Ryan Mountain

Mountain peak · Riverside County ·

Ryan Mountain

Mountain peak · Riverside County ·

Mountain hike with desert plants, stunning summit views, and stairs

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28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Guide to Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

"A challenging three-mile out-and-back with about 1,000 feet of gain and limited shade, this summit hike rewards with breathtaking panoramic views of the park; its parking lot also serves as one of Joshua Tree’s designated stargazing spots." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-joshua-tree-national-park-11858824

Ryan Mountain

Yongjin S.

Google

Highly recommend visiting Joshua Tree for 1 or 2 days. I was not a big fan of hiking, but my experience in Joshua Tree National Park changed my preference. I also recommend starting a hiking two hours before sunset. You may take a beautiful photo like me.

Nayely C.

Google

01/17/26

Chris B.

Google

Excellent and well maintained trail with great views the whole way up. There are a lot of stairs on this trail which was hard on my thighs coming down. 1100 ft. Of elevation gain so it's a workout. Really windy at the top in January. 30 to 40 mph which made it cold. Where layers.

Peter B.

Google

Excellent longer hike with some magnificent views. The parking area is very busy (as the entire park) so it took us time to get a spot. Overall, the trail is well maintained and easy to follow all the way to the top. Don’t get discouraged by the stairs, just keep hiking. It’s part of the experience!

youngsoo R.

Google

Walking up to the top is relatively easy. 360 view at the top will reward your effort. No vegetation taller than your knee along the track means there is no shade and you need to bring enough waters. A warning at the parking lot read " Don't die today"

rajat G.

Google

Awesome hike. 2 miles one side. Total 2 hrs to complete the loop.

Ryan I.

Google

Quick up and back trail to the highest point in Joshua Tree—about three miles roundtrip. Lots and lots of stonecut stairs. The final climb to the top is less strenuous and the breeze feels nice. The views from the top are amazing. My only criticism is with the other tourists who did not seem to understand trail etiquette. So: don't throw trash on the ground, let faster hikers pass you, and don't blare music on speakers while you hike.

Millie C.

Google

a pretty strenuous hike going up over 5000 feet. it’s 1.5 miles up and back. bring water and beware there is little shade. the view up top is stunning... and fun fact we actually got cell service for a bit up there. a great workout and the reward is worth it!

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Guide to Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-joshua-tree-national-park-11858824

Ryan Mountain

Yongjin S.

Google

Nayely C.

Google

01/17/26

Chris B.

Google

Peter B.

Google

youngsoo R.

Google

rajat G.

Google

Awesome hike. 2 miles one side. Total 2 hrs to complete the loop.

Ryan I.

Google

Millie C.

Google

Ryan Mountain

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Guide to Visiting Joshua Tree National Park

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Guide to Visiting Joshua Tree National Park