Eureka Peak Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4.5-6h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
15.9 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
536 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Be the first to add a review!
Directions to Trailhead

Fairly long and considered to be more difficult than many hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, the Eureka Peak Trail is not for everyone. That being said, the expansive views at the top of Eureka Peak and the abundance of wildlife observable throughout the route's duration make the Eureka Peak Trail an ideal hike for the more experienced.

Download the 10Adventures App

View Eureka Peak Trail on Map

View Map

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Eureka Peak Trail

While the first section of the Eureka Peak Trail is over fairly flat terrain, the majority of the ground is made up of soft sand. This abundance of sand makes walking more difficult, and causes you to exert yourself more than you would have to on more solid terrain. Likewise, the final portion of the Eureka Peak Trail inclines in elevation rapidly, making it steep and challenging.

Having arrived at the trailhead, make your way southeast on the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Follow this trail over relatively flat but sandy terrain east until you reach a stream that may be dry, depending on the time of year. There will be a trail junction at the stream, where you will take the southernmost path alongside the stream itself. Following this path, you will arrive at another junction in the trail, where you will once again follow the southernmost path.

This path, called the Eureka Peak Trail, follows a valley a number of miles to where Eureka Peak should soon be visible in the distance. The Eureka Peak Trail then begins to incline in elevation dramatically, and becomes rather steep. After climbing in elevation, the path will veer sharply north, where the summit of Eureka Peak will be waiting for you. Having stopped for a break and to take in the magnificent views, backtrack your steps towards the trailhead.

Getting to the Eureka Peak Trail Trailhead

The Trailhead for the Eureka Peak Trail can be found at the Black Rock Canyon Campground.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Black Rock Canyon Campground

  • When to do

    March-October

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Eureka Peak Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Eureka Peak Trail Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs