Warren Peak
Ascend Warren Peak for breathtaking 360° desert and mountain vistas after a challenging, rewarding scramble.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Warren Peak
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Warren Peak for breathtaking 360° desert and mountain vistas after a challenging, rewarding scramble.
"The views from Warren Peak were absolutely wonderful. You could see for miles and miles and miles."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Good grip shoes are a must for the steep, rocky final ascent. Sand is inevitable!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring more water than you think you'll need; the desert heat can be intense.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Warren Peak Summit
360-degree views of distant mountains and the vast desert landscape. Truly breathtaking!
The Final Scramble
Upper section of the Warren Peak trail
A challenging but rewarding rock scramble leading to the peak's summit.
Summit Visitor Log
At the peak of Warren Peak
A unique box with a notebook and photos left by fellow hikers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Gear Up for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Good grip shoes are a must for the steep, rocky final ascent. Sand is inevitable!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring more water than you think you'll need; the desert heat can be intense.
🌬️ Brace for Summit Winds
It can get very windy at the top, so be prepared for gusts!
📸 Capture the Views
The 360-degree vistas from the summit are incredible photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Good grip shoes are a must for the steep, rocky final ascent. Sand is inevitable!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring more water than you think you'll need; the desert heat can be intense.
🌬️ Brace for Summit Winds
It can get very windy at the top, so be prepared for gusts!
📸 Capture the Views
The 360-degree vistas from the summit are incredible photo opportunities.
⬆️ Steep Climb Near Top
Most of the hike is flat, but the last section is a steep climb.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers rave about the breathtaking 360-degree views from Warren Peak, calling it a must-do for its rewarding summit panorama. While the final ascent is steep and rocky, the effort is widely considered worth it. Some mention the intense wind at the top, but it doesn't detract from the overall beauty and unique experience of the summit visitor log.
"In spite of the fact that this is also a six-mile, 1,100-foot elevation gain trail just like the Hollywood Sign trail, Warren Peak did not have the elevation gain gradually. The gain occurred all at once, toward the end of the hike. Much of the hike was perfectly flat, and it wasn’t until the last leg of the hike that we started climbing the mountain. This was made especially challenging because I had been in the ocean for eight straight hours the day before, not realizing I was getting a full-body workout the entire time. My legs were screaming all the way up that mountain, and as soon as I sat down at the peak I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get up, again. I was going to die up there.
But, it was a beautiful place to die.
The views from Warren Peak were absolutely wonderful. Because the landscape around it was so low, you could see for miles and miles and miles. The lack of clouds certainly helped with this, too. I’m not even sure how far off I could see, but I saw peaks that were impossibly distant. In addition to amazing views (and company!) on the peak, there was also a little box with a notebook and photographs, filled with mementos from other people who peaked the mountain. My friends and I made sure to leave our mark, too!"
T. L. Bainter
"This was a beautiful hike. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting our living in the area. It's 5k feet high, which as you can imagine, is a 'leg day' challenge on the way up and a fun, skipping, faster downhill walk down (after the more cautious 'peak' is over).
Once you brave the top part, you'll have 360° views of the most beautiful mountains.
Must try! It's worth it."
Megan Wilson
"Great hike with sweeping views of the park. We did the panorama loop in addition and enjoyed that portion as well. It was VERY WINDY at the top, but that did not take away from its beauty."
Noelle C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Warren Peak is located in the northern part of Joshua Tree National Park. Access is typically via the park's main roads. Many visitors access it from the Black Rock Campground area.
While you can drive to trailheads near Warren Peak, the peak itself requires a hike. The closest campground is Black Rock Campground.
Yucca Valley is a nearby town, offering amenities and lodging. The hike is within Joshua Tree National Park.
Yes, Warren Peak is a great stop during a scenic drive through Joshua Tree National Park, offering a rewarding hike with stunning views.
Parking is available at trailheads near the base of the hike, often associated with campgrounds like Black Rock. Arrive early to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need an entrance pass to enter Joshua Tree National Park, which includes access to all trails like Warren Peak.
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours.
Entrance fees vary, but typically a 7-day pass is required for vehicles. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
Park entrance passes can often be purchased online in advance to save time, though they are also available at park entrances.
No special permits are typically required for day hiking Warren Peak. Standard park entrance fees apply.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 5.8 to 6.3 miles roundtrip and can take 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and time spent at the summit. 
It's considered a moderate hike. While much of the trail is flat, the final section involves a steep, rocky scramble.
Expect stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, Yucca Valley, and the vast desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park.
The trail is generally well-defined, especially the main path. However, always pay attention to trail markers and your surroundings.
Restroom facilities are typically available at trailheads and campgrounds near the start of the hike, such as Black Rock Campground.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. The summit views are stunning at any time.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain views.
Yes, the summit visitor log box with mementos from other hikers provides a unique storytelling element for photos.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park. Always check the latest NPS regulations before flying a drone.
Use a tripod for stability, especially in windy conditions, and experiment with different angles to showcase the vastness of the panorama.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure everyone has plenty of water and sun protection, and make the summit visitor log a fun activity for kids to participate in. 🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and plenty of water to avoid purchasing expensive items within the park. Many of the most rewarding experiences in Joshua Tree, like the summit views, are free once you're inside the park. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best light, and bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness. Don't forget to photograph the charming summit visitor log, which adds a personal touch to your collection. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Warren Peak Hike: A Detailed Look
As you approach the peak, the terrain shifts to a more challenging rock scramble. This section requires careful footing and good grip from your hiking shoes.
The lack of clouds often enhances this incredible visibility. At the summit, you'll find a small box containing a notebook and photographs left by previous hikers. This 'visitor log' is a charming touch, allowing you to read about others' experiences and leave your own mark.
Navigating Joshua Tree National Park
Entrance fees are required, and purchasing a pass in advance can save you time. Beyond Warren Peak, the park offers a variety of trails for all skill levels. The Hidden Valley Nature Trail and Skull Rock are popular shorter options, while the Lost Horse Mine Loop provides a longer historical trek.
Keys View offers a stunning overlook without a strenuous hike. For those looking for a more immersive experience, camping is available, with Black Rock Campground being a notable option near Warren Peak. Getting around the park involves driving, and it's advisable to have a reliable vehicle. Cell service can be spotty, so downloading offline maps is a good idea.
Be prepared for extreme temperatures, especially in the summer, and always carry ample water. Respecting the fragile desert ecosystem by staying on trails and packing out trash is crucial for preserving the park's beauty for future visitors. 
Social
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