Skull Rock Nature Loop - 1.8 Miles Round-Trip

The Skull Rock Nature Loop passes through a maze of spectacular rock formations and luxuriant washes. Rock in this area began as liquid molten deep below the earth's surface. Continuously heated by movements in the Earth's crust, this molten oozed upward and cooled while still below the surface. Subsequent surface layer erosion exposed the rock, a form of granite called Monzogranite.

Exposed monzogranite typically displays horizontal and vertical joints, created by the erosion of overlying rock layers (horizontal) and through contact with adjacent rock (vertical). Wind and percolating water act upon these nascent fractures and exaggerate joints over time.

Large rock clusters funnel and trap rain, creating micro-climates with uncommon biodiversity. The Skull Rock - Jumbo Rocks area hosts vegetation from the high, mid and low Mojave deserts, including Joshua Tree, Mojave yucca, juniper, pinyon, oak, nolina, paperbag bush, creosote, jojoba, various cholla and cacti. Snakes, chuckwalla, jackrabbits, wood rats, coyote, bobcat, and even great horned owls are drawn to its rich and varied food sources.

The loop can be started from several points along Park Boulevard and within the Jumbo Rocks Campground. The following description begins at the east Park Boulevard roadside parking area and travels counter-clockwise:

The trail climbs a small hill and enters a narrow slot between massive rock formations. An easy scramble around two boulders leads through the slot and spills into a wide wash. The trail - fairly well marked but easily absorbed by an indistinguishable landscape - twists up a high ridge with useful perspective and remarkable northeasterly panoramas (.5 miles : 4,418'). Remain navigationally vigilant, as many social trails stray from the main. The trail undulates ruggedly back down and crosses the road into Jumbo Rocks Campground (.8 miles : 4,415').

Follow the main road artery through the campground to a sign marking the resumption of the trail (1.25 miles : 4,353'). It climbs once more with interpretive signs explaining key geological features, plants and wildlife. The trail levels over monzogranite rock slabs and wraps around the base of surreal formations before dropping abruptly into a narrow, brushy wash (1.65 miles). Up and to your right is eponymous Skull Rock (1.75 miles), its namesake eerily evident. Continue through the wash to Park Boulevard to complete the loop.