Hikes/United States/California/Joshua Tree National Park

Ryan Mountain

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
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.
2-3h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.8 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.
426 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.8
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Panorama from the Ryan Mountain hike in Joshua Tree National Park, California

This popular hike ascends Ryan Mountain, yielding fantastic panoramic views of the central park. Since this is a popular route with never ending sun exposure, get here early to enjoy the cooler morning air (and hopefully less crowds)!

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Route Description for Ryan Mountain

The obvious and well-trodden Ryan Mountain Trail leads out from the middle of the parking lot. Follow all signs for Ryan Mountain (as well as the hikers in front of you). The trail starts to climb gently and veers to the right. As you continue to gain elevation you will start ascending a wide gully, on the other side of which there are several interesting cliff formations.

Soon you will contour around to the left and regain a ridge. Here is where the panoramic views start in earnest. Continue along the trail and start heading up along the ridgeline. The last climb up to the true summit — including the massive summit cairn — eases up. The sloping summit has plenty of places to rest and admire the view, but does not, however, have any shade!

From your perch, you will easily be able to admire the ‘plane and range’ topography of the region; desert basin’s abutted by steep mountain ranges. You will also be able to enjoy incredible valley bottoms and even the hugest boulder formations. On all sides of you are the previously mentioned planes, and in the distance surrounding you entirely are the afore mentioned ranges! Depending on which season you go, you might even be able to see snow still on the highest mountains to the west.

After soaking up the view and hopefully not cooking in the sun, return the way you came.

Insider Hints for Ryan Mountain

  • This is an extremely popular hike. Get here early to enjoy it for yourself, avoid the sun and witness a stunning sunrise!

Getting to the Ryan Mountain Trailhead

From the West Entrance continue along Park Boulevard past the Hidden Valley turnoffs, turning left towards 29 Palms. Shortly thereafter, turn right towards the Ryan Mountain parking area. Here you’ll find a relatively small parking lot with a pit toilet.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Spring and Fall, avoid summer heat

  • Backcountry Campsites

    None

  • Toilets

    At trailhead

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Ryan Mountain Elevation Graph

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Ryan Mountain Reviews

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