The Arch Rock Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is a popular hike that offers stunning views of unique rock formations, including the famous Arch Rock.
Arch Rock Trail Basics
1-2 Hours
1.4 Miles Roundtrip
Lollipop Trail
100 Feet
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Even though the distance isn’t very long, plan to spend about 1-2 hours in this area. There are a few places that you’ll need to do some rock scrambling on this short hike which can add to the amount of time it takes. Also, if you plan to add on the Heart Rock Trail (highly suggested) then that will add about 20 minutes to your time here.
Distance: 1.4 Miles Roundtrip
To go from the furthest parking area, the Twin Tanks parking lot, up to Arch Rock, and back down, is about 1.4 miles roundtrip. If you can find parking in White Tank Campground, your distance will shorten to about 0.3 miles roundtrip.
Type: Lollipop Trail
There is a small loop to get back to the Arch Rock, but it’s a straight shot from the Arch Rock Trailhead from either parking lot to that loop.
Elevation Change: 100 Feet
Most of your elevation change is gradual until you get to the rock. If you want to get up to the arch and walk through it, you’ll have to climb up a few giant boulders to get there.
Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
This hiking trail is best done in any season except the summer. Temperatures can soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the Southern California desert, making even an easy hike like this dangerous.
Time of Day: Any
Arch Rock Nature Trail is available any time of the day. For the most dramatic views, come for sunrise or sunset. In the middle of the day, you’ll deal with the most sun and the most crowds making parking difficult. Arch Rock is also known as a great area for stargazing if you come at night.
Amount of Shade: None
There is no shade (and no cell service) along the Arch Rock hike. Plan accordingly with plenty of water and sunscreen, and consider a hat and protective clothing.
Difficulty: Easy
Overall, the popular trail to the natural arch is an easy trail available to hikers of all skill levels. On our recent visit, we saw hikers of all ages along the trail.
What Makes Arch Rock Trail a Great Hike?
Arch Rock is a great way to see an arch without having to go to Arches National Park (although I recommend that park as well!). It’s at the end of a relatively easy trail that leads to a short loop. As you walk on the trail you are walking through a wonderland of rocks with impressive rock formations and yucca plants everywhere.
Arch Rock was the first trail we did that let the boys climb on the jumble of rocks that Joshua Tree National Park is known for. The first hike we did that day was the Cholla Cactus Garden which was beautiful but didn’t let them play.
Scenery on the Arch Rock Trail
Start of the Trail
The trail starts in a flat desert area through the Joshua trees, California fan palms, and small desert brush.
Starting the Arch Trail
Tyler & Ryan with a Joshua Tree
On the Trail
As you get closer to the loop trail that leads back to Arch Rock, you will start to see some of the awesome rock formations in the area.
End of the Trail
The pinnacle of the trail is at the furthest point, which is when you get to Arch Rock. The rock spans about 30 feet at its widest point. It isn’t the biggest arch, but it is still one of the most photographed features in the park. You will have to do a little bit of rock scrambling to get up to the base of the arch.
Notable Places on the Hike
There is a short spur trail that goes back to Heart Rock. This used to be considered a hidden gem and people would go in search of Heart Rock, but now there are a few signs directing park visitors to the rock.
Interesting rock formations
The arch at the end of the trail
Arch Rock Trailhead Information
Park Name: Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, about halfway between Los Angeles and the Arizona border. The closest airports are Palm Springs International Airport and Twentynine Palms Airport. Both of those are small airports, though, so the closest major airport is Los Angeles. From there, you'll need to rent a car to drive about 4 hours east into the desert to get to the Joshua Tree Area.
Finding the Trailhead
The trailhead is located at the southern end of the parking lot. There are informative signs that indicate the trailheads. The sign points ahead on a dirt road for the California Riding and Hiking Trail and Arch Rock Nature Trail. Follow this past the sign about backcountry camping until you get to a crosswalk. Carefully cross the street then follow the next sign that directs you to the Arch Rock Nature Trail.
Markers Along the Trail
There are very few trail markers along the Arch Trail, but the path is well-defined with a clearly established path outlined by small rocks.
Nearest Restrooms
There are no restrooms in the parking lot by the Twin Tanks Trailhead. The closest restrooms that are available to the public are at the Live Oak Picnic Area on the main road through the park. There are restrooms at the campground available for those with camping reservations.
Parking Area
There are two parking areas you can use to get to Arch Rock. The closest is in the White Tanks Campground. This makes the hike much shorter, but the parking area is not open to the public. You must have a campsite reservation to park in the campground.
The best parking lot is the Twin Tanks parking area located on Pinto Basin Road just south of the Belle Campground. From the North Entrance, head south on Park Boulevard until you come to the intersection with Pinto Basin Road. Turn left, then look for the parking area on your right. You will have to cross the street at the crosswalk to get to Arch Rock Trail.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
- California Riding and Hiking Trail
- Split Rock Connector
- Heart Rock Trail
Tips for Arch Rock Trail
- You can take the loop in either direction, but it is easier to spot Arch Rock if you go counterclockwise along the path.
- Technically, you are on multiple trails from the parking area. The Split Rock Connector Trail takes you to the crosswalk where you are on the California Riding and Hiking Trail before joining with the Arch Rock Nature Trail.
Accessibility Information for Arch Rock Trail
Sand, Rocks
Paved
Trail Type: Sand, Rocks
The Arch Rock Trail contains various terrain types, including deep sand, hard-pack dirt, and uneven rocky surfaces. The trail is relatively flat and has a 100 feet total elevation change. The trail widens to 4 feet across in some areas but is as narrow as 1-2 feet in certain areas. A section of the trail on the loop is very rocky. The trail is not accessible for people using wheelchairs.
Parking: Paved
The parking area at Twin Tanks is a paved parking area but there are no designated handicap-accessible spots in the lot.