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Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park: Coxcomb Mountains

This 12.4-mile dayhike or overnighter hits the park's lesser-traveled northeast tip, linking cactus lands to unnamed peaks. Good navigation skills required.

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Mapped by Peter Rives

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 10.0

Waypoints

CMT001

Location: 34.0951347351074, -115.420799255371

Head S from backcountry billboard. Note: Pack at least 100 oz. of water for this day trip, more for an overnight

CMT002

Location: 34.0849685668945, -115.421890258789

Terrain remains relatively flat; jackrabbits bounce through low-lying creosote bushes

CMT003

Location: 34.0711250305176, -115.425399780273

Begin to bear L toward the bone-dry ridgelines of the Coxcombs; see spidery ocotillo and cholla cacti

CMT004

Location: 34.0616493225098, -115.419746398926

Nice spot for camp (self-registered permit required)

CMT005

Location: 34.0525436401367, -115.41088104248

Hike SE, following wide, sandy wash

CMT006

Location: 34.0451507568359, -115.400169372559

Scan canyon walls for tell-all scuffs and gouges from past floods

CMT007

Location: 34.0412902832031, -115.394409179688

Trail fades out, heading SE into small gap; start short but tough lollipop loop

CMT008

Location: 34.0348320007324, -115.386497497559

Turn R, hiking WSW. This unmarked trail fades in and out as it scrambles over boulders (hardest section is rated Class II-III)

CMT009

Location: 34.0351982116699, -115.394813537598

Small saddle. Good break spot. Take in sky-high desert views, and the N-to-S-running canyon forming the craggy Inner Basin. Head N down steep gully to close loop

CMT010

Location: 34.0402183532715, -115.395652770996

Don’t miss: General Peorge Patton used this bunker to train troops. Return to WPT 7 and retrace route to car

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

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