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Warren Peak
Joshua Tree National Park, California
February 3, 2025
Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 363 m (1191 ft)
Dinah and I kicked off our two-week Palm Springs vacation by hiking Warren Peak. The peak is situated in the northwest corner of Joshua Tree Park where a park pass isn't required. The area is more lush than regions east, but lacks the fantastic boulders that draw throngs of visitors.
Since we stopped at the visitor centre, we started our hike there. However, there are other places to reach Black Rock Canyon trail which accesses Warren Peak. From the visitor centre, we passed through the campground to the trail.
We followed the broad, sandy trail through the desert to a fork: left for Panorama Loop and right for Warren Peak. The two trails can be combined into one trip, but we only climbed the peak. We kept right and followed the trail through Black Rock Canyon.
After the canyon, and after going around the east end of the ridge leading to Warren Peak, the trail turns right and heads toward the peak. As we hiked up the trail, we marvelled at the Joshua trees. They appeared healthier and fuller than ones we've seen elsewhere.
The trail ascends gradually, but after turning right, it steepens to reach a saddle. After the saddle, we followed a narrow trail to the summit. While far from the highest peak in the park, Warren offers a good trail and fine summit views in an area less frequented. After spending several minutes on top, we started back down. Instead of retracing our steps all the way back, we left Black Rock Canyon trail to take West Side Loop trail to the campground.
Going down to Black Rock Canyon trail
On Black Rock Canyon trail passing the trail to Eureka Peak
Warren Peak appears in the centre
The trail runs around the left end of the ridge ahead
Panorama Loop is left, Warren Peak right
Black Rock Canyon
Unusual rock in the canyon
Parry's nolina looks similar but is not related to Mojave yucca
After the canyon, Warren Peak appears ahead
Galls on scrub oak are caused by insects, bacteria, fungi, or nematodes
The trail ascends the saddle on the right
The Joshua trees had more leaves and branches than we've seen elsewhere (mouse over to view backside)
Looking back as we started up the pass
On the ridge, heading to the summit
We had far-ranging views
Looking back just before reaching the summit
A sign lies next to the summit register
On the summit. Behind, left is Mount San Jacinto.
Yucca Valley South (5.9 mi, 5095 ft, 1155 ft)