Near Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Joshua Tree National Park.
Near Hidden Valley Nature Trail
A sunset settles over the start of the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton.
Near Hidden Valley Nature Trail
About 80% done of trail, it starts to climb and has a few stairs soon. Looking S, photo center is Sports Challenge rock. We saw a group climbing it. I liked the hiker/climbers mix at the park.
Near Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Very beginning of trail. You'll climb up and over the shadowy low area in the center, via man made steps. This gives you access to the contained valley.
Near Hidden Valley Nature Trail
About midpoint on the trail, facing SE back at the enterance. Not too flat, but a happy place to rest stock if needed.

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Hidden Valley Nature Trail

4.6 (76 Ratings)
An easy loop that provides brief introductions to the fauna and flora of Joshua Tree National Park.
1
mi
Distance
107
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFamily FriendlyWildflowers

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Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.03mi
Distance
107ft
Elevation Gain
107ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
4,276ft
High Point
4,186ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
This loop encircles the inside of a natural corral made of immense rock walls and boulders. Hidden Valley's natural enclosure holds more rain than the surrounding area, creating a unique micro-habitat that brings together a wide range of plants and animals not typically found together in this section of the Park. In 1936, desert pioneer Bill Keys blasted a notch through these walls to improve access for his cattle herds. Today this serves as Hidden Valley's main access point.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
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