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Black Rock Canyon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 97 Google reviews · Running trail in Yucca Valley, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Black Rock Canyon Trailhead'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.
Hiking area featuring varied trails through a landscape of wildflowers, cacti, and Joshua trees.
What runners say about Black Rock Canyon Trailhead
“Beautiful views, easy to moderate to hard trails as there are many connections with a detailed map at the beginning.”
Reached the trailhead at 3:45pm on a Sunday in February. Easy to find parking. Did the "Warren Peak via Black Rock Trail and Panorama Loop" hike from allTrails. It came to 8 miles total with 1800 feet elevation gain and took me around 2h40m.
Trail signs could be more and better for directions! Great view from the top of Hi-View trail.
One of our favorite trails at the park especially as “green” as it got after this years weather. This hike is recommended to add panorama loop for sure and Wareen peak as an option. Stunning views. Lots of elevation gain we marked 1200 ft but most of it was gradual until the peak on panorama.
Second time in the area. Just beautiful. Many trail options from the campground or the parking area. Plenty of maps posted. It's free as well if you are on a budget and still want the Joshua tree hiking experience. Google maps works while you are on the trail too.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views, easy to moderate to hard trails as there are many connections with a detailed map at the beginning.”
“My wife and I hiked the Panorama Loop Trail from the Black Rock Canyon trailhead near the entrance of the Black Rock Canyon campground.”
“My wife and I hiked the Panorama Loop Trail from the Black Rock Canyon trailhead near the entrance of the Black Rock Canyon campground.”
“Steep climb, we did the loop counter clockwise as the trailhead map suggested, but seemed to be the only people who did.”
Plan your run at Black Rock Canyon Trailhead
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 — reported by runners
- Websitenps.gov
- 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 Yucca Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hi-View Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 178 reviews
A 1.3-mi loop through Joshua, pinyon pine & juniper trees, with a lookout offering mountain views.
Machris Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 112 reviews
Small park featuring a baseball field and a children's play area, plus swings and picnic tables.
Panorama Loop Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
Sandy 6.6-mile path with mountain views & a 1,000-ft elevation gain, plus access to other trails.
Warren Peak Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
Moderate 2.6-mile route ascending a 5,103-ft summit with panoramic mountain & desert views.
Essig Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 233 reviews
Fenced park featuring a playground, separate areas for small and large dogs, plus picnic tables.