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Mastodon Peak Loop Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Twentynine Palms, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Mastodon Peak Loop 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.
Moderately strenuous, 3-mile loop path leading through granite outcroppings & offering park views.
What runners say about Mastodon Peak Loop Trail
“Beautiful short loop, recommended to hike counterclockwise, first passing Cottonwood springs oasis, then up to Mastodont peak.”
“The palm sanctuary in the beginning is a majestic treat, offering most of the shade, which lacks on this loop trail.”
“Pretty easy hike but getting up the peak top is very challenging as it is not a maintained trail.”
Beautiful short loop, recommended to hike counterclockwise, first passing Cottonwood springs oasis, then up to Mastodont peak. Nice views south on Dalton sea. There is a side trail which is not maintained that brings you to the top for a better 360 view, but you'll need to scramble over rocks, little bit of climbing,…
It's honestly an easy, scenic, beautiful loop with lengthy views, plenty of flora, and wildlife. The palm sanctuary in the beginning is a majestic treat, offering most of the shade, which lacks on this loop trail. Combined with a hot sun, it can sneak up on you.
A short loop trail that involves a bit of rock scrambling near the summit. But otherwise is a fairly easy hike.
Hiked this with my wife and 3mo old in a chest carrier. It was doable in January but wouldn’t have wanted to do it during warmer weather. Path is crudely marked at times but there are multiple spots where you can see across the landscape and get your bearings.
Trail conditions & character
“Climb up to the peak, enjoy the views, and get back to the campground on the Mastodon loop, avoiding going back the same way you went to Lost Palms.”
“Climb up to the peak, enjoy the views, and get back to the campground on the Mastodon loop, avoiding going back the same way you went to Lost Palms.”
“The palm sanctuary in the beginning is a majestic treat, offering most of the shade, which lacks on this loop trail.”
Plan your run at Mastodon Peak Loop Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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 |
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