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Panorama Loop Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 61 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 Panorama 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.
Sandy 6.6-mile path with mountain views & a 1,000-ft elevation gain, plus access to other trails.
What runners say about Panorama Loop Trail
“The path is sandy - it is flat for a long section, then climbs steadily to a beautiful peak, then descends gradually.”
“Traul is well marked, walking primarily on sandy based trails.”
As a few others stated, you can hike this trail for free by coming through the campsite and heading out near campsite 30. You will take part of the West Loop trail to reach the Panorama Loop. Total of about 7 miles from start to finish. I recommend packing a light lunch and enjoying the views from the top.
We parked at the black rock camp ground and started the hike from there. We got tickets (30 USD per vehicle) as we went to Ryan mountain the previous day, but no one was there to check our tickets when we arrived at black rock camp ground so maybe you can do it for free?
One of my favorite hikes. Trail has amazing views in all directions once you get to the loop summit. A couple of steep inclines. We went clockwise and enjoyed this direction better.
A great hike! About 6 miles round trip from the Black Rock Canyon Campground. I recommend taking the Loop counterclockwise. Excellent views of the valley
Trail conditions & character
“It was a gradual climb to the ridgetop where the views were indeed panoramic to Palm springs and in the distance Mt San Jacinto and I believe San Gregornio mtn to the north west.”
“The Panorama Loop is listed as strenuous and 3-5 hours, but for reasonably fit people in not-too-hot temperatures, it should take you 3 at the most and is not strenuous.”
“It was a gradual climb to the ridgetop where the views were indeed panoramic to Palm springs and in the distance Mt San Jacinto and I believe San Gregornio mtn to the north west.”
Plan your run at Panorama Loop Trail
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.
- 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.
Warren Peak Trail
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Hi-View Trailhead
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Black Rock Canyon Trailhead
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Hiking area featuring varied trails through a landscape of wildflowers, cacti, and Joshua trees.
Machris Park
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Small park featuring a baseball field and a children's play area, plus swings and picnic tables.
Bigfoot Trail
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A 5-mile trail with more than 800 ft of elevation gain amid desert scenery dotted with Joshua trees.