Eureka Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Eureka Peak, in spite of its checkered past as a HPS summit, is a moderate, beautiful, and truly enjoyable outing across interesting desert terrain. It resides in the Black Rock area, the far northwest tip of Joshua Tree National Park, for which an entry fee is not required. It has views of the town of Yucca Valley to the north, Chaparrosa Peak and Big Bear to the northwest, and the rugged wilderness of the western portion of the park to the south. It is typically hiked in combination with nearby Warren Point.
There are numerous trails and route variations to Eureka that can be taken from the trailhead that serves both it and Warren Point. Both start from Black Rock campground, where there is a small visitors center. Route 1 follows the Eureka Peak Trail, an excellent trail that goes up pretty canyons and washes to the final summit gully. Route 2 is a 12 mile drive on high clearance road that ends a short distance from the summit.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
Take I-10 east past Banning to the intersection with SR 62.
Go north on SR 62 to Joshua Lane in Yucca Valley. This is also the intersection with SR 247, Old Woman Springs Road.
Turn right on Joshua Lane.
Drive south, then east, then south again on Joshua Lane for 5.3 miles to Black Rock Campground. Park at the Visitor Center.
Hiking route
From the west end of the Visitor Center (4160′), hike south on the narrow paved road to the backcountry registration board located near the NE entrance to the campground.
Drop down into the wash and go south about 0.1 mile to the signed California Hiking and Riding Trail (CHRT). Turn left (east) onto the CHRT.
At 1.5 miles, fork with the Fault Trail. Turn right (south) onto the Fault Trail.
At 1.95 miles, merge onto the Eureka Peak Trail and continue south.
Continue on the Eureka Peak Trail for about 2.7 miles to a prominent saddle. Remain on the trail for another 0.1 mile and descend from the saddle about 40 feet and then ascend 100 feet to the saddle just below the summit.
Turn right (east) to ascend 0.1 mile (125′ gain) on well-established use trail to the summit.
Driving route
Take I-10 east past Banning to the intersection with SR 62.
Go north on SR 62 to La Contenta Road in Yucca Valley.
Turn right (south) on La Contenta Road and go 2.9 miles to Covington Flats Road (after crossing Yucca Trail, the paved road becomes dirt).
Turn left (southeast) on Covington Flat Rd.; after 3.0 miles the road bears right and becomes Lower Covington Flat Rd. Continue on Lower Covington Flat Rd. another 2.9 miles to Covington Flats Crossover Rd.
Turn right (southwest) on Covington Flat Crossover Rd. and go 1.8 miles to Eureka Peak Rd.
Turn right (northwest) on Eureka Peak Rd and go 1.3 miles to its end. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area, hike north and northwest on road and use trail to the summit.
Route Notes
Additional Peak Information
Notes: The high point of the range is located about ¼ east of the named summit at a bearing of 100 degrees. To get there, descend south from the named summit and join the dirt road, following it south for a few hundred feet, before leaving it to travel cross country for about 0.2 mile, first by descending about 60 feet and then ascending about 120 feet to the high point.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
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