North Trail and North Canyon Trail

Route Description for North Trail and North Canyon Trail

As the North Trail and North Canyon Trail is within the desert environment of Joshua Tree National Park, it is important that you prepare yourself for the desert conditions prior to attempting. We recommend bringing lots of water, and wearing sunscreen and a good hat to help protect you from the effects of the sun.

Having arrived at the trailhead, take the Northside Trail east past the first trail junction. After a few hundred feet, you will arrive at a second junction, where you will follow the southern route. Continuing on the southern route, the Northside Trail will pass some mountainous terrain to the south before arriving at another trail junction. At the junction, follow the Northside Trail to the north alongside a stream bed that may or may not have water in it depending on the time of year.

As the route heads north, it will incline in elevation before making its way through a stunning canyon. After the canyon, you have the option of either following the stream through another canyon and then backtracking towards the Northside Trail, or continuing on along the Northside Trail to the northwest. Whatever you choose to do, the Northside Trail will eventually veer to the southwest, completing the circuit and delivering you to the trailhead.