Skull Rock is a popular stop for the unique rock formation in Joshua Tree National Park that resembles a human skull.
Joshua Tree National Park
15 Minutes
Spring, Fall
$30 per Vehicle
Overview
Skull Rock is one of the most famous natural rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California. The formation gets its name because it resembles a human skull, with large eye sockets and a nose-shaped indentation created by erosion over time.
Skull Rock Plan
Right after we left the Live Oak Picnic Area for lunch on our first day in Joshua Tree National Park, we came up to Skull Rock. We could see the namesake rock formation from the main road on Park Boulevard and decided to try to find a parking spot to look closer at it.
This was one of the most crowded places that we went to during our two-day trip to Joshua Tree. The parking area on the side of the road was pretty full, but we were able to find a parking spot.
Getting There
Location
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.
Best Time to Go
Joshua Tree National Park is in the desert so it can get extremely hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. The best times to visit are in the cooler months of February, March, April, October, and November. The park is about 800,000 acres of land where two distinct ecosystems converge: the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert.
Although spring and fall are usually the peak season for the park, we did not feel like it was very crowded. We saw the most people when we were trying to visit Skull Rock. Otherwise, even the most popular hikes didn’t have too many people at them and we didn’t have a problem finding places to park.
Skull Rock
Who Can Go?
Skull Rock is easily accessible, as it’s located right off the main road in the park. There’s a short, easy trail that loops around the rock, making it a popular spot for visitors to stop, take photos, and explore. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for bouldering and hiking.
What You'll See
Skull Rock is one of the granite rock formations you can see from the main east-west park road. The rock’s formation began long ago when raindrops accumulated in tiny depressions and started to erode the granite rock. Over time, as more water accumulated, it eroded in a way that made it look like two hollowed-out eye sockets and a nose on a skull.
Park sign for Skull Rock
Our group in front of Skull Rock
What to Bring & Wear
Since Skull Rock is one of the attractions right on the sides of the road, you don’t need much for a stop at the popular area. The short hike to the base of the rock is sandy, so you’ll still want sneakers or hiking boots. Always have plenty of water with you while at any National Park Service site, especially those like Joshua Tree that are in the desert environment.
Where to Go
Skull Rock is located along Park Boulevard near the Jumbo Rocks Campground, Split Rock Picnic Area, and Live Oak Picnic Area among one of the many large boulder fields in the park. The Skull Rock parking lot is across the street from the rock. It is closest to the North Entrance of the park.
How Long Does it Take?
Unless you plan to go on one of the Skull Rock hikes, plan for about 15 minutes at Skull Rock.
Cost
You’ll only pay the entrance fee to get into Joshua Tree National Park.
Tips for Skull Rock
- Near the Jumbo Rocks Campground, you can walk along the 1.7-mile nature trail called Skull Rock Nature Trail.
- Across the street from Skull Rock is the Discovery Trail which includes interpretive signs and a view of Face Rock. There's also a small slot canyon to the right when you start the trail.
- Other trails in the area include Skull Rock Trail, Split Rock Loop Trail, Ryan Mountain Trail, Barker Dam Trail, and Hidden Valley Trail.
- For the most dramatic shadows on the rock, try going in the early morning or late afternoon to view it at sunrise or sunset.