The Boyscout Trail is an excellent hike through the western mountains of JTNP! I took the trail on January 1st, 2020. There were several inches of snow on the north facing parts of the trail.The trail has two endpoints: Keys West and Indian Cove. You have several options.1) Start at either end and arrange a pick-up vehicle at the other end. This option takes about 2-4 hours depending on your hiking speed. The distance is about 7.6 miles with 1300 feet of elevation gain if you start from Indian Cove. Also note, Indian Cove to Keys West is the more demanding climbing.2) You can do an out-and-back starting at either endpoint. This option will take 4-8 hours depending on your speed and breaks. It is about 15-16 miles. Total elevation gain will be between 2400-2600 feet.3) You can hike to the high point of the trail and take the Big Pine trail. This gives you access to the Maze Loop and several other trails.Backcountry camping is allowed South of the trail.

I saw mountain lion tracks! And lots of lizards! I drank my entire 2.5 liters of water on our short 5 miles, way too hot. I will come back when the weather is cooler hike the whole trail out and back.

Nice quiet trail. Great views of surrounding mountains. Lovely plant life. The only thing I would suggest is be careful of the ants. Came across a lot of very active ant hills right on the path.

Hiked Indian Cove to Big Pine. If walking through the wash for the first to 2 miles doesnt get you, the incline to the Big Pine trailhead will.

I have been going to this trail for years now and it never ceases to amaze me. The first mile is all flat, heading towards a canyon. For the 2nd mile, you travel through a cool canyon with a sandy floor. After that, you permanently trek up switchbacks up the mountain ranges.There are multiple areas to camp along the mountains with great photos to take. It took me 2.5 hours to backpack 4.5 miles. When you camp overnight, make sure to stay on the RIGHT side of the trail to avoid violating the bighorn sheep wilderness area. During the day, the numerous rock piles make great climbs with breathtaking photos.Bring at least a gallon of water for an overnight trek10/10 would do again

Great beginner/moderate hike. Lots of fun, but bring extra water.

Wonderful trail. Do a little, do a lot. 7 miles to the end but a wonderful 3 mile hike if you go up 1 and a half miles and then head back down. For this shorter hike you have a view of some wonderful rocks as you ascend and the Mojave laid out before you as you descend. Inspiring...

Varried terrain awaits you along the Boy Scout Trail. From the backcountry board the trail meanders over an aluveial fan incline through a large sandy wash that winds up into a beautiful canyon with some nice red barrel cacti. The trail then climbs out of the canyon, gaining elevation and opportunity for nice views back towards the 29 Palms valley. I took a snack break here at about 2.6 miles then headed back, enjoying the late afternoon sun breaks.

You will experience Backcountry scenery at its best!

Fun trail. This trail can become hot in the summer.

Super easy access and an easy walk to camping.

Great trail for views and fast walks and runs

Well marked trail

Fun run!