
Traveling along the scenic Covington Flat Road in California
Usa, north-america
15.44 km
1,496 m
moderate
Year-round
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Joshua Tree National Park? Head to Covington Flat Road, a hidden gem in Southern California! This unpaved road winds through stunning desert scenery and is your gateway to some of the park’s most impressive Joshua trees (the area was named after a local rancher), junipers, and pinyon pines. You'll find both Upper and Lower Covington Flat Roads.
At around 9.6 miles long, this backcountry route starts on La Contenta Road near Yucca Valley and takes you to a parking lot that’s the trailhead for Covington Crest. Make a quick 5-minute hike to the top of Eureka Peak! Keep in mind cell service is spotty, so grab a map before you go. Plus, a side trip off Covington Flat Road will get you to Nolina Peak, at about 4,908 feet high.
A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and 4WD is highly recommended, especially after rain or snow. The road can get pretty rutted. The drive climbs to a peak of 5,173 feet, so expect some steep sections towards the end. You'll be rewarded with incredible views of Palm Springs, the surrounding mountains, and the Morongo Basin.
Where is it?
Traveling along the scenic Covington Flat Road in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.0042, -99.1585
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 15.44 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,496 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.0042, -99.1585
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