Exploring the Hall of Horrors - Joshua Tree Slot Canyons
Hi friends and happy Monday! This week we’re in Joshua Tree National Park setting out on a hike with a spooky and somewhat unsettling name. Join me as we put our fears aside and venture out towards the Joshua Tree slot canyons known as the Hall of Horrors.
Hall of Horrors in Joshua Tree National Park
Location
The Hall of Horrors trailhead and parking area is located on the north side of Park Boulevard, just west of the Ryan Mountain trailhead and Sheep Pass. From Twentynine Palms, drive down Park Blvd through Joshua Tree National Park, going past Skull Rock and Jumbo Rocks. The Hall of Horrors parking lot is on the right just after Ryan Mountain Trail parking area...keep a watchful eye for the sign. Here you’ll find the parking lot, which has space for roughly 2 dozen vehicles as well as vault toilets at the trailhead. Now, don’t let the name Hall of Horrors frighten you...this is a popular area for visitors to explore. As a result, the parking lot can fill up quickly, so I’d recommend visiting early in the morning and on weekdays.
Hall of Horrors Trailhead with first large boulder pile
Trail
The Hall of Horrors loop trail, which takes you by the boulder pile containing the slot canyons, is less than a mile with virtually no elevation change (however if you have any issues with tight spaces, the slots canyons here might not be the adventure for you). I suggest hiking this loop clockwise if you’re interested in exploring the slots, as it will help you locate the entrance to these slots.
The trail starts off weaving through Joshua trees and circling around a large rock formation. However, this first large rock pile is not where the slots are. Around the backside of the rock pile you’ll see a smaller group of boulders, and that’s where the entrance to the Hall of Horrors is located. If you determine that tight spaces aren’t your jam, this is still a wonderfully pleasant hike with impressive views of boulder features and towering Joshua trees, but if the sound of slot canyons is enticing to you, a short scramble up the smaller boulder pile will lead to more adventures.
Second/smaller boulder pile with Hall of Horrors slot canyons on the right
Hall of Horrors slot canyon entrances
Locating the Hall of Horrors Slot Canyons
The Hall of Horrors slot entrances are found along the southwest corner where the rocks dip down on the right. The Hall of Horrors is actually comprised of 2 slot canyons, which are side-by-side and separated by tall vertically positioned boulders. The right entrance is the wider of the two, while the left slot is much more narrow. To reach them, you’ll need to scramble up several large boulders.
Looking into the Hall of Horrors wider slot canyon on the right
Hall of Horrors wider slot canyon entrance
Hall of Horrors wider slot canyon in Joshua Tree National Park
The Right (Wider) Slot
From outside the entrance of this beautiful slot canyon, you can see a long flat sandy path leading across the entirety of the canyon. Climbing down a large boulder (about a 6 foot drop) leads you into this long straight slot, measuring at just over four feet in width from wall-to-wall. I’d recommend you start by exploring this slot first because it is the more open of the two canyons (if you feel claustrophobic here the second slot will be a much tighter squeeze). Prior to climbing down into the slot, make sure to assess whether you can climb out since this will also be your exit (unless you’re an experienced climber). It’s incredibly important to monitor your personal skill and comfort level when exploring here...the only section wider than four feet across is at the far end, which would provide another exit, but only if you are an experienced climber. I’ve seen people get stuck here, so plan on exiting the way you entered.
Looking into the Hall of Horrors narrow slot canyon on the left
Hall of Horrors narrow slot canyon in Joshua Tree National Park
Hall of Horrors narrow slot canyon in Joshua Tree National Park
The Left (Very Narrow) Slot
Just to the left of the first slot is the jagged entrance to the second (and my personal favorite) slot canyon. This path begins by squeezing through an opening less than a foot wide and entering a corridor under 3 feet across. The ground is more rugged along this path and you can’t see down the entire canyon. In fact, you have to weave through 3 separate tight crevices to cross through the entire slot (one of which is only six inches wide at its most narrow spot). However bobbing and weaving your way across this slot canyon is a marvelous adventure, and looking up you see massive boulders precariously perched above.
If you make it across the entire slot, I recommend scrambling up and out to the top of the canyon for magnificent views of the Joshua Tree desert from atop the boulder pile. For the proficient climber, you can exit and scramble down the exterior this rock formation, but there are several sheer drops and I would recommend returning the way you came, squeezing back through the narrow slot to the original opening. You won’t likely encounter as many adventurers in this tighter slot, but you will have to communicate with any oncoming parties as there is only room for single file movement in multiple spots here. Once you’re done exploring the Hall of Horrors, scramble back down the smaller boulder pile the way you came. The gentle stroll along the loop continues clockwise around the larger boulder pile back towards the parking lot.
Atop Hall of Horrors Boulder Pile via narrow slot canyon
Joshua Tree views from atop Hall of Horrors Boulder Pile
Know Before You Go
• Unless you get the proper permits, drones are strictly prohibited at Hall of Horrors and anywhere in Joshua Tree National Park. Consider bringing an Insta360 with the Extended Edition Selfie Stick for drone-like footage...check out my Behind the Blog YouTube video to see how I captured my footage.
• The parking spots at the trailhead can fill up quickly on weekends and in the afternoon, so I’d recommend checking out this area earlier in the morning and on weekdays if possible.
• Don’t be surprised to see rock-climbers in this area. Much of Joshua Tree is ideal for climbing, and these rock formations are certainly no exception...as a matter of fact, it’s been said the Hall of Horrors was likely named by past climbers who who explored the climbing routes in this area.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles so this park’s natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• If you feel like these slots are a little too intense or extreme for you, Joshua Tree’s Arch Rock Trail & Discovery Trail have great little slot canyon sections that are much more tame, but still lots of fun to explore.
Top 10 Joshua Tree Easy Hikes
Discovery Trail
Cap Rock Nature Trail
SuddenlySee Joshua Tree Shirt and American Hat Makers Leather Cap
Shop the Post
If you’re interested in what I’m wearing in today’s post, check out the SuddenlySee Etsy Shop that Nate and I run. There you’ll find all kinds of Joshua Tree shirts, posters, mugs, and other national park goodies, some of which you can see below. The hat I’m wearing is the Sidecar Leather Cap by American Hat Makers, which was perfect for these narrow slot canyons! You can check out all that American Hat Makers has to offer here.
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Joshua Tree National Park. For a virtual visit of the Hall of Horrors, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Rock climber along Hall of Horrors Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Today we're exploring the Cap Rock Nature Trail in Joshua Tree National Park. This is the perfect family friendly spot to take an easy hike and enjoy a bbq lunch at the picnic area amidst towering rock formations, cactus & endless Joshua trees. Read this travel guide to discover one of the top things to do and places to go in Joshua Tree on your next SoCal weekend road trip from Los Angeles.