Arch Rock & Heart Rock - Joshua Tree NP

The vast California wilderness is beautifully displayed in Joshua Tree National Park, where the unique lower Colorado Desert and the higher Mojave ecosystems meet. From fascinating plant life and wildlife to incredible night sky photography, there’s something for everyone in this national park…and this week to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’re hiking to two wonderful rock formations. Join me along the trail to Arch Rock and Heart Rock.

Hiking

If you snag one of the 15 spots at White Tank Campground (one of my favorite camping sites in the park), then you can take the trail directly behind campsite #9 to Arch Rock in less than 1/3 mile. If you’re not staying inside the campground, you’ll need to park in the designated Twin Tanks Arch Rock Trailhead paved parking area located just off Pinto Basin Rd., which will take you on a hike just over 1 mile. Enjoy reading the informative signs along the self guided nature trail leading to Arch Rock which will give you a glimpse into the mineralogy, soil, and history of this area.

Arch Rock

You’ll know you’ve reached this bouldering playground when you start to see the giant elephant trunk-like rock formation rise in front of you. Arch Rock itself stretches over 30 feet across, and while it is a bustling and popular area, if you visit before dawn on a week day you’re likely to get the incredible sunrises here all to yourself...in fact during the Fall and Winter months, the sun rise lines up perfectly with the formation and you can capture the first light’s sunburst though the arch-way.

While the hike here can be easily and quickly tackled by even the most novice of hikers, don’t stop your journey by simply looking at Arch Rock. You can scramble up and explore in and all round these wonderful boulders. Once you’ve had your fill of adventuring at Arch Rock, make sure to enjoy the other unique rock formations here, including the short but fun slot. Here you can traverse to another one of my favorite rock formations, which almost looks like a giant shark fin.

Heart Rock

If you make the hike to Arch Rock, then I definitely encourage you to continue on to another wonderful (and recognizable) rock. Less than a 1/3 mile past Arch Rock, you can reach Heart Rock…and it’s easy to tell how this 12 ft tall boulder got its name. I love walking past the Yucca Plants on the way from Arch Rock to Heart Rock, but it’s important to note that there is no official trail to Heart Rock. I found it via a dry river bed heading northeast from Arch Rock (Heart Rock map pin here). Always follow the advice of the National Park Service here in Joshua Tree, and plan ahead with knowledgeable navigation. Explore the heart from all sides to get that perfect heart shot, and enjoy the many other wonderful rocks here...one of my favorites is the “stacked bowling balls” less than 50 yards away. With no official path and no cell service, I implore you to use wisdom when adventuring...this is a spectacular spot to wander but do so responsibly with proper preparation to avoid getting lost or turned around.

“Stacked bowling balls” near Heart Rock.

Know Before You Go

• Parking in the White Tank Campground is strictly prohibited unless you are staying inside the campground.

• Pets are not allowed on the trails here.

• Check the local weather before visiting…Summer heat can be brutal and Winter can bring cold temperatures with howling winds.

• There is no shade on this path, so always bring plenty of water and sun protection.

• Please follow the Leave No Trace principles here to help keep this special spot pristine, so that others may enjoy its untouched beauty for years to come.

Other Joshua Tree Points of Interest

• Hidden Valley Nature Trail

• Barker Dam

• Cholla Cactus Garden

• Keys View Point

• Wall Street Stamp Mill

• Cottonwood Springs

• Jumbo, Penguin & Skull Rock

Looking southwest at Heart Rock from the “stacked bowling balls”

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks for joining me in Joshua Tree National Park for a fun look at sunrise here. See my Behind the Blog video below, and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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