Hiking the Desert Maze: Window Rock & North View Loop | Joshua Tree National Park | Full Hike POV

Experience a full-length, real-time POV hike through Joshua Tree National Park on this 12.7 km (7.9-mile) desert loop. Beginning at the Park Boulevard trailhead just inside the west entrance, the route navigates open Joshua tree woodlands, towering monzogranite boulder formations, and high ridge trails overlooking the Morongo Basin. Minimal editing preserves the authentic pace and atmosphere of the full 2-hour, 53-minute trek, which includes 330 meters of cumulative elevation gain. The journey starts by heading southeast across flat desert plains toward the Maze Loop south access, then drops into a wide sandy wash before branching onto the Window Loop. Here, the trail weaves through narrow canyon corridors and massive granite rock piles with striking views of Window Rock. After reconnecting with the Maze Loop and completing a short spur, the path transitions to the North View Trail, climbing up to the route's high point at 1,326 meters (4,350 feet) for expansive desert panoramas before descending back to the trailhead. If you plan to hike this route in person, be prepared for remote conditions with zero shade and no natural water sources along the trail. Navigation requires attention as the trail tread becomes faint through the Maze section, where routes rely on rock cairns. Dogs are strictly prohibited on these trails. Recorded on October 18, 2024, as part of an autumn California hiking series. This video is part of a series documenting a California hiking trip in autumn 2024. This video is best viewed on high-resolution HDR displays. Producing such videos takes much effort. You can support this channel at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rubihammer and download the original music tracks at: https://rubihammer.bandcamp.com/ Video recording, hiking and traveling gear I use: Ultralight 4K Cinema Gear, For Hikes & Scenic Drive Video Recording (Amazon affiliate link): https://amzn.to/49FL2JK Immersive Audio & Field Recording for the Outdoors (Amazon affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3NISFq3 Ultralight Hike & Trail Run Essentials (Amazon affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4k6xZVi Technical Hiking and Trail Running Apparel (Amazon affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3LAuEkx Endurance Fuel & Trail Nutrition (Amazon affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4abmZCy Wilderness Tools & Road Trip Survival (Amazon affiliate link): ​​https://amzn.to/3ZwXCow DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links provided I may receive a small commission, but without any additional charge to you.