Hidden Valley (Joshua Tree National Park) — Flying Dawn Marie | Travel blog, guides & itineraries for adventurous travellers

Today we’re in Joshua Tree National Park, heading out for a wonderful hike along one of Joshua Tree’s most popular trails...so let’s get going to the Hidden Valley Nature Trail!

Terrain

Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a one mile loop with less than 100 feet in elevation change, making it a perfect introductory hike inside the park for anyone including families with small children. However, don’t think for a moment this trail doesn’t have a little something for everyone, included the seasoned hiker. You can explore the massive rocks all day, as well as find numerous boulder problems and wonderful climbing routes. While you can quickly stroll the entire one mile loop in less than 30 minutes, you certainly wouldn’t want to…you can spend hours exploring the little side shoots, caves, unique plants and giant boulders.

Trail

This easy hike starts off by heading up through a set of narrow stone stairs located near the parking area, and then it quickly opens up to a well marked valley trail which winds through the otherworldly boulder field. The official loop is well maintained (though a bit rocky in spots), and wonderful interpretive signs share plenty of detailed information about the abundant plant and animal life found here. However, if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself detouring from the main path and scrambling up the rocks, forging your own way to your favorite lookout points! 😊

History

Scientists believe these incredible boulder piles began developing millions of years ago when Monzogranite rock formed as magma cooled miles beneath the earth’s surface. Elements such as wind and rain eroded the earth’s surface over time, and then the rocks cracked, separated, and were eventually exposed. In more recent history it’s said that this area was used as a hideout when a gang of bandits stole cattle in Arizona and brought them here before selling them to unsuspecting Californians in the 1890s. The main access point here is believed to have been created when pioneer Bill Keys blasted through the rock walls to create better access of the grazing land for his cattle in the 1930s.

Know Before You Go

• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.

• This trail is very popular, so visit early to avoid any crowds, or hike at sunset for beautiful golden hour views (busy season here is late Fall through Spring).

• Always bring plenty of water and check the weather forecast (especially in Summer when temperatures can get dangerously hot).

• There is a campground here for tent and small RVs, as well as a lovely picnic area.

• There are also some wonderful and impressive boulders to explore off the trail behind the picnic and parking areas, which usually go unnoticed by the crowds heading towards the trail loop.

• No bikes are allowed on the trail.

• Only service animals are allowed here.

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Whether you stop off for a quick hike or spend an entire afternoon exploring Hidden Valley, you won’t regret a trip to this wonderful trail. Thanks for joining me here today in Joshua Tree National Park…make sure to check out my Behind the Blog video below, and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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