Boy Scout Trail
Hike through ancient redwoods or explore rugged desert landscapes on this iconic trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Boy Scout Trail
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through ancient redwoods or explore rugged desert landscapes on this iconic trail.
"A must-do for nature lovers, offering breathtaking scenery and a memorable outdoor adventure."
🎒 Secure Backcountry Permits
Book overnight permits in advance for designated campsites on the Boy Scout Trail.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Water sources are scarce; bring more than you think you'll need.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Redwood Giants
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Hike among ancient, towering redwoods and lush ferns on this enchanting trail.
Joshua Tree Desert Scenery
Joshua Tree National Park
Experience unique desert landscapes with iconic Joshua Trees and fascinating rock formations.
Willow Hole Oasis
Joshua Tree National Park
Discover a natural bowl surrounded by giant rocks, perfect for bouldering and exploration.
Fern Falls
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
A moderate hike leading to a charming waterfall, offering a refreshing natural spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Backpacking Permits & Logistics
Trail Conditions & Water
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Secure Backcountry Permits
Book overnight permits in advance for designated campsites on the Boy Scout Trail.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Water sources are scarce; bring more than you think you'll need.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Traction is key for sandy washes and rocky ascents/descents.
☀️ Start Before Sunrise
Maximize your day and enjoy cooler temps with headlamps if needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Secure Backcountry Permits
Book overnight permits in advance for designated campsites on the Boy Scout Trail.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Water sources are scarce; bring more than you think you'll need.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Traction is key for sandy washes and rocky ascents/descents.
☀️ Start Before Sunrise
Maximize your day and enjoy cooler temps with headlamps if needed.
🚗 Plan Your Shuttle
The trail is not a loop; arrange a shuttle or be prepared for a long out-and-back.
✨ Stargazing is Spectacular
Clear desert nights offer incredible views of the stars.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Boy Scout Trail for its stunning natural beauty, whether it's the majestic redwoods or the unique desert landscapes. The challenging yet rewarding terrain and the opportunity for overnight camping are frequently highlighted. However, some find the out-and-back nature of the Joshua Tree trail inconvenient, and the lack of water sources requires careful preparation.
"Reached the trailhead at around 10am on a Sunday in Feburary. Had to wait 10-15 minutes at the park entrance. Parking lot was full when I got there but luckily, I circled around couple of times and within that time, someone got out, so I got a spot. I was planning to do the 4.5 mile hike called "Boy Scout and Willow Hole to Outer Magnolia Climbing Area" on allTrails, but realized at the turnaround point that I was only a mile away from Willow Hole, so kept going. It wasn't worth it. As you get closer to Willow Hole, the trail becomes a dry river bed, so it gets tougher to move fast, and you're always dragging your feet, trying not to sink much. Willow Hole itself is just an empty area surrounded by giant rocks, so if you've seen enough of those elsewhere in Joshua Tree, I would recommend against this hike. Total out-and-back was around 7 miles with 300 feet elevation gain, and took me 2h10m."
Vipul Singh
"Great hike, we camped at site one it was a lot of fun with some challenge with the elevation change. There were many beautiful rock formations to look at. I would recommend this hike."
Nick Munoz
"This is a really nice 7.5 mile trail for all skill levels. We take a scout troop here every year and camp overnight a little more than halfway in. It loses one star because it's not a loop (although you can make it a loop by connecting to other trails).
From the main road in the park, the first 3 miles are a gentle elevation gain with the last mile being through a sandy wash and some rock areas to get to a nice stopping point in a natural bowl. The next day involves switchbacks on a relatively steep downhill with a lot of scree and some short jumps until you get to the bottom and more sandy wash. The last 2 miles or so are relatively flat through the washes and regular trail which spits you out at the Indian Cove road and trailhead. Unless you have a ride back to the parking lot, you will have to do the trail again in reverse to get back to your car.
This trail can easily be done round-trip (15 miles) in one day with nothing more than a day pack and enough water provided you are in good shape and get started early enough but I would consider this to be reserved for advanced/expert hikers.
From the highest points you get good views of the towns and the lower Mojave."
Jason Levine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Boy Scout Trail has trailheads at both Indian Cove (north) and the main park road (south) in Joshua Tree National Park. Accessing the north trailhead can involve driving on unpaved roads. For the redwood version, it's located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, requiring a drive through scenic, sometimes unpaved, park roads.
No, the Boy Scout Trail is typically hiked as an out-and-back or a point-to-point hike. You'll need to arrange transportation or hike back the way you came.
You can hike the trail as an out-and-back, which is about 15 miles round-trip. This is best suited for experienced hikers with a good fitness level and an early start.
The north trailhead (near Indian Cove) has limited parking and can be more challenging to access. It's recommended to check current road conditions and have a vehicle capable of handling some rougher terrain.
The drive to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is scenic but can involve winding roads. Allow ample time to reach the trailhead, especially if you're coming from further afield.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For day hiking, standard park entrance fees apply for Joshua Tree National Park. However, overnight backpacking requires a backcountry permit, which must be reserved in advance.
Backpacking permits for the Boy Scout Trail in Joshua Tree National Park are typically very affordable, often around $6 per person for the trip.
No, camping is restricted to designated backcountry campsites along the Boy Scout Trail. You must reserve a specific campsite when obtaining your permit.
Joshua Tree National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is part of the California State Parks system. While day use is often free, check the official park website for any specific fees or parking charges.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Boy Scout Trail in Joshua Tree is considered moderate to challenging, especially the 8-mile point-to-point hike. It involves elevation changes, sandy washes, and rocky terrain. The redwood version is generally moderate.
The Boy Scout Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is approximately 8 miles one-way. The Boy Scout Tree Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is about 5.3 miles round-trip.
In Joshua Tree, expect desert landscapes with Joshua Trees, unique rock formations, and expansive views. In Jedediah Smith, you'll find towering old-growth redwoods, ferns, and a waterfall.
Natural water sources are extremely limited and unreliable on the Boy Scout Trail in Joshua Tree. It's crucial to carry all the water you'll need for the entire hike.
The Joshua Tree version can be challenging for very young children due to its length and terrain. The redwood version is more family-friendly and shorter.
📸 📸 Photography
In Joshua Tree, capture the iconic Joshua Trees, dramatic rock formations, and panoramic desert vistas. The redwood trail offers stunning shots of giant trees, lush undergrowth, and the waterfall.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful light for both desert and redwood landscapes. Sunrise is particularly magical for stargazing photos in Joshua Tree.
From the highest points on the Joshua Tree trail, you get great views of the surrounding towns and the Mojave Desert. The base of the giant redwoods and the Fern Falls area are prime photo spots in Jedediah Smith.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the redwoods or expansive desert scenes. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, especially for stargazing.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park and many state parks. Always check the specific regulations for the park you are visiting before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The trail features giant trees and a waterfall, offering plenty of natural wonder to keep young explorers engaged. Remember to pack snacks and water, and be prepared for potentially damp conditions. The Boy Scout Trail in Joshua Tree is generally not recommended for young children due to its length (8 miles one-way), challenging desert terrain, and lack of water sources. If you do attempt it with older, experienced children, ensure you have ample water, start very early, and are prepared for a strenuous day.
🎒 Budget Backpackers
This allows for an immersive desert camping experience without breaking the bank. Key tips for budget backpackers:
* Plan Ahead: Secure your permit and campsite well in advance.
* DIY Shuttle: Coordinate with friends or use a shuttle service if available to avoid expensive transport.
* Pack Smart: Bring all your food and water to minimize on-site purchases.
📸 Nature Photographers
For lush, verdant forest scenes, the Jedediah Smith Redwoods trail is unparalleled. Capture the scale of ancient redwoods, the intricate details of ferns, and the serene beauty of Fern Falls.
+1 A wide-angle lens is highly recommended for both locations to capture the grandeur of the scenery. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Backpacking the Boy Scout Trail (Joshua Tree)
Expect a varied terrain that includes sandy washes, rocky scrambles, and some sections with significant elevation change, particularly on the descent from the north. The landscape is dotted with iconic Joshua Trees and dramatic rock formations, offering stunning photographic opportunities.
Key considerations for backpacking include:
* Permits: Essential for overnight stays; book well ahead.
* Water: Carry all your water; no reliable sources exist.
* Shuttle: Arrange transportation between trailheads or plan for an 8-mile out-and-back hike.
* Navigation: The trail is generally well-marked, but a map and compass are always recommended.
Hiking the Boy Scout Tree Trail (Jedediah Smith Redwoods)
+2The trail begins with a drive through the park, which itself is a scenic experience, often involving unpaved or winding roads that add to the adventure.
Once on the trail, hikers are enveloped by the grandeur of the redwoods, with sunlight filtering through the dense canopy, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The path is well-maintained, though it can be damp and occasionally muddy, especially after rain. Highlights of this trail include:
* Giant Redwoods: Stand in awe of these ancient giants.
* Fern Canyon: Experience a vibrant understory of ferns.
* Fern Falls: A picturesque waterfall that adds to the trail's beauty.
* Accessibility: Generally family-friendly, though some sections may require careful footing.
Navigating the Terrain and Conditions
Conversely, the Boy Scout Tree Trail in the redwoods is characterized by damp forest floors, potential mud, and uneven terrain due to tree roots and natural undulations. While less physically demanding in terms of elevation gain compared to its desert counterpart, the humidity and shaded environment can still make for a strenuous hike.
+1 The drive to the trailhead in the redwoods can also be an adventure in itself, with some sections being unpaved and winding. 
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