The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is one of the most popular and scenic hikes in Joshua Tree National Park.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail Basics
Under 1 Hour
1 Mile Roundtrip
Loop
118 Feet
Duration: Under 1 Hour
For most, it takes under one hour to walk on the Hidden Valley Nature Trail.
Distance: 1 Mile Roundtrip
The trail is about one mile in total.
Type: Loop Trail
There is a small trail between two large boulders that takes you from the parking lot to the beginning of the loop trail.
Elevation Change: 118 Feet
There are a few places along this hike where you will be going up inclines and natural steps in the stones.
Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
The summer months get extremely hot and dangerous in the desert. The best time of year to go is in the spring, fall, and winter months when the temperatures are cooler.
Time of Day: Any
Hidden Valley Trail can be explored at any time of the day. It’s a very popular easy hike and a great area for rock climbers so you’ll see a lot of other visitors. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon are better to avoid the crowds.
Amount of Shade: Minimal
Similar to most of the trails in Joshua Tree National Park, there is very minimal shade on the one-mile loop. Depending on the time of day, you may have some shade from the rock walls.
Difficulty: Easy
This short hike is an easy trail and a great way to see the national parks beauty.
What Makes Hidden Valley Nature Trail a Great Hike?
Hidden Valley Trail is a great introduction to the unique and iconic ecosystem of the Mojave Desert. The interpretive trail has educational signs along the way that tell about the native people of the valley. It’s called the Hidden Valley because the valley was used in the late 1800s and early 1900s by cattle rustlers trying to stay hidden.
This was a great place to walk around and see more of the local flora and interesting rock formations that Joshua Tree National Park is known for. It’s a popular spot for families to go on a meandering trail around the small valley.
When we left the Joshua Tree area, my dad said this was one of the best hikes we did in the park. It’s great for hikers of all skill levels, although there are a few stairs and rock steps near the beginning and end of the trail.
Scenery on the Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Start of the Trail
Hidden Valley is surrounded by towering rock formations that are popular with rock climbers. You go through a few of the large boulders to get to the loop part of the trail. Hikers can go in either direction, we chose to go to the left to take it as a clockwise loop.
Large rocks piled up along the trail
Natural stone steps
On the Trail
The boulders create stunning desert views, with some formations resembling abstract sculptures. There’s even a rock that resembles a cow, but I didn’t see that on the Hidden Valley hike.
End of the Trail
When you get to the furthest point in the trail, you’ll be into the valley and between all of the desert vegetation that Joshua Tree is known for.
Notable Places on the Hike
The Hidden Valley Bowl is a natural amphitheater-like area that is encircled by massive boulders and rock formations.
Ryan and Tyler on a fallen tree trunk along the Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Tyler and Ryan climbing giant boulders
Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead Information
Park Name: Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, about halfway between Los Angeles and the Arizona border. The closest airports are Palm Springs International Airport and Twentynine Palms Airport. Both of those are small airports, though, so the closest major airport is Los Angeles. From there, you'll need to rent a car to drive about 4 hours east into the desert to get to the Joshua Tree Area. The park is situated at the convergence of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert.
Finding the Trailhead
The trail heads are well marked in Joshua Tree National Park. Hidden Valley Trail is near the north end of the parking lot.
Markers Along the Trail
There are interpretive signs throughout the Hidden Valley area describing the desert landscape, ecosystem, and the history of the area.
Nearest Restrooms
There are multiple vault toilets available in the parking lot for the hiking trail.
Parking Area
The parking lot for Hidden Valley Trail is in the parking lot for Hidden Valley Picnic Area on Park Boulevard across the street from Barker Dam Road and the Hidden Valley Campground. The closest entrance is the West Entrance in the town of Joshua Tree.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
- Old Lost Horse Road Trail
Tips for Hidden Valley Nature Trail
- Even though it's a short trail, bring plenty of water because the desert heat can be intense.
- You may encounter lizards, birds, and sometimes small mammals. Keep your distance and don’t disturb them. Always check the ground for rattlesnakes, especially during warmer months.
Accessibility Information for Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Sands and Rocks
Paved
Trail Type: Sand and Rocks
The trail is made up of sand and rocks along the trail through the pinyon pines and desert plants.
Parking: Paved
The Hidden Valley Trailhead is in a large paved parking lot. There are multiple handicap-accessible parking spots in the lot.