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Hidden Valley Nature Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.6 (76)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Deserts
  4. Joshua Tree National Park
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“An easy loop that provides brief introductions to the fauna and flora of Joshua Tree National Park. ”

Trail Master
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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.7

KM

Loop

4,262' 1,299 m

High

4,180' 1,274 m

Low

112' 34 m

Up

111' 34 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Wildflowers

Family Friendly Children love exploring this trail in the hopes of sighting wildlife. Short walk that's accessible to most. Short and easy enough small children can be carried if needed.

Overview

Signs along the nature trail help visitors identify the park's fauna and flora. The trail is mostly level, crossing through hard-packed sand, but it does venture through some of the valley's interesting rock formations.

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.

Flora & Fauna

A remarkable variety of amphibians, reptiles and mammals call the area home in addition to desert wildflowers, cacti species, and lichens.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Joshua Tree National Park

Shared By:

Trail Master
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 76 votes

#1

in Joshua Tree National Park

#98

Overall
  4.6 from 76 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Joshua Tree National Park

#10

in California

#98

Overall
35 Views Last Month
4,162 Since Feb 12, 2018
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
37%
21%
39%
0%
1%
1%
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Photos

Joshua Tree National Park.
Oct 31, 2016 near Twentyn…, CA
A sunset settles over the start of the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton.
May 25, 2017 near Twentyn…, CA
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.
Jan 28, 2019 near Twentyn…, CA
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.
Jan 28, 2019 near Twentyn…, CA
About midpoint on the trail, facing SE back at the enterance. Not too flat, but a happy place to rest stock if needed.
Jan 28, 2019 near Twentyn…, CA
Hidden Valley vegetation
Apr 13, 2018 near Twentyn…, CA

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 86 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 24, 2024
Brooke Walczak
Short hike that we were told was really busy on weekends. Wasn't bad Thursday evening.
Oct 24, 2024
Colleen Gebauer
Quick hike with interesting signage about flora and animals. Busy hike potential
Oct 19, 2024
Ashley Zagari
climbed many rocks — 2h 30m
Jun 13, 2024
A Roo
hike cancelled after 1 mile due to heat wave
May 13, 2024
George Vogel
Mar 27, 2024
Atsuko Ohtake
Jan 28, 2024
Nick DeLapp
Dec 27, 2023
Gregory Hunger
March 27, 2018

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