Willow Hole Trail in Joshua Tree National Park

The Willow Hole hike begins at Boy Scout trailhead and winds past and through the Wonderland of Rocks to a marshy stand of willows.

The trail is flat, but with little shade so be sure to bring lots of water! As you leave the parking lot you'll enter an expansive stand of Joshua Trees that grows denser as you go. Each one is shaped a bit different, the whimsical bends and tufts at the top are Dr. Suess-like and make for a surreal background in photos.

At first the Wonderland of Rocks looms in the distance, but eventually you make your way right up to it and meander between small canyons formed by the rocks. You might even see some climbers ascending them.

On the last mile, just as you're feeling a bit exhausted (and hopefully re-applying sunscreen) in the baking sun, you'll enter these small canyons and wind your way to your destination - a small stand of willows and a tiny pond (might be dried up depending on the season). The shade of the willows is a great place to take a break and have a snack!

Be sure to keep an eye out for cacti in bloom if you're there in spring!