Hike Split Rock
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees in this exposed desert terrain with zero shade. The park itself recommends avoiding this trail entirely from June through September — heatstroke is a real and fast-moving danger here.
The wash sections can look deceptively similar, and cairns may be sparse. Keep your eyes on trail markers, especially where the path crosses open sandy areas — wandering off-route in the desert burns daylight and water fast.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start early morning or late afternoon — the boulders cast dramatic shadows that completely transform the landscape, and you'll dodge the worst of the heat even in shoulder seasons.
Extend your outing by linking up with the Discovery Trail and Skull Rock Trail for a five-to-six mile route that hits three of the park's best geological highlights in one go. The connector is well-marked and adds variety without a significant difficulty bump.
The split in Split Rock faces roughly east-west, which means golden hour light pours directly through the gap at sunset — position yourself on the west side for the money shot that looks like the rock is glowing from within.
Photos
NPS / Emily Hassell
