Split Rock Loop Trail

Good loop with chances for rock scrambling if so inclined. Nice for a short trail run.

Nice one, worth doing with the other small one around like discovery and skull rock, but it does get repetitive. Still, it gives a good feeling for what is around

The sight is similar to some other trais in this park. Many rocks with various shapes.

Enjoyed the elevation changes, dramatic rock formations with interesting spaces between, and variations in the trail’s composition (loose rock, sand, hard rock, etc.)

Did the "figure of 8" track that included Jumbo and Skull rock as well. Parked at Split Rock. The trail is well marked throughout and in very good condition. It's a popular area of the Park, so a fair number of people around. Lots of bouldering throughout if you want. Very few "weak areas/dull areas" - the campground mostly. Little bit of sandy wash walking, but not a lot. Nothing steep or "ledgy". Very strong JT rock features. Also a little desert rolling hills landscape walking. Definitely one of the better JT walks. My definite cut off regarding desert hiking is around 90 degrees ambient temp, unless there's some noticeable wind.

We did this an hour before sunset and it was delightfully empty. There were lots of beautiful rock formations, lush flora and distant landscapes to look at. I found it much more interesting than some of the other trails. It was long enough to be a satisfying workout and short enough to not be tiring.

There are some spots where the trail is not clearly marked. Just watch for other people and you will find your way. I had a knee injury when I went so it seemed a little bit more moderate than easy. There are a lot of interesting rock formations, but I’m still not sure which one is considered to be “split rock”.

This hike is really well marked, and good for footing. Really awesome rock formations to see and you can certainly scramble up some rocks for an even better view. I find the ratings on AllTrails difficult to decipher since there can be such variation within each category; I'd say this one is a little on the more difficult side of their Easy category and the park lists it as moderate. Overall great hike and would do it again for sure.

We were fortunate to do this hike in beautiful weather...comfortably in the 60's and a beautifully clear day. It is an easy trail to follow and do since there is very little elevation gain. RT for us was about 2.1 miles and it takes approximately 1-1.5 hrs to complete. We stopped quite a bit to take pictures and to watch some rock climbers do their thing. It also appeared there was a professional camera crew and some sort of show was being recorded and there was a trailer with a cool classic Mustang. We weren't sure exactly what/where the namesake Split Rock is though.

We did this with a 5 and 10 yr old kid as well as a senior. Very manageable hike with modest elevation change. Lots of opportunities for kids to climb up the rocks along the hike. It’s clearly marked. We added on a quick walk to face rock and it was a bit over 2 mi in total.

A hiker with a busted toe (me) visiting Joshua Tree is a form of cruel and unusual punishment. After making whatever iconic pit stops I could by car, the intense longing to get INTO the heart of the desert took over. I stubbornly decided to do a quicky "hike" and this guy was the winner. More glorified walk than hike (I did this in flip flops!), it still provides a nice intro to some of the unique rock formations and landscapes this park is known for (sans the Joshua Trees, which live on the other side of the park). I passed a couple families and agree this is the perfect trail for little ones with a budding adventurous spirit.

Really cool trail and fairly quiet

While a short trail, it took us double what it should because we were just stunned by the beauty. Incredible formations!! Went in November, so vegetation dormant - boulders that much more stunning. Highly recommend. Bring water, lots of blazing sun even in winter, makes the shaded spots extra rewarding.

Awesome morning hiking trail before having to work. Enjoyable for all skill levels great photo ops all along the trail. Lots of little critters scattering around. I spent a few minutes watching a jack rabbit which was cool. Not only are all the rocks amazing the vegetation is pretty cool to study.

Sun is intense even in the am. Remember to bring water. Even if you think it's only a couple miles. There are so many opportunities to get off trail and confused. You will want water.

Beautiful structures.

Great loop hike with lots of opportunities for off trail exploration!

Trail is not properly marked.

Very nice easy trail with some beautiful views

This is another great nature walk in Joshua Tree Park. Great views of geological features, especially the ‘dikes’ of different colored rocks, formed when hot lava is forcefully injected into cracks in older rocks, that make the rocks look as though they are wearing necklaces.

Though short and easy, this is one of the most vibrant trails in the park. Great views. Lots of plants. Two small slot canyons. And make sure to do the sidebar walk to ‘Face Rock.’ Facing the rock, it doesn’t look much like a face, but once you pass it and look back on it, it is the perfect profile of a human face.

I would give this four stars but it’s just too short. I wanted more.

Cool rock forms

This is a great trail that isn't on the park map (that I can remember). It shows as a picnic area. The trail meanders past some killer rock formations that have all sorts of character. It appears that there are "faces" and animals all over the place in these rock formations. I only picked up one piece of trash on the trail. Very clean, and a very cool hike!

Beautiful 2.2 mile hike in Joshua Tree National Park. Trail is easy and runs thru, open desert, beautiful rock formations and under some nicely shaded pines. There are tons of birds and lizards. Take the side trail to Face Rock, it's only about .2 miles off the main trail and it is totally worth the extra few minutes. Took my 8yr old son and he had a wonderful time.