Cap Rock
The easiest way to access Cap Rock -- thus named because a boulder sits on top of the huge rock formation like a cap -- is via Cap Rock Nature Trail.
Plan Around Cap Rock
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Cap Rock Details
The easiest way to access Cap Rock is via Cap Rock Nature Trail. Thus named because a boulder sits on top of the huge rock formation like a cap, it is perhaps best known as the site of musician Gram Parsons' memorial. The 26-year-old singer for The Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers died of a massive drug overdose at the Joshua Tree Inn in 1973, but it's thought that friend and road manager Phil Kaufman brought his body — at the singer's request — out to Cap Rock and cremated it there, casket and all. Although there's nothing at Cap Rock noting Parsons' death, Joshua Tree rangers do sometimes tell the story during tours. Fans frequently construct simple rock structures and write notes to and about Parsons on the rock, which the park service removes periodically. Cap Rock is also among Joshua Tree's many rock-climbing areas.
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Cap Rock
Compare nearby parks around Cap Rock when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Cap Rock
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cap Rock while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Cap Rock Nature Trail
This easy, wheelchair-accessible path offers a great introduction to Joshua Tree's flora.
0.1 mi away
Keys View Road
This major spur road off Park Boulevard leads to the hugely popular Keys View Overlook.
0.1 mi away
Cap Rock Picnic Area
The Cap Rock picnic area is located at the intersection of Park Boulevard and Keys View Road.
0.7 mi away
Ryan Campground
Ryan Campground has 31 sites, with about half large enough for RVs.
0.9 mi away
Juniper Flats
Fancy a desert hike among the Joshua Trees (and junipers, of course)? Check out the trails in the Juniper Flats area.
