Location: Joshua Tree National Park, California
Distance: 1 Mile Loop Time: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Less than 100 feet
Season: Year Round (Summer can be unbearably and dangerously hot)
Foot Traffic: Moderate to Heavy
Date Hiked: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Overview
One of the great things about Joshua Tree National Park is the plethora of fabulous and relatively short day hikes that it offers. Almost all of which are family friendly. Hall of Horrors is no exception. While Hall of Horrors used to be a predominantly climber visited area, whose parking lot rarely had more than a few cars in it, is now almost always packed due to the influx of visitors wanting to visit the two tiny slot canyons the reside on the back half of this short trail. While the parking lot is almost always full nowadays, since the trail is so short, people are always coming and going, resulting in a typically short wait to obtain parking.
The trail itself is your typical Joshua Tree lined environment with a few separate boulder formations as you navigate the trail. The highlight of the trail is unquestionably the two small slot canyons. Before these became so well known, this was a seldomly visited trail. Usually hikers can be spotted coming and going to these slots but if not, the actual slot canyon areas can be a little tough to find. Following and having a good trail map as well as taking a picture with you of the rock formation you are looking for, is a good idea.
The slots are directly adjacent to each other and take less than ten minutes to explore. This is a great hike that won’t take up much of your day and that will really impress most visitors. The final section getting up to the slots requires a tiny bit of scrambling and care should be taken especially if you are hiking here with younger kids.
Trail Description and Scout’s Story
Almost exactly one year ago, my wife and I along with our almost 2 year old daughter Scout, were set to take a short trip to Joshua Tree to hike a few trails that we had in mind. Scout had been undergoing chemotherapy and cancer treatment for nearly 9 months at this point and we had just been informed that Scout’s tumors had shrunk to the point where she was now a candidate for surgery and that we would be moving forward to remove her tumors in the coming weeks. We decided to take a trip to Joshua Tree to get outside for a few days before retreating to the confines of our house for following weeks to ensure Scout wouldn’t get sick or have any setbacks delaying her surgery.
As we made the drive into the park entrance at Joshua Tree we noticed that we had left our “America the Beautiful” pass at home. Funds had been a little tight recently and we elected not to pay another 30 dollars to enter the park. We were super bummed out but decided to visit Black Rock Campground, The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Whitewater Preserve instead. While I was upset that we weren’t going into the park, I knew we would be back again.
Hall of Horrors Parking Area to the Start of the Slot Canyons
Fast forward almost exactly a year later and we would be back in Joshua Tree with plans to hike the trails that we had mapped out to do a year prior. After stopping at the Cabazon Dinosaurs (Scout currently loves Dinosaurs), we made our way into the park. Scout was growing restless in her car seat as we pulled up to the Hall of Horrors parking area. We pulled up and promptly exited the car as Scout was ready to run and explore.
The first goal hikers should have upon leaving the parking area is to locate the large rock structure directly in front of them.
The hike will literally follow along this structure the whole way to form a loop. Scout led the way giggling and yelling hurry up, as we made our way towards the large rock structure. Once we reached the rock structure we veered left, deciding to hike the trail in a clockwise direction. Trails head off in several directions but the main key is to stay close to the edge of the main rock structure.
Almost as soon as we started, another rock structure came into sight to our left and it was obvious that people were looking around this area, assuming that the slot canyons were here. We ignored this area and started circling towards the back of the main rock structure on our right hand side. As we were about half way around the large rock structure, another rock structure was now directly in front of us, just to our left. We knew this was where we wanted to go and made the short walk over to it, veering away from the main rock structure. The slots are at the very front of this rock structure.
Reaching and Exploring the Slot Canyons
After a little exploring, we found the entrance to both slot canyons. They are literally, back to back of one another. We made a short scramble up a few rocks as my wife and I took turns passing Scout to each other on the parts of the scramble that were too tough for her. Overall, I was surprised at how motivated and determined Scout was to climb the rocks on her own.
Exploring the Left Slot Canyon
We elected to first explore the slot on the left hand side. There was a little climb to get down into the slot on the right and I wasn’t sure if we would be able to take Scout down into it, so I told my wife we would just start with the easily accessible slot on the left. Getting into this tiny canyon is easy but it gets extremely narrow immediately.
Being that Scout is tiny in comparison to her mom and I, she flew ahead of us. She navigated the tiny sections of the canyon with ease as she looked back at her mom and I struggling to squeeze through the small crevices. This area is stunning and just a ton of fun. Some people may find it a little uncomfortable and larger people may not be able to fit. If you have a pack on, you will need to take it off to fit through this section.
One of the cooler aspects of the left slot canyon was a little area with a reasonable amount of water. Obviously, Joshua Tree doesn’t receive a lot of rain but with some recent storms, it was cool to see water in an area that is typically deprived of it. Scout was hesitant to cross this area but again, was determined to try on her own.
We explored until the canyon widened and then turned and headed back the same way. Of the two small slots, the left is by far the more aesthetically appealing and adventurous one.
Exploring the Right Slot Canyon
As we arrived back at the start of the left slot, I peeked over at the slot on the right. I noticed a few people struggling to get down into it and some turning away and electing not to enter it. I told my wife I would just quickly go check it out by myself and asked her to stay with Scout. To get down into the right slot, there is a short 6 foot or so climb. There are holds and you can more or else scoot your way down. It was way easier than I had expected and yelled for my wife to follow and bring Scout. My wife lowered Scout to me as she then climbed down as I repeated the passing of Scout.
We were now in the slot and Scout took off running towards the backside. This section is super, super short and incredibly wide in comparison to the neighboring slot. The slot proceeds for about 20-30 yards before abruptly ending.
There is really nothing spectacular past this area but some will decide to climb the wall and go further. The climb is about 15 feet and is best suited for those with some technical climbing skill and experience. The best bet is to turn around and return the way you came. Be sure to know your limits and use good judgement.
Slot Canyons Back to the Parking Lot
As we were about to turn around, I was alarmed as I watched a 10-12 year old attempt to climb up the back section of the slot. Panic set in on my face as I realized what was about to happen. The youngster was unable to get his foot up the wall and let go sliding down the wall and scraping his whole body. I was glad to see that he didn’t hit his head and that he appeared to be okay as he quickly walked away. Risk-reward should be something we all take into account. Please be sure to assess situations and make good choices.
The slots don’t take more than about 10-15 minutes altogether to thoroughly explore. After leaving the slots we retraced our steps back to the main rock structure. From here we once again followed along its base passing by a slew of Joshua Trees. Within five minutes of leaving the slots we had arrived back at the parking lot. This trail is super short and more than worth the minimal effort to explore these fabulous slots. Although the slots are incredibly short, they offer a sense of adventure and are incredibly fun.
Scout finished the hike running towards the parking area and wanting to climb on more rocks. It was incredible to be back at Joshua Tree and to witness where Scout was compared to last year at this time. Scout is as active and as vibrant as we could have ever imagined. She truly has a passion for the outdoors and climbing on rocks has become one of her favorite activities. It has been such a delight to get back out into nature with our little girl.
Getting to the Hall of Horrors Trailhead
The trailhead is located off of Park Boulevard, 14 miles from the West entrance station. The parking lot is just after Ryan Campground and just before the Ryan Mountain Trail parking area.
Joshua Tree National Park, Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- Yes, a National Park Pass or day pass must be displayed when parked at the Hall of Horrors Trail or anywhere else inside of Joshua Tree National Park. An America the Beautiful Pass ($80) is a great option for those who visit multiple areas and parks and will allow visitors access to all National Parks, Monnuments and Recreation Areas for one year.
- Joshua Tree Annual Pass ($50)
- Per Vehicle ($30) Good for 7 days for everyone in the vehicle
- Motorcycle Pass ($25)
- Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass ($15)
- America the Beautiful Pass ($80)
Are dogs allowed on the Hall of Horrors Trail?
- Dogs are not allowed on the Hall of Horrors Trail or any other trail inside of Joshua Tree National Park.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes, vault toilets are located in the Hall of Horrors parking area.
Temperatures can get extremely hot in Joshua Tree National Park. Make sure you are prepared with plenty of water. If you must hike during warmer months, electing to start early to avoid the heat is a good idea.
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.
