2.5 miles
400 feet gain
2/10
Desert Center ,CA (92239) 165.45 miles from you Weather Map
Take the 10 East from Los Angeles well past Palm Springs. When you are nearing Chiriaco Summit, you will see the sign for Joshua Tree National Park. Follow the signs, make a left and head into the park for 7 miles. Here you will see the ranger station on your right, and you need to make a right turn on Cottonwood Springs Road.
Park in one of the spaces provided and begin your hike.
I would recommend hanging around the springs for a bit and reading the signs along the interpretive trail. The last part of your loop is a continuation of this trail.
If you wish you can combine this trip with the Lost Palms Oasis to make this a 10.5 mile hike.
Except for the .1 mile boulder scramble to the top of Mastodon Peak, this may be one of the easiest "hikes" of your life. The first and last bit of the trail follows an interpretive trail that is quite interesting and should be enjoyable for everyone on the hike.
This is really an extended version of the Nature Walk, but would make for an exceptional first peak for any child. Just be sure to help them up to the peak, as it could be a little scary for anyone afraid of heights.
The only problem with the peak is that at the top is a phallic petroglyph that in my estimation was not added by Cahuilla medicine men. You may have to explain it to children.
Along this hike you pass the remains of two mines, not very elaborate ones, but still. They are of limited interest, and could prove fascinating for children.
The loop back follows a wash where you can examine desert flora and boulder fields.