Ryan Mountain, Joshua Tree CA

• 4-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,070ft (Peak 5,456ft)
• Twentynine Palms, CA | Joshua Tree
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The image shows a group of hikers walking along a dirt trail on a hillside. The trail is surrounded by a rocky and arid landscape with sparse vegetation, including small shrubs and desert plants. The hikers are equipped with backpacks and hiking gear, and they are walking in a line, following the trail that winds through the terrain. In the background, there are expansive views of a desert valley and distant mountain ranges under a clear blue sky.

Heading back down, with popular climbing spot Hall of Horrors below.

Carved out of the side of one of the most prominent mountains in the Joshua Tree National Park, the Ryan Mountain trail snakes up the Western flank at a consistent angle of ascent.

The efforts of the climb are quickly rewarded as you are afforded increasingly dramatic views to the North West, including Intersection rock and Keys Desert. About half the way around the mountain you’ll happen upon a saddle, and you’ll now have an entirely new set of expansive and spectacular views to the East. Continue at an even pace to reach the mostly flat-topped summit and enjoy the views all around you.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Ryan Mountain Trail 3.0 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,070 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

Conditions along this trail are mainly rocky with some short sandy stretches. We’ll admit to being disappointed with the over-use of stone steps for the trail’s construction. Sure, popular trails need good erosion control, but many of the steps seemed to be unnecessary and punishing - particularly on the way down. This fact alone almost made us reduce the trail to three stars, but maybe we just have old knees.

The trailhead is immediately accessible from Park Boulevard and is on the larger side. Still, during peak times this is likely to be full to bursting. Remember to check out the nearby adobe ruins of Ryan Ranch - relics of an estate built by the operator of nearby Lost Horse Mine in the late 1800s.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two scenes from a hiking area. The left side shows two hikers walking through a rocky landscape with large boulders and a desert-like environment in the background. The right side shows a sign that reads 'Welcome to Ryan Mountain Elevation 5457 ft' with a vast desert landscape and mountains in the background.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two scenes from a hiking area. The left side shows two hikers walking through a rocky landscape with large boulders and a desert-like environment in the background. The right side shows a sign that reads 'Welcome to Ryan Mountain Elevation 5457 ft' with a vast desert landscape and mountains in the background.

Photo opportunity by the trailhead. | The rounded Ryan Mountain summit.

The image shows a vast desert landscape with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. In the foreground, there is a spiky desert plant, and in the background, there are large rock formations and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. The sun is shining brightly, creating lens flares in the image.

The image shows a vast desert landscape with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. In the foreground, there is a spiky desert plant, and in the background, there are large rock formations and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. The sun is shining brightly, creating lens flares in the image.

Ryan Mountain brings fresh, elevated perspectives to Joshua Tree.

Tangents:
• Public Map at AllTrails: Official, Ryan Mountain Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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