Panorama Loop - 6.25 Miles Round-Trip

The Panorama Loop ventures into the high Mojave Desert where Joshua Tree flats and open valleys give way to mountainous Pinyon-Juniper woodlands. These woodlands - which as recently as 10,000 years ago were prevalent across the Park - are now considered a 'Relic' landscape.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

Warmer and drier temperatures have forced their retreat into higher, more isolated elevation pockets, subsequently segmenting and reducing overall populations. Hikers will enjoy terrific views and varied terrain on the Panorama Loop Trail:

The trail begins from Campsite #30 in the Black Rock Canyon Campground and heads south on an unmarked road-trail towards a large water tank.

In .17 miles the road-trail forks at the water tank: turn left and look immediately to the right for a small trail sign. Make a right at the sign on what is now a typical hiking trail.

The trail moves easily through a Joshua Tree forest framed by nearby mountains and ridges. It crosses a wash (.55 miles) and continues straight to the Warren Peak-Panorama Loop and Burnt Hill Trail junction (.6 miles : 4,117'). Though easy to see, the signs themselves are positioned in a peculiar manner.

Look due south - the wide sandy wash before you is Black Rock Canyon Wash, and the correct path for reaching the Panorama Loop.

The wash-trail has few obstacles but moderately deep sand may slow your pace. In .86 miles (4,190') a signpost steers you left though a bend in the wash toward PL-WP (Panorama Loop and Warren Peak, respectively). Follow this sign and stay in the wash.

You'll come upon Black Rock Spring - identifiable by small puddles and damp spots in the wash - in 1.3 miles. Beyond this it narrows considerably and reaches the first of two marked connections with the Panorama Loop Trail at a well-defined fork in the canyon (1.6 miles : 4,420').

Only those seeking the most direct path to Warren Peak must bear right; otherwise the loop can be traveled in either direction with nominal difference in navigation or physical difficulty.

Morning travelers may prefer a clockwise loop for more advantageous lighting. The following description travels clockwise:

From the split, bear left and continue up a narrow canyon wash. This higher, wetter portion of desert supports transitional vegetation from the Joshua Tree and Pinyon-Juniper forests. Travel is fairly quick despite rugged rugged surroundings

At 2.6 miles the trail edges above the wash and begins a steep climb out of the canyon to a narrow ridge. The trail reaches its highest point on a jagged ridge (2.95 miles : 5,154') with views of the Little San Bernadino Mountains, Warren Peak (5,103'), Eureka Peak (5,518') and Mount San Jacinto (10,834').

The Pinyon-Juniper woodlands of these higher elevations bear little resemblance to the Joshua Tree-filled central valleys and creosote-dominated eastern deserts of the Park.

After a brief respite the trail drops steadily on the loop's SW side; several spurs veer off to good views (particularly the one bearing left at 3.25 miles : 5,030', just past a trail marking).

The trail narrows into a shallow side canyon, reaching its second connection with the Black Rock Canyon Wash (4.25 miles : 4,573'). Make a right at this well-marked signpost and retrace your steps down Black Rock Canyon Wash to the trailhead.