Beyond its 101-site campground, Indian Cove offers a 0.6-mile long interpretive trail, a picnic area, and plenty of rocks for climbers. The picnic area serves as the starting point for an unmaintained trail up Rattlesnake Canyon. The rock formations around Indian Cove are perfect for bouldering, rock hopping, and more serious climbing. Have some fun in the sun and burn some calories leaping and climbing up the mountain of sandstone boulders.
The nature trail is a, 0.6-mile loop with interpretive signs to help visitors identify the Yucca and other plants and animals. The large campground has over a hundred sites, each nestled among towering rocks. Check out the photos below to see the campground, surrounding trails, and wildflowers.
Like Fortynine Palms Oasis, Indian Cove is not accessible from Park Blvd. The cove, has its own access road off Route 62 between the cities of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. When other campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park are full, Indian Cove may still have available sites.
To get to the trailhead: From inside the park, exit the north entrance and make a left on Route 62. Drive 6.8 miles through the city of Twentynine Palms and turn south on Indian Cove Road. Take this for 3 miles past a ranger station to the campground. Turn right to get to the informational trail. Turn left to get to the picnic area and bouldering.
Trailhead address: Indian Cove Road, Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Trailhead coordinates: 34.09488, -116.1685 (34° 05′ 41.6″N 116° 10′ 06.6″W)
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Indian Cove Campground
Rattlesnake Canyon
Johnson Canyon
 | Fortynine Palms Oasis The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis. |
 | Warren Peak This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree. |
 | High View Nature Trail This 1 1/3-mile loop climbs a ridge on the west side of the park that offers views of San Gorgonio Mountain and Yucca Valley, along with an introduction to desert plants. |
 | Contact Mine This 3.9-mile hike ascends 700 feet up a wash, a canyon, and an old road to a mountainside mine site that offers a glimpse into the mining history of Joshua Tree. |
 | Desert Queen Mine This 1.6-mile hike follows a level trail to an overlook before crossing a canyon to visits the ruins of one the most profitable gold mines in the California desert. |
 | Lucky Boy Vista This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine. |
 | Wall Street Mill This level 1.55 to 2.15-mile hike visits a well-reserved gold mill, exploring the mining history of Joshua Tree National Park. |
 | Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks. |
 | Hidden Valley This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena. |
 | Ryan Mountain This 3-mile hike offers summit views from the center of Joshua Tree National Park. |
 | Inspiration Peak This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park. |
 | Lost Horse Mine This 4-mile hike visits a well-preserved mine and mill. |
 | Cholla Cactus Garden This quarter-mile loop allows visitors to stroll through an intense concentration of cholla cacti. |
 | Lost Palms Oasis This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park. |
 | Mastodon Peak This 2.6-mile loop visits a 3,400-foot summit with panoramic views of southeastern Joshua Tree. |
 | Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve. |
 | Joshua Tree Campgrounds Nine campgrounds with 500 total sites are spread throughout the park to facilitate your visit. |
 | Joshua Tree Wildflowers The desert in bloom is something any outdoor enthusiast in California should see. |
[…] are two short, formal hikes in Indian Cove. First, there is a short interpretive trail just out past the last group campsite in Indian Cove. Signs along the walk inform explorers about […]