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All the United States California Twentynine Palms Skull Rock
AO Edited

Skull Rock

An eerie natural formation that looks right back at you.

Twentynine Palms, California

Added By
Mike Walker
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Skull Rock really catches the light during golden hour.   Robb Hannawacker / CC BY 2.0
Skull Rock really catches the light during golden hour.   Robb Hannawacker / CC BY 2.0
The front of Skull Rock features some unusual markings.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
The Skull Rock trail features hundreds of shapely boulders.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
Well, that’s not ominous at all.   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The skull rock.   Yorkshire / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Standing on skull rock.   Yorkshire / Atlas Obscura User
  breaingram / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In the surreal landscape of Joshua Tree National Park, one rock stands out from the rest for its haunting appearance. Located just off the main park road, Skull Rock is known for its uncanny resemblance to a humanoid skull. The cranium is a bit long, and the face is a bit flat, giving the impression of a fallen giant, or an enormous alien.

Of course, just like any boulder, the unusual appearance of Skull Rock is the result of erosion. Infrequent rains pooled into small, natural depressions in the rock, expanding them over the millennia. These depressions became large holes, taking the shape of nostrils and empty eye sockets. Wind, ice, and temperature changes gave further refinement to the shape of the rock. The result was something unexpectedly lifelike (or perhaps death-like) amid the desert’s rugged terrain.

The 1.8-mile Skull Rock loop trail passes by many other interesting rock formations, as well as beautiful plants like the Mojave Mound Cactus, Desert Trumpet, and the Woody Forget-me-not. Tortoises, lizards, birds, and rodents can be found taking shelter in the shade of the boulders. While Skull Rock itself may evoke images of death, its origin and surroundings serve as a reminder that the desert is both ancient and very much alive.

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National Parks Hiking Rocks Skulls

Know Before You Go

It is possible to drive directly to Skull Rock. The trail is also accessible from a trailhead just across the road from the entrance to Jumbo Rocks campground, and from the campground itself. While it is a short and easy hike, you should still bring plenty of drinking water and sun protection.

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mikewalker

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SEANETTA, breaingram, Yorkshire

  • SEANETTA
  • breaingram
  • Yorkshire

Published

January 17, 2025

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  • https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/skull-rock-trail.htm
Skull Rock
Twentynine Palms, California, 92277
United States
33.997755, -116.059467
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Nearby Places

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Twentynine Palms, California

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Twentynine Palms

Twentynine Palms

California

Places 7

Nearby Places

The Ruins of Ryan Ranch

Twentynine Palms, California

miles away

Wonderland Ranch and Wall Street Mill

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Twentynine Palms

Twentynine Palms

California

Places 7

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