indian Cove Nature Trail
On the west side of Indian Cove Campground, the .6-mile loop Indian Cove Nature Trail highlights the plants, animals, and former Native American residents of the area.
2.1 mi away
Indian Cove Picnic Area
The Indian Cove picnic area is located on the east side of Indian Cove Campground.
2.3 mi away
Canyon Road
The way to reach the Fourtynine Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park.
