Visiting Arch Rock at Joshua Tree National Park

Matt Tannenbaum
7 hours ago
2 min read

Updated: 15 minutes ago

Arch Rock is one of Joshua Tree National Park’s most photogenic formations. The granite arch rock is tucked away among a massive cluster of granite boulders near White Tank Campground. This is one of the many places you must visit when planning your trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Check out my Complete Guide to Joshua Tree before planning your trip.

The Arch Rock hike is short, family-friendly, and perfect day or night. The best time to visit is golden hour or after the sun sets for some of the best dark sky conditions.

How to Get to Arch Rock (Step-by-Step)

Which entrance to use: For the shortest approach, enter via the North Entrance (Twentynine Palms).

The fastest way is to go to the White Tank Campground but parking here is limitted to campground reservations. If you aren't camping here, follow directions to the Arch Rock Nature Trail. Park in the parking lot and walk about 0.6 miles across open desert to find the Arch Rock and other fun and unique rock formations in this area. (Note: Cell Service is non-existent in the park so be sure to map it before you get in to the park or download an offline map).

What to See & Do at Arch Rock (Daytime)

The Arch (primary photo spot): Frame the curve of the arch against pastel skies at sunrise or sunset, or stay for the night star filled sky. You can climb up on to the arch with minimal maneuvering.
Granite playground: Explore the surrounding boulder garden for abstract shapes and natural “windows.” There is a fun little pathway with that will take you through a picture perfect wall of rocks.
Short add-ons nearby: Skull Rock area (along Park Blvd) and the Cholla Cactus Garden are great places to visit and close by. Cholla Cactus Garden is best seen at golden hour for sunrise or sunet when the light illuminates the cacti.

Arch Rock After Dark (Night & Milky Way)

Joshua Tree’s dark skies make Arch Rock a favorite for astrophotographers. Unfortuantely there are plane pathways flying to San Diego and LAX so you may get some unwanted light trails from the planes but the sky's are some of the darkest and the arch is facing away from the big city and light pollution.

Timing: Aim for moonless nights for the best conditions and darkest skies.
What to Bring: Use red headlamps, avoid shining bright lights, and watch footing on granite slabs. The park is open all night, but camp only in designated campgrounds.
Compositions: Be sure to bring a wide-angle lens and a tripod to capture the night sky.
When to Come: Plan a trip in Spring or Summer to capture the Milky Way in frame. Days are hot but the evenings and nights can be comfortable in August - September.

Parked at White Tank Campground