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Arch Rock Nature Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 619 Google reviews · Running trail in Twentynine Palms, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Arch Rock Nature Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Gentle hike through a boulder-strewn desert landscape to the Arch Rock granite formation.
What runners say about Arch Rock Nature Trail
“These are just two of the beautiful granite formations throughout this amazing national park.”
“Friendly note - the Arch Rock Trail parking is on the other side of the road to the actual trail, but the path is well marked.”
“Easy hike out to see arch rock and heart rock, did it with kids and had a great time.”
Easy hike. 1.2 miles if you go to Arch Rock only, and 1.6 miles if you do Heart Rock, which is a lovely rock so I highly recommend it. Views are stunning! Beautiful rocks formations as well as easy exploration opportunities. Parking is located by Twin Tanks, Arch Rock Trailhead parking lot.
This is the trailhead and parking lot for the arch and heart trail, don’t park in the campground. Surprisingly it was not too hard to get a space before sunset. Easy and mostly flat trail to both famous rock formations, 1.6mi round trip I believe. The golden light made everything pretty and mythical.
Arch rock and Heart Rock are on the same trail within Joshua Tree National Park. Some parking available close by. Bring water and good grippy shoes to climb rocks. Less than 1.5miles to walk trail to see main interest points, however, best to enjoy walking around the wash, trails and climbing rocks.
Arch Rock Nature Trail is the perfect blend of accessible and adventurous. The trail is an easy loop—about 1.2 miles—and leads you through a surreal landscape of massive boulders, desert flora, and of course, the iconic Arch Rock itself. The arch is even more impressive in person and makes for a great photo op.
Trail conditions & character
“Friendly note - the Arch Rock Trail parking is on the other side of the road to the actual trail, but the path is well marked.”
“Really short hike, less than 1 mile Go to heart stone nearby too Lots of places to take photos and lovely wide views all around.”
“However, to get a photo with the arch, you would have to climb on really steep rock formation.”
“Easy and mostly flat trail to both famous rock formations, 1.”
“Friendly note - the Arch Rock Trail parking is on the other side of the road to the actual trail, but the path is well marked.”
“On the way you will see skull rock , multiple over night camp locations, and 2 or 3 bathroom locations.”
Plan your run at Arch Rock Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(760) 367-5500
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Twentynine Palms
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Skull Rock Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,287 reviews
Skull-shaped desert granite rock formation with 2 depressions like eye sockets created by erosion.
Discovery Trail
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Popular 0.7-mi loop connected to the Skull Rock Nature Trail, with brief rocky & steep sections.
Split Rock Loop Trail
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Gentle 2-mile circuit in a boulder field with picturesque rock formations & colorful desert plants.
Contact Mine Trail
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Hiking area with a well-maintained trail leading up a mountain for scenic views.