Skull Rock Loop is a 1.7 mi loop with 160 ft of climbing — about 40m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 5. About 10% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.
Underfoot & overhead boulder loop past the namesake rock
1.7 mi and 160 ft of climbing work out to 40m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
Get the summer refuel plan →NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out
In July, Joshua Tree National Park runs around 106°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.
105°F · Sunny · wind 10 mph
NOAA forecast for Joshua Tree National Park — not for this trailhead specificallySome third-party hiking apps are providing inaccurate trail and safety information to users. Please use the official NPS app for accurate information.
Live NPS alert for Joshua Tree National Park · sourceThe 49 Palms trail along with some campgrounds, facilities, and areas have adjusted availability during the summer. For the full list of changes, please visit our Summer Closures page.
Live NPS alert for Joshua Tree National Park · sourceAbout 40m of moving time for 1.7 mi and 160 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.
Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.3–0.6 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
No — Skull Rock Loop is closed to dogs. Our Joshua Tree National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.
We rate it comfortable from age 5. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.
About 10% of the route is shaded, and Joshua Tree National Park peaks around 106°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.