Short Loop and Fault Line Trail

The Short Loop and Fault Line Trail is within the desert environment of Joshua Tree National Park, so it is important that you prepare yourself for the desert conditions before attempting. Make sure you bring enough water with you, and that you wear both sunscreen and a hat. We also recommend doing the hike either earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the midday heat.

Having arrived at the trailhead, take the California Riding and Hiking Trail south until you reach a junction in the trail. At the junction, continue south along the Black Rock Canyon Trail. With craggy terrain to your east, the route will incline in elevation steadily as it veers to the east. Continuing along the trail east, the elevation incline will become steeper as you reach a second junction within the trail.

At the junction, stay on Black Rock Canyon Trail by taking the eastern route. The trail will then veer sharply to the north and across a stream that may or may not have water in it, depending on the time of year. Once you have passed the stream, the elevation will begin to decline as the trail turns to the west. Follow the trail heading west all the way to the next junction, where taking the northern route will deliver you to the trailhead.