Cap Rock and Gram Parsons Nature Trail

Depending on the time of year, the Cap Rock and Gram Parsons Nature Trail can get rather busy as it is an easily accessible and fairly short hike. Therefore, those seeking a more secluded hiking experience should consider passing over the Cap Rock and Gram Parsons Nature Trail in favor of a longer, less accessible route within Joshua Tree National Park.

After leaving your vehicle in the parking lot, the trail can be found on the eastern side of the lot. The trail is a circuit, and can be completed in either direction, but we recommend going clockwise to limit congestion on the trail.

Once on the trail, it will first bring you northward and around, with nice views of the spectacular Cap Rock in the center of the trail. If you want, use this opportunity to take some photos. After the trail loops around Cap Rock, it continues south, where it again loops around another hill with more picturesque rock formations. Having completed the circuit around the second hill, the trail will return you to the parking lot, where your car awaits.