
After hiking up Rattlesnake Canyon, you'll get to this little oasis. Follow the least steep section up to enter the upper portion of Rattlesnake Canyon.

At the top of that first little scramble, you see the start of the little slot canyon (more pics of this on my way back when the lighting was nicer).

Continue through Rattlesnake Canyon for a while, keeping your eyes open to the left where there's a reasonably scramble section.

It's more work than it looks, but follow the scramble to the top.

Looking back into Rattlesnake Canyon from the scramble up toward Rattlesnake Spring. I took the not-cave route on the way up, not realizing there was a whole world beneath me. Cave pics on my way back.

At the top of the first major scramble, you'll see this gem.

A close-up of the water hole.

Follow the footprints until you see that canyon in the distance (it looks like it threw up a bunch of rocks). Go into it.

A nice landscape before heading toward the scramble.

Ugh, it takes forever. Thee boulders are big.

At the top of the scramble, there's a nice crevasse leading toward the last bit of the rocky section.

Finally, done scrambling (until the way back).

Another nice little water source.

Follow a sandy canyon west, almost there now!


That's the way to Willow Hole.

Truly is a Wonderland of rocks, aptly named.

A close-up of the ridiculous mass of boulders.

Willow Hole.

Willow Hole, and straight ahead is the end of the normal route to Willow Hole. From here, go back the way you came.

The first of many caves on the way down that major scramble.

It's hard to explain where they all are, but exploring along the white-washed granite section of Rattlesnake Spring should lead you to some.




And then, just wow. I came across this accidentally. The most incredible part of the hike.



What an awesome surprise. The trickling water and quiet desert stopped my hike for a good half hour while I relaxed in this cave.

Heading back down Rattlesnake Canyon (this is looking up the canyon).


Cool little pools before the slot canyon.



The slot canyon, also unexpected.

Looking down into the steep crevasse - you likely need ropes to go down this way.

Looking out into Joshua Tree National Park.

The trailhead is close.


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