Boy Scout Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Boy Scout Trail
Joshua Tree National Park
The Boy Scout Trail spans an 8 mile transition zone between the high Mojave and low Mojave Desert, showcasing an extraordinary range of plants, cacti, trees and terrain along its path. The southern portion travels through an archetypal Joshua Tree forest, then edges higher into the lower reaches of a pinyon-juniper ecosystem. Moving north, the trail drops sharply into a rugged canyon, emerging in a broad plateau that hosts a variety of plants and succulents from the low Mojave and Colorado deserts. Observant hikers will note how even subtle elevation changes bring forth varying ecological compositions along each mile of this beautiful trail.
| Related Trails: | Boy Scout Trail |
Joshua Trees are prevalent at the southern end of the Boy Scout Trail
Mt. San Gorgonio seen from the south terminus
A bee relishes this blooming Desert Willow
Jackrabbits are common throughout Joshua Tree and a familiar sight on the Boy Scout Trail
The Boy Scout Trail descends sharply into a rugged, narrow canyon
Mojave Zebra-Tailed Lizards inhabit open sandy flats, washes and alluvial fans
Heading into the high mojave desert on the Boy Scout Trail
Mesquite, pinyon and oak flourish in these higher elevations
Beaver Tail Cactus are common along the Boy Scout Trail
A hiker reaches the canyon floor and heads north down the slot
A Beaver Tail Cactus in full bloom
A Western Tanger rests on the limbs of a creosote bush
A jackrabbit grooms itself along the trail
Mojave yucca dominates areas of the Boy Scout Trail
Cactus grow directly out of the Joshua Tree rock
An indistinguishable trail negotiates steep terrain en route to the canyon floor
Despite harsh dry landscapes, a variety of flora flourishes within the Joshua Tree biotic communities
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