There was once a vision to create a 3,000 mile loop trail around the state of California shortly after World War II. After a few decades the plans get shifted to the PCT and most of what the Civilian Conservation Corps had built was transformed into other parks, trails, or neighborhoods. But you can still do a backpacking trip/mini thru-hike on the now defunct California Riding and Hiking Trail. (Back in the 1940s horseback riding was more popular than hiking). In this article I share my journey on this remaining 37 mile piece of the CRHT trail that eventually led to the creation of the now world famous Pacific Crest Trail. Let’s head to Joshua Tree National Park and part one of this two part series we go to the California Riding and Hiking Trail.
The California Riding and Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree National Park remains intact due to the fact Joshua Tree was protected land when it was built. This trail goes West to East or East to West across the wilderness of Joshua Tree. It’s well marked, has water cache spots, dispersed and paid public campgrounds, and even view of the Salton Sea and Mexico. If you are looking to do a “mini thru-hike” this is an outstanding shakedown trek, or just a fun yet short adventure in the desert wilderness.
Dogs are welcome at the Joshua Tree campgrounds and dirt roads but not on the trails just fyi! So you’ll have to leave your pup at home for this adventure. (Or there is a doggie daycare/boarding facility right outside of the entrance.)
It’s a privilege to go hiking on public lands. Especially while you are taking a trip, on vacation, or on a holiday somewhere you don’t live. Giving love and respect to the culture is vital and while we are at it…Leave No Trace and Pack Your 10 Essentials :)!
California Riding and Hiking Trail Need To Know’s.
1. You’ll need a wilderness permit and to register before going into the backcountry in Joshua Tree. The photos above show all of the different backcountry sites and how they are labeled.
2. You can also do this in parts as day hikes. For instance I hiked from Blackrock Canyon to Ryan Campground (20 miles) and then from Ryan Campground a week later to the North Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park (17 miles.) I did this while living in the area so I was able to get picked up and dropped off, if not you’ll need to stage cars.
3. The trail passes through dispersed and public campgrounds. Water is the biggest issue on this trail and I saw water cache storage being done by backpackers at Covington Flats.
4. The trail gains less elevation by starting at Blackrock Canyon and heading to the North Entrance. Rather than going from the North Entrance to Blackrock Canyon.
5. The California Riding and Hiking Trail is best completed between October and May. Doing this hike during the desert summer would be ill advised in my opinion.
California Riding and Hiking Trail Details, Part One!
I broke the 37 mile hike into two long day hikes. I hiked from Blackrock Canyon to Ryan Campground, totaling 20.2 miles and about 1,700 feet in elevation gain. High winds were probably my toughest obstacle in terms of weather and nature playing its role.
While there are super long stretches with flat terrain there’s also some steeper portions, soft sand that will have you working harder than you think you would, and stunning views of everything from the Salton Sea to Joshua Tree and Cholla groves to a mountain in Mexicali.
There is no water on this trail so make sure you bring all you can and cache water as necessary. Covington Flats and Ryan Campground would be two good spots to cache water at it.
The trail is fairly easy to follow. Keep an eye out for markers when the trail spurs off to other wilderness trails. There are several of them, the Hiking Guy was a HUGE HELP for this. I took a dozen screenshots or so of his trail spur arrow markings. He did an incredible job of explaining how to hike this trail with confidence and ease when it comes to navigational purposes!
Why should you hike the California Riding and Hiking Trail?
This is a super interesting trail origin and one that continues to give a true desert wilderness experience. When California originally came up with a plan to create this 1,000 mile trail it completed this 37 mile section (amongst hundreds of other miles in the 1950s and 1960s.) Even the name itself (making Riding more paramount than Hiking) shows its age and history. Even though it was never completed and most of it rolled into other trails or completely leveled, it spurred such trails as the Pacific Crest.
Beyond the backstory it’s an excellent one to three day thru-hike. In one of the most beautiful Nationals Parks in the US. The trail is well marked overall. There are places to camp, stunning views, and an offering to hike during a timeframe that some of the bigger thru-hikes are closed down.
Highlights for me include a stunning sunrise, views of San Jacinto and the Salton Sea, and four other backpackers. To eat I enjoyed a windy sandy curry for lunch while hiding behind a Creosote bush!
This is a wonderful alternative to more popular and crowded hikes in this area of California. For those that love the Mojave and Colorado deserts this is a great trail.
Joshua Tree National Park was a National Monument first. This monument status is the reason the California Riding and Hiking Trail still exists. It’s a random desert backcountry trail. It was linked to an idea from almost a century ago that never saw its full vision come out. And for that reason alone, it might be worth trekking on for a day or three.
Thanks for reading and supporting Happy People Hike, comment below with any questions. If you are planning a hiking or road trip to Joshua Tree National Park in California we can help!
Happy Hiking,
Mike R