Ryan Mountain is one of the most iconic and well-marked trails in Joshua Tree National Park. This trail has become my favorite hike in Joshua Tree, thanks to the breathtaking 360-degree views from the 5,457-foot peak. From the summit, you can see vast stretches of the park’s unique landscape, including rugged rock formations, sweeping desert valleys, and iconic Joshua trees dotting the terrain below. The hike itself is a steep but manageable climb, gaining 1,000 feet of elevation over just 1.5 miles. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Ryan Mountain hike.
To Get There
From Los Angeles: Take I-10 East towards Palm Springs, then follow signs for Highway 62 East (Twentynine Palms Highway) toward the town of Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms. The journey takes about 2-3 hours by car.
- Trailhead location: Ryan Trailhead
- Loop Trail Hike: 3 miles out & back
- Rated: Moderate
- You’ll need a National Park’s day or year pass to enter Joshua Tree National Park, you can buy this in advance or at the park entrance. I highly recommend buying it in advance! Joshua Tree has a long single line entrance, the more people that have this the better because they can zoom through and not hold up the line.
- Free Parking on the side of the road
When to go
The best time to hike Ryan Mountain is during the cooler months, from October to April, when daytime temperatures are mild and comfortable for hiking. Spring is especially beautiful, as the desert blooms with vibrant wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the landscape. Avoid the peak summer months, as temperatures can soar above 100°F, making the hike dangerously hot and challenging.
Ryan Mountain Hike
As you begin the Ryan Mountain hike, you’ll immediately notice the trailhead is surrounded by striking rock formations, with large boulders to your right and a set of well-crafted stone steps guiding the way upward.
These boulders are perfect for a bit of exploration before or after your hike, especially one that resembles the profile of a dinosaur—imagination required! Take a moment to see if you can spot it too. (look in the image below)
As you ascend the mountain, the trail winds through a stark yet captivating desert landscape, offering increasingly expansive views of Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll catch glimpses of rugged rock piles, vast open valleys, and the iconic Joshua trees scattered across the terrain. The higher you climb, the more dramatic the panorama becomes, rewarding your efforts with stunning vistas that showcase the park’s unique beauty from every angle.
At the summit of Ryan Mountain, you’ll find a modest pile of rocks marking the peak—your ultimate destination! Take a moment to soak in the views and snap a few photos before beginning your descent. Since this is an out-and-back trail, you’ll retrace your steps down the mountain, enjoying the scenic vistas from a new perspective on the way back.
Additional Tips
- Make sure to have a full tank of gas and plenty of water before entering the park, as services are limited.
- Bring plenty of water because the desert air is so dry!
- The East entrance of the park is generally much less busy
- Wear shoes with good traction! Some parts of the trail are loose rock
Do you know any other great hikes in Joshua Tree we should try? Please leave them in the comments below.
I’ve been on many hikes throughout Joshua Tree since my parents have lived in the area for over 10 years. Another favorite is Eagle Cliff Mine Trail where you get to see an old miners cabin hidden among the rocks.