Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree National Park

Hidden Valley
in Joshua Tree National Park

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For an introduction to plant and wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park, visit Hidden Valley. A one-mile loop circles the interior of the small valley, which is surrounded by tall boulders that make it a great place to climb around.

Take the path from the parking lot between rock walls into Hidden Valley. When the trail comes to a T, pick a direction and start along the loop. Signs along the nature walk help visitors identify the park’s plants and animals. The real fun of Hidden Valley is found off the trail though. When the temptation to climb gets too great, start scrambling up the rocks. There are some steep sections for climbers, but most of the valley walls are perfect for bouldering. Simply climb around for as long as you like, and then return to the loop.

Joshua Tree
Hidden Valley

There is a picnic area by the parking lot where tall rocks may provide some welcome mid-day shade. The nearby Hidden Valley Campground has 39 sites and is a popular base for climbers who spend their days scaling the surrounding rocks.

To get to the trailhead: From Park Boulevard turn south into the parking area for the Hidden Valley picnic area, campground, and trailhead. The turnout is located 1.7 miles northeast of the junction with Keys View Road.

Trailhead address: Park Boulevard (Loop Road), Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92277
Trailhead coordinates: 34.012743, -116.168729

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

These photos were taken in November of 2006 and January of 2008. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Wonderland Wash This level 2.1-mile hike travels past the ruins of Wonderland Ranch up a use trail into the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Wall Street Mill This level 1.55 to 2.15-mile hike visits a well-reserved gold mill, exploring the mining history of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Ryan Mountain This 3-mile round-trip hike offers summit views from the center of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Ryan Ranch This 0.8 or 1.2-mile round trip hike visits the ruins of an old adobe homestead beneath Ryan Mountain.
	Inspiration Peak This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Lost Horse Mine This 4-mile round-trip trail visits a well-preserved mine and mill.
	Lucky Boy Vista This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine.
	Desert Queen Mine This 1.6-mile hike follows a level trail to an overlook before crossing a canyon to visits the ruins of one the most profitable gold mines in the California desert.
	Fortynine Palms Oasis The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
	Indian Cove The 101-site campground is home to a 0.6-mile interpretive trail and endless bouldering and rock climbing opportunities.
	Warren Peak This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree.
	Cholla Cactus Garden This quarter-mile loop allows visitors to stroll through an intense concentration of Cholla cacti.
	Mastodon Peak This 2.6-mile loop visits a 3,400-foot summit with panoramic views of southeastern Joshua Tree.
	Lost Palms Oasis This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.