ryan mountain

We did not hit the trail until 9:45 and wished we had started earlier as the day quickly got hot. People were heading down as we started the steady climb upward. A good part of this climb is up stone steps of varying size. The trail guide says to allow 2-3 hours. We are in our 60s and did the climb up in under 45 minutes and down in 30 minutes, just mentioning, as we were asked by a young man when we returned. We saw a number of older folk with hiking poles taking their time to do a leisurely climb. The views are terrific. We saw a "family" of about 15 mountain sheep of varying ages on the hike down. They were difficult to see, initially, as they blend in with the rocks. Keep your eyes peeled! Don't forget your sunscreen, hat and water!

The trail is well-marked but bring the map so you can better-know all the sites you'll see from the summit. Despite the 75 degree temps on the valley floor, I wished I'd brought a light jacket for the winds at the summit. It took me 29 minutes to climb the mountain and about that long to descend, with another 20 minutes at the top to enjoy the views. Absolutely worth doing.

2.8 miles round trip with a 1,000 foot climb. Lots of steps, which could be good or bad depending on your knees! Poles would be a good idea. Took us 50 minutes to reach the top. Quite windy and much cooler approaching the top. Great views and rock formations all the way. Joshua Tree N.P. Is a photographers dream, not to mention the geology. Highly recommend this park for everyone, especially in the cool winter months. Bring plenty of water, hats and jackets.

Hiking is the thing to do... if you don't have bad knees or a bad back. However, I hear the view is spectacular. Make sure to take lots of water and be prepared to be exposed to sun and wind.

This is a great mountain hike in JTNP with spectacular and panoramic views when you reach the summit. It is moderately challenging, and worth the effort. Only caution is that there is no shade anywhere along the trail. If I had to do it again, I'd start closer to day break in order to avoid too much sun exposure. Highly recommended!

6 of us went for a hike. Expected a 3 hour hike. Was 2.5 hours at a slow to moderate pace. Parts of the climb were really windy and cold. Dress appropriately and bring water.The trail is wide enough at most parts. I saw people with walking sticks and I think they would be helpful on the descent but if you don't have any they are not a must. Bring a banana or apple to enjoy at the top.If your heart is pumping and won't stop or you get a headache, you likely have altitude sickness. Drink a lot of water and take it easy or just go back down.

The hike to the top is moderately strenuous but its pretty short so doesn't take too much time. We went in December and there were strong chilly winds so dress to protect your face and eyes. The view from the top was really nice: joshua trees dotting the desert and hills all around!

Better bring some water, put on your best hiking shoes, and set aside a few hours to climb Ryan Mountain. The view at the top is worth it, but it tired me out about half way up to the point where I almost went back! But it is worth it once you make it, so hang in there! I think some people did not read about this hike properly before starting on it as they were wearing sandals and bringing along small kids. This really is a more strenuous hike due to the elevation gain, so I wouldn't recommend for kids under 12.

Highly recommend this hike during your visit to Joshua Tree National Park. When you exit your car in the parking lot, I can say it's more than a little intimidating to know that the mountain before you is the colossus you will climb!! We are avid hikers - this hike was fabulous! Great sense of accomplishment felt when you reach the summit.If you are smart, this hike can probably be completed nearly year-round. The park is always open, so get a good start. We started at 6:30 A.M. on June 7, and we were completely fine. There is a significant portion of the trail at that time of day in the shade, so that was a huge, unexpected bonus!!! Do pack ample water/beverages for your time in Joshua Tree, however. My husband, 11-year-old, 9-year-old, and I each had two 32-oz Gatorades and a 16-oz water, and that was sufficient for our time at Joshua Tree. (We did Ryan Mountain and the Barker Dam Trail, all before noon.)Side note: Ample bathroom facilities exist throughout the park.

The 2 hour hike is wonderful. It is a bit demanding, especially given the temperatures in June. Best to begin early in the morning, especially start the hike around 6am, no later!

Found another nearby attraction....the adobe ruins of Ryan Ranch. From the Ryan Mountain parking area, drive east on the main park blvd. past the Ryan Campground turnoff. A quarter-mile past the campground turnoff you'll see where the ranch trail is identified by a sign located in the parking pull-off.

I would say that this was a well designed climb up Ryan Mountain. There are cut steps to climb, followed by a more gentle climb then cut steps again and this then repeats. So you climb a bit, then a bit more relaxing etc. And the top .5 mile is also gentler. Did take 30 mins to get to the top but then I am a senior citizen. Did wear a heart rate monitor, as I do in the gym, it never got out of my comfort zone.Taking the climb early in the day means not too many other people (the path is not too wide) and part of the climb is in the shade. Great to look out at the views from the top - there are some great rock formations to see.

Beautiful trail, a short climb, it takes 2 -3 hours total to go up and down. Views are worth it. Good shoes recommended, water and sun screen. The ranger told us it is sometimes not bad to take a jacket to the top, because of temperature change.

I found it a short but steep climb. The trail is well marked with some steep drop offs along the way. The first mile is the steepest and the last .5 mile flattens out a little. The view from the top was great.

Very nice hike with amazing views of the park. Walking poles will be very helpful, especially for the way back down. The walk is very windy especially on the exposed mountain sides. Bring lots of layers and gloves (we hiked in Feb). Sturdy hiking shoes are essential. There are outhouses and a nice parking area at the trailhead.