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Hike · Ryan Mountain trailhead

Ryan Mountain

Distance
3.0 mi
Vertical
1,050 ft
Summit
5,430 ft
Difficulty
Moderate

Ryan Mountain rises to 5,456 feet in the geographic middle of Joshua Tree National Park, surrounded on every side by the basins for which the park is best known. The trail climbs 1,050 feet in 1.5 miles over a path of rough granite ramps and constructed stone steps — short and…

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About Ryan Mountain

Ryan Mountain is a 5,456-foot-high (1,663 m) mountain in Joshua Tree National Park. The trail to the peak is a strenuous hike, ascending 1,050 feet (320 m) in 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Ryan Mountain is a popular attraction in the park, because it leads to panoramic views of Pinto Basin, Lost Horse Valley, Queen Valley, and Pleasant Valley. It is one of the locations in Joshua Tree that features abundant lichen populations. It is named after J.D. Ryan, a wealthy rancher and early mining operator in the park.

Summary from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.

Ryan Mountain rising at the center of Joshua Tree National Park, monzogranite outcrops on its flank.
Joshua Tree National Park · Public domain
Joshua trees and yucca below the long west ridge of Ryan Mountain.
Joshua Tree National Park · Public domain
The summit block of Ryan Mountain showing the exposed granite of the Pinto Gneiss batholith.
Joshua Tree National Park · Public domain
Granite outcrop on the Ryan Mountain Trail with the desert valley dropping away.
Joshua Tree National Park · Public domain

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