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Indian Cove Boy Scout Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 57 Google reviews · Running trail in Twentynine Palms, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 16 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Indian Cove 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.
Secluded hiking area with a large campground, surrounded by rock formations popular with climbers.
What runners say about Indian Cove Boy Scout Trail
“From the backcountry board the trail meanders over an aluveial fan incline through a large sandy wash that winds up into a beautiful canyon with some nice red barrel cacti.”
“So serene it took my breath away.”
I have been going to this trail for years now and it never ceases to amaze me. The first mile is all flat, heading towards a canyon. For the 2nd mile, you travel through a cool canyon with a sandy floor. After that, you permanently trek up switchbacks up the mountain ranges.
Nice long trail accessible from outside of the park from Twentynine Palms. The trail is a bit slow going at first because of the sand path but it is pretty flat and there's some nice views of plants, rocks, wildlife (birds, lizards, rabbits and mice), and a dried river bed.
The Boyscout Trail is an excellent hike through the western mountains of JTNP! I took the trail on January 1st, 2020. There were several inches of snow on the north facing parts of the trail. The trail has two endpoints: Keys West and Indian Cove. You have several options.
Try it. You'll like it. Awesome trail whether you're a Boy Scout or not. It's harder from this side going into the park but worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“From the backcountry board the trail meanders over an aluveial fan incline through a large sandy wash that winds up into a beautiful canyon with some nice red barrel cacti.”
“7 miles to the end but a wonderful 3 mile hike if you go up 1 and a half miles and then head back down.”
“From the backcountry board the trail meanders over an aluveial fan incline through a large sandy wash that winds up into a beautiful canyon with some nice red barrel cacti.”
“I took a stroll and it’s all flat in the beginning, but had to turn back.”
“It travels through sandy washes, shallow canyons, rocky passes, and sprawling valleys with lots of opportunities to spot wildlife.”
Plan your run at Indian Cove Boy Scout Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance16 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitenps.gov
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