Keys View Loop, Joshua Tree National Park

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
12/28/2017	miles

Map: National Geographic Joshua Tree Map
Guide book: Hiking Joshua Tree National Park, a Falcon Guide
Directions: Hike #15 in guide book, Keys View Loop/Inspiration Point

After hiking Lost Horse Mine Loop, we planned to do the 3 mile hike up Ryan Mountain. I think Ryan Mountain is the most popular hike in the park. Arriving at the parking lot mid-day didn't work. The parking lot was full. The park seems to be pretty popular this week due to the holiday. We came to see that parking really early in the morning worked well. Parking in the afternoon was often frustrating.

So, we decided to try Keys View Loop & Inspiration Point. That parking was a little frustrating as well, but luckily most people don't stay very long so parking spaces eventually free up. Though when we left, we saw a line of around 50 cars on the road waiting for parking spaces to free up. Just yikes. We first set out to do the Keys View Loop. This is just a tiny paved loop with a view. Takes around 3 minutes to walk. We went up and read all the signs - the ones about pollution/haze from L.A. were interesting. We could also see a mountain which is on the California / Mexico border. We didn't see a wall ;) We sat down, had some snacks and just enjoyed the view, but didn't stay long as it was crowded.

We were interested in doing Inspiration Point. It was unclear if this was allowed. There is no sign for the trail. It's a rather faint herd path. And quite close to it there was a sign saying to keep off because it was a restoration area. So, we were unclear if it was okay to do the hike. We did see 2 boys going up, but everyone else parked there just does the Keys View Loop. I think Inspiration Point would have been a lot nicer (its a climb, but at least you wouldn't be surrounded by people).

Next up.....Cap Rock and Skull Rock.

A line of cars just sitting on the road waiting for parking to free up....yuck