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Split Rock Loop Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 461 Google reviews · Running trail in Twentynine Palms, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Split Rock 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.
Gentle 2-mile circuit in a boulder field with picturesque rock formations & colorful desert plants.
What runners say about Split Rock Loop Trail
“As for the scenery—huge rocks, beautiful desert views—I’d highly recommend this hike.”
“Definitely a kid friendly, easy hike, with less crowds.”
This trail was okay for me in terms of the views, but I am spoiled by Washington state summits. Beautiful rock and cacti. We did the whole loop and clocked 2.45 miles. Definitely a kid friendly, easy hike, with less crowds. We had the trail to ourselves for most of the way despite it being a holiday.
This easy 2 mile hike is filled with rocks, formations ready to climb with boulder scenery. If you can see it after a good snow you're double blessed. Great place for a picnic however the parking can fill quickly. You'll need to leave the official trail to be encased by split rocks.
A nice hike. Not too challenging. Lots to see on the trails. Saw lizards and a bunch of rock formation. Trail can get a little iffy at some spot. In the summer, bring some water. In the winter, you can hike it without water. There's about 20% shade in some area.
Split Rock is right at the beginning of the trail but there is also a loop trail that ended up being 2.24 miles and 280 feet elevation gain. Most of the trail and the whole park is exposed to the sun so make sure to bring some sunscreen!
Trail conditions & character
“5 miles but you can start at this trailhead and make it out to skull rock and back if you’re up for a challenge.”
“At some point, the trail stopped feeling like a loop, and as the sun began fading and the wind picked up a cold breeze, I decided it was best to turn back.”
“This trail was okay for me in terms of the views, but I am spoiled by Washington state summits.”
“If you have kids, there are some pretty cool rocks they can climb in or under for some good pics as well.”
Plan your run at Split Rock Loop Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- 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.
Discovery Trail
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Popular 0.7-mi loop connected to the Skull Rock Nature Trail, with brief rocky & steep sections.
Skull Rock Trail
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Skull-shaped desert granite rock formation with 2 depressions like eye sockets created by erosion.
Arch Rock Nature Trail
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Gentle hike through a boulder-strewn desert landscape to the Arch Rock granite formation.
Contact Mine Trail
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Hiking area with a well-maintained trail leading up a mountain for scenic views.