Quail Mountain Via Juniper Flats Trail

The Quail Mountain via Juniper Flats Trail is a longer, more strenuous route than many others found within Joshua Tree National Park. In terms of both distance and elevation fluctuation, the Juniper Flats Trail provides more of a physical challenge, and so it is not considered to be family-friendly. As the trail is a longer route within a desert environment, it is important that you ensure both your skills and equipment are sufficient before attempting. Likewise, water is scarce throughout the route, so make sure you bring enough with you.

From the trailhead, head northwest until you meet up with another trail named the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Once there, continue west. After a few miles of relatively flat terrain, the elevation will start to gradually increase before you arrive at a trail junction.

Having arrived at the previously mentioned trail junction, take the northern path on the Stubby Spring Trail. From here, the elevation will continue to increase, and the signage will become less frequent and clear. After a few miles, you will begin to approach Quail Mountain itself, and so you should follow the eastern saddle of the Mountain up towards the summit.

This stretch of the trail is steep,so care should be taken when attempting. After some physically strenuous hiking with a fair amount of elevation gain, the summit of Quail Mountain should be visible. With Quail Mountain summited, take in the incredible views before ascending down the western saddle and retracting your steps back towards the trailhead.