Warren Peak
- Physical DifficultyThis 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.
- Technical DifficultyThis 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.
This stunning, (yet lesser known) hike traverses the planes in the quiet northwestern section of Joshua Tree National Park, then climbs to the rocky summit of Warren Peak. Be warned – stunning panoramic views await!
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Route Description for Warren Peak
From the trailhead at the northern tip of the campground, follow signs towards Panorama Loop, Warren Peak, and the West Loop. You will hike and start to lose elevation, passing by a large water reservoir and joining up with a service road. After hiking along the service road for less than a hundred yards you will turn right towards signs for the West Loop.
As you continue along the trail you will continue to lose a small amount of elevation and shortly enter a wash, essentially a dried up creek-bed that flows during the flash floods which occur irregularly in the region. It is typically the most efficient way to cross this type of terrain. The only downside is that you will be hiking in – typically – loose sand, which is not only somewhat challenging to walk in, but also gets in your shoes.
The wash will continue for a ways and start to steadily gain elevation. The grade is low, so this light climbing will feel very easy. Soon you will reach a junction that does not have the usual metal sign listing all possible destinations. Instead there will be a wooden post indicating PL (for Panorama Loop) and WP (for Warren Peak), with arrows pointing the respective ways. Turn right to continue in the direction of the WP arrow. From here the trail will steepen.
A short ways after the first fork you will reach a second, where the Panorama Loop rejoins the main trail. Continue right here again towards WP. Soon the rocky peak will come into view, and the grade of the trail will steepen. You will exit the wash and veer right, gaining the ridge. After a few steeper sections you will contour around the right side of the peak, then switchback to the summit. This last part of the climb, which is quite steep and in direct sunlight, can be extremely challenging.
Insider Hints for Warren Peak
- Add on the Panorama Loop to extend the hike.
- This is arguably the best sunrise hike in the park. Leave early to get fantastic views of the stunning northwestern ranges of the park.
Getting to the Warren Peak Trailhead
From Joshua Tree town, head west along Highway 62 (also know as 29 Palms Highway) for 3.2 km. Turn left onto Avalon Avenue then continue as it turns into Palomar Avenue. After just over 3.2 km you will reach a junction with Joshua Lane, turn left here. At the end of the road turn right onto San Marino Dr. and follow this road all the way to the campground. Along most of the route there are signs leading towards Black Rock Campground.
Once at the campground you have two options: park right before the gates or try to find a spot within the campground and save hiking a boring half-mile. If you are camping in the campground this is a no brainer, but otherwise you may risk getting a citation. The route described below begins from the trailhead at the northern tip of the campground. However if you begin at the gate, there is an obvious trail leading around the campground and joining up with the described trail shortly.
Route Information
Warren Peak Elevation Graph
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