Split Rock Loop Trail
This beautiful hike passes through a landscape of sculpted monzogranite rock gardens.
Plan Around Split Rock Loop Trail
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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.
Split Rock Loop Trail Details
This beautiful hike passes through a landscape of sculpted monzogranite rock gardens; highlights are Tulip Rock, The Tooth, and Face Rock, three geological formations named for what they most resemble. The trail begins on the north end of the parking lot on the left side of Split Rock, a large boulder with a vertical split at its base. Boulders and rock piles line an open valley, where you'll pass Tulip Rock and The Tooth, which resembles a molar. At 1.3 miles, the trail splits, with the right fork leading to Face Rock and the left fork continuing the loop. Follow the Face Rock fork for about .1-mile to reach the rock, which many say resembles George Washington. Retrace your steps to return to the loop. The main trailhead for this easy-to-moderate 2.5-mile loop is at the Split Rock Picnic Area.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
2.5 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Split Rock Loop Trail
Compare nearby parks around Split Rock Loop Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Split Rock Loop Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Split Rock Loop Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 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.
0.7 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
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.
1.2 mi away
Skull Rock
Right along the main park road is Skull Rock, a popular stop for Joshua Tree visitors.
1.3 mi away
Split Rock
This easily recognizable rock, with a pronounced vertical split at its base, is at the north end of Split Rock parking area.
