Cap Rock Nature Trail

Riverside County, California

3.0/5

based on 1 reviews

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

0.75 miles

Elevation Gain

161 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Outbound

The Cap Rock Nature Trail is a loop trail in Joshua Tree National Park and a great introduction to what the park has to offer. Perfect for all ages and handicap accessible.

There are two Joshua Trees guarding the trail, which makes for a perfect photo op. There are some monzogranite rock formations (of which the park is famous for). Watch for bunnies and lizards! The trail is handicap accessible, so parents with young children in strollers or those in wheelchairs can enjoy this scenic route. The trail has sign posts that point out various desert features that parkgoers are typically unaware of.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Photography

Rock Climbing

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Scenic

Wildflowers

ADA Accessible

Cap Rock Nature Trail Reviews

Kendra Smith

Cap Rock Nature Trail

04/02/22

The trail was under repair when we were there but this was a lot better spot to check out the rocks than Arch Rock because fewer people. There are picnic tables, trash bins, and vault toilets.

3.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree NP

The Ryan Campground is but one of many beautiful campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located just south of the Hidden Valley use area. There are 31 sites as well as a horse camp. This campground does not have water, but does have pit toilets.For weekend trips into Joshua Tree, it is often recommended to check this site first because it is not as popular as the other campgrounds. Kee...

Rock Climb at Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree

To find this climb, park on the east side loop of the Ryan Campground in the park. There are several parking spots here next to a bathroom. From here, take the trail straight out about 100 yards to Headstone Rock. It is clearly visible from where you park. One of the hardest parts about this climb can be finding the access to it. It requires some third class approach over some large boulders ho...

Ryan Ranch

If you're in Joshua Tree, this is a great spot for sunset. A short, maybe 1/2 mile hike to the old ranch from the parking lot. We stayed at Ryan Campground and just walked in from there, about the same distance. Make sure to bring your camera, especially if there are spotty clouds in the sky as the sun will light the clouds on fire about 10 minutes after it goes down.

Climb at the Hall of Horrors in Joshua Tree

The Hall of Horrors is across the road from the well-known Saddle Rocks. There is good space in this crag, so don't be discouraged with a full parking lot. Like most places in Joshua Tree, the weather is the largest dictator on when and where you'll climb. There isn't much shade here, so waiting for the cooler months is your best bet. Most of the routes here are trad, but there are some nice sp...

Hall of Horrors

A trip to Joshua Tree is an adventure in itself, but if you plan so that you are shooting Joshua Tree under a full moon, you'll lose yourself in its beauty all over again. See the park's gorgeous, unique characteristics in a completely different light. Although there may seem to be infinite locations to shoot in Joshua Tree, the Hall of Horrors area under a full moon is particularly remarkable...

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Turn off of Park Blvd near Intersection Rock (there will be signs for the turn) and follow the paved road for about a minute. There is a large parking lot with many picnic tables. The trail begins with a slight uphill of around 100 ft and continues through a opening between two large rocks. After this opening the trail comes into a wide valley. This loop can be done in either direction, so ...

Cap Rock Nature Trail

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Cap Rock Nature Trail Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Camp at Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree NP

Rock Climb at Headstone Rock in Joshua Tree

Ryan Ranch

Climb at the Hall of Horrors in Joshua Tree

Hall of Horrors

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps