Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Joshua Tree

Howdy Y'all! So, we are coming out your way tot eh Rose Bowl later this week. We will likely be passing right by Joshua Tree, which I've never visited. I do have a trail guide. But if there's one trail you all would recommend, preferably to some sort of high point and not involving a lot of time, what would it be? Many thanks!

Joshua Tree is pretty everywhere. Much of it can be seen by car, but to truly experience it you must get out and walk.
Ryan Mountain fits your criteria, high point and not too long. The trail is easy to follow.
There are dozens of other short hikes that are nice, Barker Dam Loop, Hidden Valley and many others.
If you are driving west on the 10 freeway enter at Cottonwood Springs Road and drive north and return via Highway 62.

Thanks. And what about Inspiration Peak--can we get the same views of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio (weather permitting) as Ryan?

Tons of stuff to do out there. Try driving up to Keys View for the great views of the Coachella Valley, San J and San G. Kind of 'touristy', but a great viewpoint if its your first time in JTNP. Ryan Peak is near the turn off from teh main road up to Keys View. Coming back down the road you can turn off for the Lost Horse Mine loop hike and a scramble up Lost Horse Peak. Inspiration Peak is also in the area, too. Also stop at the main visitor center on the north side of the park. Pretty cool overview of the park.

It's all pretty. Inspiration Peak will heve a better view of San Jacinto and the valley, the start is at Keys View and you can see this same view from Keys View.
If it was me and I had enough time I would climb Ryan's Mountain and drive to Keys view (like Phydeux says).
Leave some time to random stop and climb a boulder or two, away from the popular places.

You won't go wrong if you like desert.

I also like the Palm Oasis (or is it called Hidden Palms?) trail out of Cottonwood Springs at the south side of the Park. It's the most convenient trail if you're coming west on I-10. The round trip mileage is a little less than 8 miles. You can add a mile total distance and get a high viewpoint if you do the Mastodon Peak spur.