Hiking Trail Guide: Panorama Loop-Joshua Tree National Park

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Panorama Loop-Joshua Tree National Park

Distance
5.5 miles

Elevation
1100 feet gain

Difficulty
4/10

City
Yucca Valley ,CA (92284) 104.58 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From the 10 Freeway east of Cabazon and west of Palm Springs, exit at the CA-62 E turnoff (which is signed as the route to Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley). Travel notheast along CA-62 E (which eventually becomes 29 Palms Highway) past Desert Hot Springs and Big Morongo Canyon to Yucca Valley. Look for the "Black Rock Canyon Campground-5 miles" sign at Joshua Lane-turn right on Joshua Lane, and follow the directions on the signs to the campground. Free parking is available in front of the Ranger Station/Visitor Center located at the campground. The trailhead is located just behind campsite #30.

Description

With a trailhead situated at about 4000 ft. elevation, the Panorama Loop Trail within the Black Rock Canyon area of Joshua Tree National Park offers some of the most interesting flora and spectacular views within all of Joshua Tree National Park. Located within the northwestern-most portion of the park, Joshua Trees are plentiful and temperatures are much cooler than in the parts further south, and the botanical and geological "surprises" to be encountered by a Black Rock Canyon hiker, to say nothing of the spectacular views of the San Gorgonio Mountains and surrounding desert terrain, make this sandy and often uphill trek very worthwhile. The trail, which begins adjacent to campsite #30 in the Black Rock Canyon Campground, is well-signed-be sure to keep your eyes open for the markers with the letters "PL" (Panorama Loop). Obtain a trail map at the Ranger Station/Visitor Center, wear sturdy shoes and gaiters, and carry plenty of water-there is NONE along the trail.

Map / Directions: