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 part two of my journey on this remaining 37 mile piece of the CRHT trail. This trail helped eventually led to the creation of the now world famous Pacific Crest Trail. Let’s head to Joshua Tree National Park and part two of this series continues as we go to the California Riding and Hiking Trail. If you missed part one and want to read that FIRST, click HERE!
The final 18.5 miles of the California Riding and Hiking Trail I did began at Ryan Campground. This trail goes West to East across Joshua Tree National Park. I picked up where I left off the previous Sunday to do the 38 miles in two sections. This portion of the trail was much “easier” compared to Blackrock Canyon to Ryan Campground. It was primarily flat or descent and I averaged 3.5 miles an hour.
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. In fact I meant a fellow hiker who was doing a shakedown for his High Sierra Trail with a Mount Whitney Summit in May. We hiked about 15 miles together.
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 Ryan Campground to 29 Palms 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. 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 campgrounds and follows along a road for several miles. There’s a good water cache spot at Pinto Basin if you are backpacking and need to store water. There is no water along the trail.
4. The trail’s final 15 miles as you head to 29 Palms Northern Entrance is basically flat or on a descent. I found it to be comfortable and to hike quickly. The weather was PERFECT (65F, Sunny, No Wind) for hiking.
5. The California Riding and Hiking Trail is best completed from Black Rock Canyon to 29 Palms your first time. It’s definitely tougher going the other way if you want to have a larger push physically for yourself.
California Riding and Hiking Trail Resources!
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! I didn’t need to reference any of them on part two of this hike, but I did in part one. It’s always just nice to have along JUST IN CASE!
Why should you hike the California Riding and Hiking Trail?
This is a more unknown backpacking and mini thru-hike that can be done in the winter, spring, or autumn in Southern California. It’s also interesting that it’s the last intact piece remaining from what was the inspiration of the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a great way to experience Joshua Tree National Park in the wilderness while being on a well marked and easy to follow trail!
The California Riding and Hiking Trail is linked to an idea from almost a century ago that never saw its full vision come out. Even its name suggests an era in which more people rode horses than hiked. It’s well marked, beautiful, quiet, and in the wilderness. Before there was the PCT, we had the CRHT. And this is your last chance to experience it!
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