With sections of six different mountain ranges, Joshua Tree has no shortage of peak experiences. In the far southern end of the park, the moderate 3-mile loop hike to Mastodon Peak climbs almost 450 feet to a summit with views of the Salton Sea. You’ll have to do a short stretch of rock scrambling to reach the actual summit but it’s worth the effort. Or in the heart of the park, a moderately strenuous 3-mile roundtrip on a beautifully constructed trail leads to the top of Ryan Mountain, the park’s second tallest peak. The nearly 1,100-foot ascent means you’ll do some huffing and puffing along the way. www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/hiking.htm or 760/367-5500.