Skull Rock

Located along the main east-west park road, Skull Rock is a favorite stop for visitors to Joshua Tree National Park. A parking spot is located just across the road from the rock, and for those wishing to stretch their legs, the 1.7-mile Skull Rock Nature trail begins just across from the entrance to Jumbo Rocks Campground and inside the campground, across from the amphitheater. Formation of Skull Rock began long ago when rain drops accumulated in tiny depressions and started to erode the granite. As more rock eroded, more water accumulated, leading to more erosion until, as time passed, two hollowed-out eye sockets formed and the rock began to resemble a skull.