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Boy Scout Trail

Backpacking2 days14.2 mi (round-trip)
Upcoming
Advance release
today, 2 PM
Trips starting Mar 7, 2026
Best time
Book now

Itinerary

Boy Scout Trailhead
7.1 mi • 200 ft gain
Boy Scout Site 1-5
7.1 mi • 1,200 ft gain
Boy Scout Trailhead
Driving directions

How to get a permit

This trip requires a Joshua Tree National Park Wilderness Backpacking Permit. Reservations depend on your start date:

Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug

Trips starting between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026

Permits required. Quota in effect.
1st option

Online reservations

Closes day of
Book
Get notified when we find cancellations
Release
6 months ahead at 7 AM PT
2nd option

In-person reservations

Opens day of
Unclaimed permits only

Permit details

Here is how to fill out the Joshua Tree National Park Wilderness Backpacking Permit application:

Entry PointBoy Scout Trail (Key West)
Exit PointBoy Scout Trail (Key West)

Select a start date

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