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Boy Scout Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 148 Google reviews · Running trail in Twentynine Palms, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 8 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Boy Scout 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.
Rustic 8-mile backpacking trail amid desert landscape, with some rocky sections & camping en route.
What runners say about Boy Scout Trail
“Once I reached Indian cove campground I took Indian cove trail over to rattlesnake canyon trail which had primo bouldering, great views and no one else on it.”
“As you progress into the trail there are more and more interesting rock formations and it becomes more peaceful.”
“It's an easy trail to follow.”
The name is a bit misleading. We didn't see a single boy scout. But the trail itself is nice. Gravely, but nice.
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).
Rock formations are fun. Most of the Joshua Trees are on the South side of the trail. Trail is well marked. Night time is quiet and, when skies are clear, the stars are spectacular. From the South: A great 3ish mile intro to backpacking trail. Parking lot is bigger on this side, but this side is also busier.
I'm no boy scout but I did eat a brownie once so I believe that qualifies me to rate this trail. The first 3 hours and 8 miles were a breeze with good, diverse landscape. From switchback mountains to slightly elevated desert landscape with a little bit of bouldering thrown in for good measure.
Trail conditions & character
“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.”
“The first 3 hours and 8 miles were a breeze with good, diverse landscape.”
“Once I reached Indian cove campground I took Indian cove trail over to rattlesnake canyon trail which had primo bouldering, great views and no one else on it.”
“Great hike, we camped at site one it was a lot of fun with some challenge with the elevation change.”
“As you progress into the trail there are more and more interesting rock formations and it becomes more peaceful.”
“It loses one star because it's not a loop (although you can make it a loop by connecting to other trails).”
“(if you have headlamps, get to it even before first light, trail is simple to follow) Don't miss out on Willow Hole!”
Plan your run at Boy Scout Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Loop distance8 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
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.
Quail Springs Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
3-mi point-to-point trail along moderately strenuous terrain through unique desert rock formations.
Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead
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Scenic 1-mi. hiking loop with huge rock formations to climb & views of Joshua trees & desert areas.
Cap Rock
4.8 ★★★★★ 801 reviews
Short trail through desert scrub dotted with Joshua & juniper trees, plus huge monzogranite rocks.
Indian Cove Nature Trail Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 157 reviews
Gentle 0.5-mile trail near the Indian Cove campground, showcasing desert flora & rock formations.
Indian Cove Boy Scout Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
Secluded hiking area with a large campground, surrounded by rock formations popular with climbers.
