The Maze Loop

This hilly up-and-down 6.4-mile moderate/advanced trail passes through a boulder-strewn landscape beginning at an elevation of 4000 feet, and offers a variety of scenic attractions. We begin on the North View trail through a series of ridges and canyons with panoramic vistas of the Morongo Basin to the north and Park highlands to the interior.  In the middle of our hike, the Maze Loop winds through narrow passages among large boulder piles and impressive rock formations.  The highlight of the last third of our hike will be Window Rock, a rare see-through arch shaped like a Thunderbird high in a prominent peak. The final stretch is a level trail that continues across a wash in front of the Window Rock, reconnects to the Maze Loop, and passes through high desert covered with Joshua trees, then back to our starting point.

Note: The trail head parking is 1.2 miles from the West Entrance pay booth of JTNP.

Parking along the east side of Park Blvd. at the trailhead is allowed if the 6-car parking lot is full.

Bring 2 liters of water, lunch, snacks, a windbreaker, hiking poles, and National Park Pass if you have one.

Carpool Fee $10

  • Distance 6.4 mile
  • Elevation gain 900' overall gain
  • Pace Moderate
Date
Mar 30 2026
Expired!
Time
7:45 am - 1:30 pm
Labels
Moderate pace,
Moderate/Advanced
Location
Joshua Tree National Park
West Park Ave entrance
Organizer
Linda Biewer
Linda Biewer
Phone 847.338.9212
Email [email protected]
Other Organizers
Jim Biewer
Jim Biewer
Phone 847.338.9215
Email [email protected]