Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree CA

• 3-star hike
• 1 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 110 feet
• Twentynine Palms, CA | Joshua Tree
.
The image shows a desert landscape with a dirt path winding through it. The path is lined with rocks and surrounded by various desert plants, including a prominent Joshua tree on the right side. In the background, there are large rock formations under a clear blue sky.

The image shows a desert landscape with a dirt path winding through it. The path is lined with rocks and surrounded by various desert plants, including a prominent Joshua tree on the right side. In the background, there are large rock formations under a clear blue sky.

Well-marked trails set out your route in Hidden Valley

Sample the best of Joshua Tree National Park on this short 1 mile nature trail loop in the heart of the park. If time or the fierce sun means you only have the chance for one short hike at Joshua Tree National Park, then Hidden Valley is a great choice.

Encircled on all sides by the familiar golden rock outcroppings of the Joshua Tree park, Hidden Valley certainly lives up to is name. In addition to being a great sheltered location, this place is also rumored to have been well known to 19th century cattle rustlers who would hide their bovine hoards in here.

The nature trail takes you on a circuitous route around some of the most prominent features of the park, including interpretive guides to the area’s diversity, plantlife and geology.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 3★ Hidden Valley Loope 1.0 mi loop, easy, 110 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

Begin the hike at the Hidden Valley trailhead located just south of the main park road, near Intersection rock, where you’ll commonly find rock climbers doing what comes naturally to them. This short guide begins at the parking lot, marked out by a roped entrance. Follow the trail into the valley with a brief gentle climb up across rocks and down onto the level valley floor.

Though the signs don’t recommend a direction at this point, everybody we observed on this popular trail took a clockwise route, and we’re happy to believe in the wisdom of crowds. The majority of this hike is along the sandy valley floor, making for an easy and comfortable experience.

The image shows a desert landscape with a prominent Joshua tree in the foreground. The Joshua tree has a thick trunk with multiple branches, each adorned with spiky green leaves. The background features a vast expanse of similar Joshua trees scattered across the desert terrain, with rocky hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.

The image shows a desert landscape with a prominent Joshua tree in the foreground. The Joshua tree has a thick trunk with multiple branches, each adorned with spiky green leaves. The background features a vast expanse of similar Joshua trees scattered across the desert terrain, with rocky hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.

The curious bristly trees of Joshua Tree National Park

The image shows a trailhead at Hidden Valley Trail, located in a desert environment with large rock formations in the background. The trail is marked by a sign providing information about the trail and its history. There is also a blue sign indicating parking for individuals with disabilities. The trail is lined with wooden posts connected by ropes, guiding visitors along the path. The scene is set under a clear blue sky, and a person is seen walking on the trail.

Hidden Valley trailhead

Tangents:
• Official: Joshua Tree
• Public Map at AllTrails: Hidden Valley Nature Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Joshua Tree's Best Trails
The hikes around Joshua Tree National Park reviewed and categorized.

Trailspotting the Southwest (Horseshoe Bend)

Trailspotting the Southwest
See our growing collection of hikes from the Southwestern US states.

Best hiking trails and rail trails in California

Best Trails of California
See our favorite hiking trails for each region of California.