Exploring Panorama Loop and Warren Peak in Joshua Tree: A Hiker's Guide
Venture off the beaten path in Joshua Tree National Park with the thrilling Panorama Loop and Warren 'Peak' hike. This trail takes you far away from the tourist throngs, immersing you in genuine Joshua Tree terrain. Expect to encounter lush groves of Joshua Trees, scenic foothill climbs, and breathtaking panoramic vistas. Moreover, you'll conquer the park's most far-flung vantage point above 5000 feet – but don't believe the name, this so-called 'Warren Peak' is far from what you might anticipate.
Locating the Panorama Loop Trailhead
The hike kicks off in the western domain of Joshua Tree National Park, shunning the crowded tourist hubs in the park's center. Navigate to: Black Rock Canyon Campground, 9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
There's no entrance gate to Joshua Tree NP at this location. Lay your National Parks pass on your dashboard.
Essential Gear for the Expedition
This trail is standard Joshua Tree fare, and the sweltering summer months may demand early morning or late evening hikes to prevent heatstroke. The sandy terrain may require extra effort, and the steep Warren 'Peak' slopes warrant trekking poles for support.
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Pro Tips:- Osprey Hikelite 26 – lightweight, robust, and sports a trampoline mesh to keep your back dry.- Norda 001 – a lightweight marvel, combining monster truck-like durability with plush comfort for your feet.- Garmin inReach Mini 2 – offers 100% reliable SOS coverage when venturing off the beaten path.- AllTrails Plus – gain 30% off, accessing up-to-date trip reports and offering offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.- Garmin Fenix 8 – power-packed with maps, tracking, and routing capabilities.
Explore the gear I endorse, and the reasons behind my picks, on my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025).
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
Panorama Loop Trail Maps
Trail Map
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
View Hike on CalTopoDownload the GPX File
Elevation Profile
AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
3D Map
Panorama Loop & Warren 'Peak' Hike Instructions
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
Looking for an invigorating backpacking adventure in Joshua Tree NP? The California Riding & Hiking Trail (CRHT) is a thru-hike that can be completed in 2-3 days. Find my comprehensive guide here.
Contrary to popular belief, the so-called 'Warren Peak' isn't officially recognized as such by the Parks Service. Upon closer examination, it appears as a survey marker 'with checked spot elevation,' and 'Warren' is listed near it on official USGS Topographic maps. The elevation benchmark dates back to 1939, appearing on the map for the first time in 1955. However, the word 'Warren' doesn't appear on maps until 1972, leading some hikers to call it 'Warren Point.'
After admiring Warren 'Peak,' retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
- To start the Panorama Loop and Warren 'Peak' hike, navigate to Black Rock Canyon Campground, located at 9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284.
- For this standard Joshua Tree hike, essential gear includes trekking poles for the steep Warren 'Peak' slopes, the Osprey Hikelite 26 daypack, and the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for reliable SOS coverage.
- Gain 30% off AllTrails Plus for up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync, and consider the Norda 001 footwear for durability and comfort, and the Garmin Fenix 8 for mapping, tracking, and routing capabilities.
- Download the GPX file of the Panorama Loop trail, explore the trail map using the Garmin inReach Mini 2, and view the trail's elevation profile and 3D map to plan your hike effectively.
- If you're seeking a backpacking adventure in Joshua Tree NP, explore the California Riding & Hiking Trail (CRHT) completed in 2-3 days by following my comprehensive guide linked above. Though not officially recognized, the so-called 'Warren Peak' is a popular point along the trail, with its history tracing back to a survey marker from 1939.
