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Cap Rock
4.8 ★★★★★ 801 Google reviews · Running trail in Twentynine Palms, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Cap Rock'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.
Short trail through desert scrub dotted with Joshua & juniper trees, plus huge monzogranite rocks.
What runners say about Cap Rock
“Stunning to see both satellites and planes streak across the starry night sky basically unobstructed from city lights ✨️”
“It was an easy walk and got to hear about the park the Joshua tree the person who wanted to protect the park and some history as well as an explanation of the rock formations.”
Cap Rock has an easy level loop trail with lovely close views of Joshua Trees and the large Cap Rock. As of September last year there is a sunset ranger walk along the loop trail which ends just as the sun crests over the mountains.
Cap Rock at Joshua Tree is very good sight. The top boulder looks like a hat so it's named cap Rock. Nice rock formation with clearly marked trails around it. Short distance, and pretty flat. You can also climb some of the boulders. There were benches to sit and enjoy the view along the trail.
Nice, quick stop on our trip to Joshua Tree. They have a short mile loop you can walk to check out all of the different rock formations. Worth the quick stop on your trip.
Short trail but some great unique scenery. This is fantastic park with a Flintstones kind of vibe to many of the rock formations. the geology and the processes that formed this place are unique to the area. Through in the Joshua trees and it feels like the land that time forgot.
Trail conditions & character
“Google street view is your friend in this park as you can travel almost everywhere here virtually to get a good sense of the major trail-heads and rock formations.”
“Cap Rock has an easy level loop trail with lovely close views of Joshua Trees and the large Cap Rock.”
“Nice spot in Joshua Tree National Park for a short, easy, flat walk with views of rock formations, Joshua Trees, and desert plants.”
“Stunning to see both satellites and planes streak across the starry night sky basically unobstructed from city lights ✨️”
Plan your run at Cap Rock
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- 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.
Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,080 reviews
Scenic 1-mi. hiking loop with huge rock formations to climb & views of Joshua trees & desert areas.
Boy Scout Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 148 reviews
Rustic 8-mile backpacking trail amid desert landscape, with some rocky sections & camping en route.
Quail Springs Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
3-mi point-to-point trail along moderately strenuous terrain through unique desert rock formations.
