Smith Water Canyon in Joshua Tree National Park

Smith Water Canyon

Narrow Smith Water Canyon gets its name because unusual for Joshua Tree National Park, it has running water in the springtime.

Plan Around Smith Water Canyon

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Smith Water Canyon Details

Narrow Smith Water Canyon get its name because, unusual for Joshua Tree National Park, it has running water in the springtime, when the canyon can be surprisingly lush and green. Hikers can reach the canyon via the Lower Covington Flats picnic area; there's no formal trail but hikers should be able to see where others have passed before them. Hiking is mostly in dry wash but there are a few dry waterfalls to climb over.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

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Nearby Parks Around Smith Water Canyon

Compare nearby parks around Smith Water Canyon when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

6.5 mi away

Joshua Tree

National Park · CA

170.1 mi away

Death Valley

National Park · CA

273.0 mi away

Grand Canyon

National Park · AZ

285.1 mi away

Zion

National Park · UT

316.0 mi away

Yosemite

National Park · CA

324.1 mi away

Pinnacles

National Park · CA

Nearby Points of Interest Around Smith Water Canyon

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Smith Water Canyon while the map context is still fresh.

2.6 mi away

Covington Flats

The dirt roads in Upper and Lower Covington Flat, in the far northwest corner of the park, offer a peek at some of the park's largest Joshua trees, junipers, and pinyon pines.

4.0 mi away

Quail Springs Picnic Area

In addition to picnic tables and restrooms, this picnic area is a popular climbing spot.

4.1 mi away

Indian Cove Campground

Indian Cove Campground is located in the interior of the park, with close proximity to steep rock formations, perfect for climbing enthusiasts.

4.5 mi away

Eureka Peak Trail

Eureka Peak, Joshua Tree's fifth tallest mountain at 5,518 feet, stands over the northwest corner of the park, which is marked by steep mountains, deep canyons and sandy washes.

4.6 mi away

Willow Hole Trail

The Willow Hole Trail leads hikers into the Wonderland of Rocks, a labyrinth of washes and monzogranite rock formations.