Skull Rock Nature Trail
Named for a rock that appears to have two hollowed-out eye sockets, Skull Rock is a popular stop for Joshua Tree visitors.
Plan Around Skull Rock Nature Trail
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Skull Rock Nature Trail Details
Named for a rock that appears to have two hollowed-out eye sockets, Skull Rock is a popular stop for Joshua Tree visitors. The nature trail passes through a maze of rock formations and washes. The rock in this area of the park began life as molten lava, and after continuous heat by movements in the Earth's crust, it oozed upward and cooled while still beneath the surface. This rock, called monzogranite, was exposed by subsequent erosion. Hikers can start the loop from several points along Park Boulevard and within the Jumbo Rocks Campground. The trail climbs a small hill and enters a narrow slot between rock formations, where an easy scramble around two boulders spills into a wide wash. The twists up a high ridge, offering northeasterly panoramas before heading back down into Jumbo Rocks Campground. The trailhead for this partially wheelchair accessible, 1.7-mile out-and-back trail is at Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
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Nearby Parks Around Skull Rock Nature Trail
Compare nearby parks around Skull Rock Nature Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Skull Rock Nature Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Skull Rock Nature Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.4 mi away
Skull Rock
Right along the main park road is Skull Rock, a popular stop for Joshua Tree visitors.
0.4 mi away
Jumbo Rock Campground
The 124 sites at Jumbo Rocks Campground are nestled among huge boulders.
0.6 mi away
Live Oak Picnic Area
The Live Oak picnic area is off Park Boulevard near Live Oak Tank and Ivanpah Tank.
0.8 mi away
Split Rock Picnic Area
The Split Rock picnic area is off Park Boulevard at the end of the short Split Rock Loop Trail access road.
0.8 mi away
Split Rock Loop Trail
This beautiful hike passes through a landscape of sculpted monzogranite rock gardens.
