Mastodon Peak Loop
A moderately strenuous 3-mile loop in Joshua Tree NP, featuring granite outcroppings, mine remnants, and challenging summit scrambles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Mastodon Peak Loop
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderately strenuous 3-mile loop in Joshua Tree NP, featuring granite outcroppings, mine remnants, and challenging summit scrambles.
"Pretty easy hike but getting up the peak top is very challenging as it is not a maintained trail."
💧 Bring Extra Water!
Shade is minimal on the loop. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Good hiking shoes are essential, especially for the rock scrambling sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mastodon Peak Summit
Peak of Mastodon Peak
Conquer the scramble for panoramic desert vistas. A true test for the adventurous!
Historic Mine Shafts
Along the loop trail
Discover remnants of mining history scattered throughout the landscape. Fascinating glimpses into the past.
Unique Rock Formations
Throughout the trail
Marvel at the surreal granite outcroppings that define Joshua Tree's iconic desert scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Peak Scramble Caution
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Extra Water!
Shade is minimal on the loop. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Good hiking shoes are essential, especially for the rock scrambling sections.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. The desert sun is powerful.
⬆️ Consider Counterclockwise
Hike counterclockwise to hit the peak and mine before returning.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Extra Water!
Shade is minimal on the loop. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Good hiking shoes are essential, especially for the rock scrambling sections.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. The desert sun is powerful.
⬆️ Consider Counterclockwise
Hike counterclockwise to hit the peak and mine before returning.
⬆️ Scramble with Caution
The summit scramble is challenging and unmaintained. Assess your comfort level.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Mastodon Peak Loop for its scenic beauty, unique rock formations, and historical mining remnants. While the loop itself is moderately challenging, the scramble to the summit is noted as difficult and unmaintained. The lack of shade and potential for intense heat are common concerns, making early morning or late afternoon hikes highly recommended.
"It's honestly an easy, scenic, beautiful loop with lengthy views, plenty of flora, and wildlife. The palm sanctuary in the beginning is a majestic treat, offering most of the shade, which lacks on this loop trail. Combined with a hot sun, it can sneak up on you. I would recommend going counterclockwise, hit the peak, see the mine, head back. I had complete pics on my first trek three years ago but lost them. My son and I recently stopped on our way back from L.A. I'll be back to recapture."
Michael “Maranara” Maragliano
"Pretty easy hike but getting up the peak top is very challenging as it is not a maintained trail. It can be risky if you are not into rock climbing. The hike in and out is full of interesting rock formations."
Victor Wei
"Hiked this with my wife and 3mo old in a chest carrier. It was doable in January but wouldn’t have wanted to do it during warmer weather. Path is crudely marked at times but there are multiple spots where you can see across the landscape and get your bearings. We didn’t do the scramble to the top of the peak, just the loop. Would do it again. Missing a fifth star just because there could be more signage about the landscape, plants, and animals in this area (and how they differ from the rest of the park)."
Brendan Vaughn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mastodon Peak Loop is located in the southern part of Joshua Tree National Park. Access is typically via Park Boulevard and then heading south towards Cottonwood Spring. The trailhead is often mentioned in conjunction with Cottonwood Spring or the Mastodon Peak Mine Loop.
Parking is available at the Cottonwood Spring area, which serves as a trailhead for several hikes, including the Mastodon Peak Loop. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up.
While Twentynine Palms is a nearby town, the Mastodon Peak Loop is in the southern section of the park, closer to the Cottonwood Spring entrance. You'll need to drive through the park to reach it. +1
The trail is sometimes crudely marked. While there are viewpoints to help you get your bearings, having a park map or a reliable navigation app is recommended.
Public transportation options directly to national park trailheads are very limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need an entrance pass to enter Joshua Tree National Park. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance stations or in advance online. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours. It's best to check the official NPS website for the most current information.
The fee is for park entry, not for specific trails within the park. Once you've paid the entrance fee, you can access all trails, including the Mastodon Peak Loop.
Park entrance passes can be purchased in advance online through recreation.gov to save time at the entrance station.
Timed entry reservations are sometimes required during peak seasons or busy periods. Always check the official Joshua Tree National Park website for the latest information on reservation requirements before your visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Mastodon Peak Loop is approximately 3 miles long. Hiking time can vary depending on your pace, fitness level, and how much time you spend enjoying the views and exploring. Most people complete it in 1.5 to 3 hours.
The loop itself is moderately strenuous. However, the scramble to the actual summit is challenging and not maintained, requiring comfort with rock climbing. +1
You might spot various desert creatures, including lizards, birds, and potentially small mammals. Keep an eye out for the unique flora of the region as well.
The main loop is doable with young children, especially in a carrier, but the summit scramble is not recommended for them. Consider the heat and the challenging terrain.
The views from the peak are extensive, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert landscape and the Salton Sea in the distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots. The unique rock formations along the trail and the remnants of the mine also make for compelling photographs. 
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for desert landscapes. Midday can be harsh but still offers dramatic shadows on the rocks.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park. Check the official NPS website for current regulations regarding drone operation.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
Yes, the remnants of the Mastodon Peak Mine offer a unique historical and photographic element. Be cautious and respectful of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the lower loop, where kids can explore interesting rock formations and spot desert wildlife like lizards. Ensure you bring plenty of water and snacks, and plan your hike for the cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or late afternoons, to avoid the desert heat.
⛰️ Adventurous Hikers
Experienced hikers will also appreciate the historical aspect of the Mastodon Mine remnants scattered along the loop. Combine this hike with other trails in the southern part of the park for a full day of exploration. Remember to pack extra water and be prepared for variable desert conditions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the opportunity to capture the unique textures of the granite boulders and the remnants of the Mastodon Mine. These elements add a historical and intriguing dimension to your desert photography. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive vistas and a telephoto lens for any wildlife you might encounter.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Mastodon Peak Loop
Trail Markers: Be aware that trail markers can be sparse or unclear in certain sections. It's advisable to carry a park map or use a reliable GPS app on your phone. The landscape itself provides many visual cues, but it's easy to get disoriented if you're not paying attention.
Direction of Travel: Some hikers recommend traversing the loop counterclockwise. This approach allows you to tackle the more challenging summit scramble earlier in your hike and then enjoy a more straightforward descent. This strategy can also position you to see the mine remnants on your way back.
The Mastodon Peak Mine
Exploring these remnants requires respect for the historical significance and safety precautions. While some structures might remain, it's crucial to avoid entering unstable areas and to leave everything as you found it. The visual contrast between the natural desert beauty and the man-made mining artifacts is striking and makes for compelling photography.
Remember that these are historical sites and not maintained tourist attractions. Tread carefully, stay on designated paths where possible, and appreciate the stories these remnants tell about the prospectors and miners who once worked this challenging land.
Best Practices for Desert Hiking
Sun protection is equally vital. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that covers your skin to protect against sunburn and heat exposure. Consider bringing a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and pants.
Finally, footwear and navigation are key. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction are recommended, especially if you plan to attempt the summit scramble. Be mindful of the trail conditions, which can be rocky and uneven. Carrying a physical map or using a reliable GPS app can help you stay on track, as trail markings can be inconsistent.
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