California Riding and Hiking Trail

This is Joshua Tree's marathon — a 36-mile point-to-point traverse that cuts across the heart of the Mojave from Black Rock Canyon to the North Entrance. Most people tackle it in sections, and honestly, that's the smarter play. The trail threads through a rotating gallery of desert landscapes: dense Joshua tree forests give way to open bajadas, rocky washes, and sweeping high-desert plateaus. The terrain is mostly sandy and exposed, with enough rocky stretches to keep your ankles honest. You'll cross several dirt roads along the way, which makes bail-out points easy to plan. The solitude out here is real — midweek, you might not see another person for hours. This trail rewards desert lovers who want to feel the full scope of Joshua Tree rather than just the greatest-hits loop near the visitor center.