Warren Peak - 5.35 Miles Round-Trip

Warren Peak (5,103') is located 2.65 miles from Black Rock Canyon Campground in the Little San Bernadino Mountains of Joshua Tree National Park. These mountainous Pinyon-Juniper woodlands - which as recently as 10,000 years ago were prevalent throughout the Park - are now considered a 'Relic' landscape.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

Warmer and drier temperatures have forced their retreat into higher, more isolated elevation pockets, subsequently segmenting and reducing overall populations. Hikers will enjoy a transitional landscape, varied terrain and exceptional views from the summit:

The trail begins from Campsite #30 in the Black Rock Canyon Campground and heads south along an unmarked road-trail toward a large water tank.

At .17 miles the road-trail forks at the water tank: turn left and look immediately to the right for a small trail sign. Make a right at the sign onto singletrack, which rolls easily through dense scrub and Joshua Trees framed by nearby mountains and ridgelines.

It crosses a wash (.55 miles) and continues straight to the Warren Peak-Panorama Loop and Burnt Hill Trail split (.6 miles : 4,117'). Though easily read, the signs can be confusing: the wide wash right in front of you is Black Rock Canyon Wash, and the correct way to Warren Peak.

The wash-trail has few obstacles but moderately deep sand will likely challenge your pace. At .86 miles (4,190') a signpost steers you left though a bend in the wash toward PL-WP (Panorama Loop and Warren Peak, respectively). Simply follow this sign and stay in the wash to remain on course.

You'll come upon Black Rock Spring - identifiable by series of small puddles and damp spots in the wash - after 1.3 miles. Beyond this it narrows considerably and reaches the first of two marked connections with the Panorama Loop Trail at a well-defined fork in the canyon (1.6 miles : 4,420'). Continue south (straight) toward Warren Peak.

In this ecological transition zone note the emergence of pinyon, juniper and oak while Joshua Trees are infrequently seen. Look for wildflowers and blooming nolina and beavertail cactus in the late spring. Despite rugged surroundings, the wash itself continues with few impediments on a very steady grade.

The wash-trail reaches a second fork and connection with the Panorama Loop Trail (1.95 miles : 4,543'), beyond which the upper canyon opens with a better perspective on the high, rolling space through which you're traveling. The trail forks again at the Warren View spur (2.25 miles : 4,685'); bear right towards Warren Peak.

The final .4 miles are exceedingly steep and fairly rugged. The summit is a small, pointed rock pile with dramatic 360 views that include Eureka Peak (5,518') Mt San Jacinto (10,834'), Mt. San Gorgonio (11,499'), the Coachella Valley and towns of Palm Springs and Yucca Valley.