Every Trail Tells a Story
Rattlesnake Canyon
A seasonal creek and waterfalls in the middle of the desert – always a surprise.
Boulder scrambling and hidden pools that feel worlds away from the highway.
A canyon with a name that sounds far scarier than the hike itself.
Considering this part of JT is so dry, it’s surprising to discover a (seasonal) little creek tumbling over the boulder-strewn Rattlesnake Canyon. A half-mile from the mouth of the canyon is a small waterfall, where the creek tumbles over the polished rocks. Tiny cascades and lovely pools complete the attractive scene.
Now, about that name: Rattlesnake Canyon. Honestly, just about every canyon in the desert could be named Rattlesnake. Odds are, at some point, someone saw a snake there – or at least claimed to. Truth is, I’ve been hiking another Rattlesnake Canyon near my home in Santa Barbara for over 40 years, and I still haven’t spotted one. Maybe they’re all hanging out in this Joshua Tree namesake, snickering at us from the rocks. Probably just about every desert canyon could be named Rattlesnake!
What you’re more likely to see here is water trickling after winter storms, lizards basking on sun-warmed granite, and the occasional daredevil scrambling up polished slabs toward hidden pools. The canyon has long been a favorite spot for local rock climbers, who treat the granite boulders as a natural playground.
Rattlesnake Canyon is also one of those hikes that manages to be both intimate and dramatic at the same time: intimate in its shady alcoves and pools, dramatic in the towering rock walls framing the little stream. Snake sighting or not, it’s worth a wander.
From Yucca Valley, drive east on Highway 62 for 14 miles to Indian Cove Road. Turn south (right), proceed a mile to the ranger station, then 3.3 more miles to the picnic area and unsigned trail at road’s end.
Walk east into the creekbed of Rattlesnake Canyon. Head south (up-canyon) dodging creosote bush and yucca and working your way around boulders to the base of the falls.