There is something undeniably magical about the desert after the sun goes down. The scorching daytime heat fades, the sky explodes with more stars than you can count, and the landscape transforms into a quiet, moonlit dream.
As you can see from our latest crew shoot, grabbing your friends, strapping on some headlamps, and throwing on your favorite cozy layers is the ultimate way to experience the Mojave. Night hiking is an unforgettable adventure, but it requires a bit of extra planning.
Here are three incredible night hiking trails in the Mojave Desert, plus the essential safety tips you need before you hit the trail.
3 Must-Do Mojave Desert Night Trails
1. Hidden Valley Nature Trail (Joshua Tree National Park)
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The Vibe: Easy, enclosed, and iconic.
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Why at night: This 1-mile loop is surrounded by massive rock formations that block out light pollution and wind. The silhouettes of the Joshua Trees against the Milky Way make for incredible photo ops. It’s a relatively flat and well-marked trail, making it perfect for night hiking beginners.
2. Kelso Dunes (Mojave National Preserve)
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The Vibe: Otherworldly and challenging.
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Why at night: Hiking sand dunes in the midday sun is exhausting and dangerous. Under a full moon, however, the cooling sand and glowing dunes create a surreal landscape. The hike to the top is about 3 miles round trip. If you go during a full moon, you might not even need your headlamp the whole time—just watch your step!
3. Saddleback Butte Trail (Saddleback Butte State Park)
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The Vibe: Panoramic stargazing.
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Why at night: Located on the western edge of the Mojave, this park is renowned for its dark skies. The hike to the peak is about 4 miles round trip and offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the desert floor. It’s an ideal spot for meteor shower viewing.
Night Hiking Safety: What to Watch Out For
The desert is beautiful at night, but it is still a wild environment. Keep these crucial safety tips in mind:
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The Temperature Drop: Deserts are notorious for extreme temperature swings. A 90-degree day can easily plunge into the 40s or 50s at night. Layer up! Start with a breathable base, and pack a cozy hoodie or sweatshirt (like the ones in our Tiny Lover collection) to throw on when the chill hits.
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Navigation Challenges: Everything looks different in the dark. Trails that are obvious during the day can become confusing at night. Always bring a reliable headlamp with extra batteries, and download GPS trail maps to your phone for offline use.
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Desert Wildlife: Nighttime is when the desert comes alive. Keep an ear out for coyotes, and always watch where you step or place your hands. Snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas are active after dark. Stay on the marked trails and avoid wandering into tall brush.
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Hydration: Just because the sun is down doesn't mean you can skip the water. You are still exerting energy in an arid climate. Bring just as much water as you would for a daytime hike.
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The Buddy System: Never night hike alone in the desert. Go with a group, stick together, and make sure someone back home knows exactly which trail you are hiking and when you plan to return.