Pick up the trail at the backcountry board near the entrance to Black Rock Campground. Walk up a sandy wash to the first fork.
Joshua Tree's dotting the sides of the Short Loop Trail
This is the loop junction, bear left to do the loop in a clockwise direction. The trail winds behind rock piles, following the California Riding & Hiking Trail for a little over a mile until you hit the right fork for the Fault Trail.
This trail has numerous junctions, so pay close attention to the signage
Hang a right to follow signs to join up with the Fault Trail as it turns south, if you hit a large wash you missed the junction and need to backtrack.
At mile 1.6, stay right to continue on the Short Loop Trail. The Fault Trail continues to Eureka Peak, again, if you reach a large wash you missed the junction. Continue west through a valley for another 1.4 miles.
The odd blooms of a Joshua Tree
At mile 3.0, Short Loop Trail joins up with Black Rock Canyon Trail to turn north and head down a wash. Follow this wash, passing the loop junction (A), back to the trailhead.
