Location: Joshua Tree National Park, California
Distance: 7 Miles Out and Back Time: 2 – 3 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 250 Feet
Season: Year Round (Summer can be unbearably hot and dangerous)
Foot Traffic: Light
Date Hiked: Saturday, January 9, 2021
Overview
While not as popular as some of the more well known trails in Joshua Tree National Park, the hike to Willow Hole is pretty tame but offers a vast sampling of what the park has to offer in the 3.5 miles to Willow Hole (one way). From the famous Joshua Trees to one of the best samplings of the amazing Wonderland of Rocks area, to washes and canyons, this trail offers a little bit of everything.
The trail climaxes in a beautiful setting of cottonwood and willow trees before arriving at Willow Hole with its occasionally small pool of water. The boulders and rocks at the end of the trail make for a spectacular setting to sit and take in this unique landscape you have arrived at. Although the trail is 7 Miles altogether, it is fairly flat and the only sections that I could imagine would give anyone trouble, are the sandy washes getting closer to the end of the trail. Don’t sleep on this trail. It’s phenomenal and well worth the few hours it will take to complete.
Trail Description and My Story
With a couple free days available to us to venture outside, my wife and I decided to make the 2 hour drive to Joshua Tree National Park to try out a few hikes that we hadn’t attempted before. My wife is now 6 months pregnant and her fervor too still get outside and explore has surprised me. I wanted to make sure that 7 miles wouldn’t be too much for her but she assured me it would be fine and that we would take it a little slower than usual. Although we have consistently been on the trails since she has been pregnant, the further along we get, the more cautious I begin to become.
Heading Out on the Boy Scout Trail
After waking up early to make the 2 hour drive, we arrived at the park entrance at around 8:30 and after the quick drive down park boulevard, we reached the good size parking lot for the Boy Scout Trail. This is also the starting point for the Willow Hole Trail. It’s not much more than 5-10 minutes from the park entrance to the trailhead.
Once at the trailhead, the trail is easily identifiable and we started by following the signs for the Boy Scout Trail. The morning air was crisp and the sky included only a smattering of clouds. We were so happy to be doing this trail in January and everything was lining up for this to be a great hike. The trail starts with wide open surroundings and is about as flat and straight as one could imagine. There is a plethora of Joshua Trees in this beginning section.
Leaving the Boy Scout Trail and Accessing the Willow Hole Trail
We started off with a steady pace and at 1.2 miles into the trail we arrived at our first junction. It is imperative to turn right at this junction and veer away from the Boy Scout Trail at this point. We were now on the trail to Willow Hole and would have a little under 2.5 miles to go until we arrived at Willow Hole. Mountainous views now served as our backdrop as we passed a few boulder outcroppings here and there and plenty of vegetation was to be found at every “turn”, although, there still wasn’t many turns as the trail was almost always heading straight ahead.
Our pace slowed and my wife started feeling a little nausea, so we sat for a bit. Upon asking if she wanted to turn around, she assured me she was good and that she just wanted to take it slow. Something that she knew that I wasn’t used to but that I would be more than willing to accommodate her with for the next few months. Feeling better, we pushed onward and at 2.5 miles in the trail transformed into a wash. The trail from here on became a little tougher to follow but overall is still very navigable. Numerous side washes do present themselves and can lead to dead ends of confusing paths, so it is important that hikers stay on the main trail along this section and really pay attention to detail.
The Wash Section to Willow Hole
Along the wash sections, cairns can usually be spotted with arrows pointing in the right direction. It’s fairly easy to find the correct path forward, but again, be aware of your surroundings and pay attention. The section of the trail is phenomenal and was by far my favorite.
As we continued to follow the wash, the outcroppings surrounding us continued to grow as the wash continued to narrow.
The boulders and rock formations in this area are exceptionally large and profound. The sand in the wash was slowing our progress a little but the delightful scenery kept our minds focused on the scenery around us. Tiny side canyons and mazes were constantly appearing off of our main trail.
Eventually the size of the wash expanded significantly and at just under 3.5 miles, we knew we were getting close. The trail began to veer right as we encountered a large grove of willow trees. I absolutely loved this short, little willow tree grove. Once you hit this section, you are almost there.
Reaching Willow Hole
The wash began to close up and out we popped at a small meadow with a large amphitheater of boulders providing a splendid backdrop.
Make sure to take plenty of time to explore this small area. A small trail leads through the rocks and to fabulous views over the Wonderland of Rocks. There’s a fabulous, slot type section along this brief, 30 second walk.
During wet years and wet periods, Willow Hole may very well contain some water. On this day, it was almost nonexistent.
To be completely honest, Willow Hole was a trail that I had decided on because it was one of only a few that I had not completed within Joshua Tree National Park. Oh boy, did it ever surprise me. I was shocked at how stunning and diverse this trail was and all with very minimal effort involved. I would highly suggest people not overlook this trail. The crowds here are sparse in comparison to some of the more popular trails and the alluring landscape will surely impress. To this day, Willow Hole is one of my three or four favorite hikes inside the park.
Getting to the Willow Hole Trailhead
Willow Hole Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Questions
Is this a fee area?
- Yes. A National Park Pass must be displayed when parked at the Ryan Mountain trailhead and inside of Joshua Tree National Park. Visitors may purchase a Joshua Tree National Park day pass, annual pass or an America the Beautiful Pass, which allows travelers entrance into every National Park, Monument and Recreation Area in the country for 1 year. The annual pass is by far the best value for those traveling to multiple parks and has saved me thousands of dollars over the years. The fees are as follows.
America the Beautiful Pass (Allows entry into all National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas for 1 year from month of purchase.
- Annual Pass = $80
- Military Lifetime Pass = Free
- Senior Pass (62 and Over) = $20 (Annual) or $80 (Lifetime)
- Lifetime Access Pass = Free – This Pass is for residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.
- 4th Grade Pass = Free pass valid for the duration of the 4th grader’s school year though the following summer (September-August). US 4th graders, including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age, with a valid Every Kid Outdoors paper voucher.
Joshua Tree Annual Entrance Pass = $55
Joshua Tree 7 Day Entrance Pass = $30 (Per Vehicle and covers everyone in the vehicle) $25 (Motorcycle) $15 (Pedestrian/Cyclist)
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes. Vault toilets are located in the parking area
Are dogs allowed on the Willow hole trail?
- No. Dogs are not allowed on the Willow Hole trail or any other trail inside of Joshua Tree National Park. Additionally, pets must remain within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets must also remain on a leash at all times. Leashes must be no longer than 6 feet in length.
Notes and Thoughts
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers, and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
Hiking in Joshua Tree can be absolutely brutal in the summer months due to extreme heat. Be prepared if you are deciding to do so and preferably start early.
