Willow Hole Trail
The Willow Hole Trail leads hikers into the Wonderland of Rocks, a labyrinth of washes and monzogranite rock formations.
Plan Around Willow Hole Trail
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Willow Hole Trail Details
The Willow Hole Trail leads hikers into the Wonderland of Rocks, a labyrinth of washes and monzogranite rock formations. The main route into the Wonderland follows a brief section of the Boy Scout Trail before veering east on the Willow Hole Trail. Within the Wonderland of Rocks, Willow Hole is a seasonal water source surrounded by willow trees, and is critical to wildlife like desert bighorn sheep. Though the trail is reasonably marked, some sections are vague and the landscape can be look very similar. Hikers on this route should carry a map and compass, and stay on designated routes. The trail first traverses a sandy path through broad Joshua Trees and mixed Mojave vegetation, with views to the west of Mt. San Gorgonio. Once hikers reach the Willow Hole Trail split, 1.25 miles in, they should bear right. A little over ½ mile from the split, the trail will wind almost exclusively through washes, which require hikers to remain vigilant to signs and markings. The main wash eventually opens amid towering rock formations that loom larger as you move deeper into the wilderness. Much of the remaining route is unmarked, and the trail ends at a chokepoint where a seasonal waterhole lies under a willow tree. Although you may continue up the wash around either side of the willow tree, the route should only be attempted by those who have advanced scrambling and desert navigation skills. The Boy Scout Trailhead (south), via which hikers can access Willow Hole, is located approximately 6.5 miles south of the West Entrance Station on Park Boulevard.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Willow Hole Trail
Compare nearby parks around Willow Hole Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Willow Hole Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Willow Hole Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.7 mi away
Quail Springs Picnic Area
In addition to picnic tables and restrooms, this picnic area is a popular climbing spot.
1.0 mi away
Keys Desert Queen Ranch
The home base for William F. Keys and his family, the Keys Desert Queen Ranch is today listed as a National Historic Register Site.
1.1 mi away
Cow Camp
Cattle rustlers used Cow Camp as a hiding place in the 1880s.
1.3 mi away
Lost Horse Area
There are multiple climbing spots in the Lost Horse area of Joshua Tree National Park.
2.1 mi away
Hidden Valley Campground
Hidden Valley Campground has 44 dirt-pad sites, able to accommodate tents and RVs.
