Why is it called Covington Flat Road?
Usa, north-america
15.44 km
1,496 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Joshua Tree National Park, in sunny California, on Covington Flat Road. This isn't your typical paved paradise; it's a 9.6-mile unpaved adventure into the desert backcountry, split into Lower and Upper sections. Named after some pioneer rancher, Will Covington, this road serves up incredible landscapes, and lets you get up close and personal with the park’s biggest Joshua trees, junipers, and pinyon pines.
Grab a map before you go, trust me. The road can get rutted, especially after a storm, so a high-clearance vehicle is your best bet, and 4WD is even better.
Starting from La Contenta Road near Yucca Valley, the road winds up to a parking area near the Covington Crest Trailhead, topping out at 5,173 feet. From there, it’s a quick hike to Eureka Peak. Heads up: cell service can be spotty, and the climb gets pretty steep near the end. A smaller road branches off to a peak reaching 4,908ft.
But, oh, the views! You'll be treated to panoramas of Palm Springs, the surrounding mountains, and the Morongo Basin. Just be aware that rain or snow can make this drive a real challenge. But if you're prepared, it's totally worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 15.44 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,496 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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