Starting at the Black Rock Trailhead, just inside the Black Rock campground, the trail leads uphill on a gradual incline from Black Rock to Covington Flats, climbing from an elevation of 3980 feet to 4825 feet. It is of moderate difficulty and on foot, takes about 3-5 hours--it is approximately 7.6 miles oneway. You will pass through pinyon pine, juniper and Joshua tree studded hills that overlook Yucca Valley. This gives way to a sandy wash surrounded by large hills. You will end up at Covington Flats.

The next section of the hike is from Covington Flats to Juniper Flats, approximately 11.3 miles oneway. This next section is moderately strenuous but goes through the greatest variety of terrain, vegetation and scenic views. The Joshua trees here are very large. You will see Joshua Tree, pinyon pine, juniper and Jojoba against the backdrop of Mt. San Gorgonio. Further into the hike you will also see views of the Salton Sea. This is a good area to spot the Bighorn Sheep. Towards the end of this leg you will travel through a juniper forest. This section takes about 5-7 hours on foot, the last part being all down hill to Keys View Road.

From Keys View Road to Geology Tour Road you will travel a moderate route between Ryan and Lost Horse mountains, over a mountain pass, through Lost Horse Valley and into Queen Valley. You will see remnants of a mining camp where rich deposits of gold were once found. From the ruins you will travel to Geology Tour Road, approximately 6.6 miles one way, taking about 3-4 hours.

The next section takes you to views of some of the most rugged mountains but is the easiest and shortest section of the hike. From Geology Tour Road to Twin tanks Trailhead, it is approximately 4.5 miles oneway, mostly downhill and takes about 2-3 hours. You will travel across Queen Valley, passing large rock formations, and into an open valley where you will see the Pinto Basin and the Coxcomb Mountains. The Pinto Basin is a 200 square foot basin of pristine wilderness bordered by the distinct rugged peaks of the Coxcomb Mountain Range--a haven for the shy Bighorn Sheep.

From Pinto Basin Road to the North entrance of the park, is again an easy, downhill hike--taking about 3-4 hours to complete the 7.3 (one way) miles left. You will travel along the base of Belle Mountain through large rock piles. You will pass Bull’s Eye Rock, which looks like a calf’s head, from the right angle, and has a perfectly round hole through the rock. This section is a designated mountain bike trail, but recommended for expert bikers only.