Hidden Valley
Explore massive boulders, iconic Joshua trees, and learn about cattle rustlers on this scenic 1-mile loop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Hidden Valley
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore massive boulders, iconic Joshua trees, and learn about cattle rustlers on this scenic 1-mile loop.
"A must-do for its stunning rock formations and Joshua trees, perfect for a quick hike or stargazing."
Arrive Early for Parking
Popular spot! Aim for before 9 AM on weekends/holidays to snag a parking spot. :car:
Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
Desert sun is intense! Bring ample water and wear sunscreen/hats. :waterwave: :sunwith_face:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Massive Rock Formations
Throughout the loop
Climb and explore towering boulders that create a unique desert landscape. Perfect for photos!
Joshua Trees and Desert Flora
Along the trail
Experience the iconic Joshua trees and diverse desert plants in this fertile area of the park.
Cattle Rustler History
Informational signs
Learn about the area's past as a hiding spot for cattle rustlers through informative signs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Trail Navigation & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Parking
Popular spot! Aim for before 9 AM on weekends/holidays to snag a parking spot. :car:
Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
Desert sun is intense! Bring ample water and wear sunscreen/hats. :waterwave: :sunwith_face:
Watch for Trail Markers
The mile-long loop can be tricky. Keep an eye out for signs and curves. :compass:
Great for Stargazing
The dark skies here are perfect for viewing the Milky Way. :star2:
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Parking
Popular spot! Aim for before 9 AM on weekends/holidays to snag a parking spot. :car:
Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
Desert sun is intense! Bring ample water and wear sunscreen/hats. :waterwave: :sunwith_face:
Watch for Trail Markers
The mile-long loop can be tricky. Keep an eye out for signs and curves. :compass:
Great for Stargazing
The dark skies here are perfect for viewing the Milky Way. :star2:
Kid-Friendly Exploration
Easy terrain and cool rocks make it fun for families. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hidden Valley's stunning rock formations and iconic Joshua trees, calling it a must-see for its unique desert beauty and historical context. The short, accessible loop trail is perfect for a quick exploration, and the area is a prime spot for stargazing and rock climbing. However, many note that the trail can be poorly marked and the area gets extremely crowded, especially on holidays, making an early arrival essential for a more enjoyable experience.
"Hidden Valley Trail is a 1-mile loop with about 100 feet of elevation gain. The path is clear and easy to follow. Super good way to knock out amazing views of the park in a shorter amount of time.
You pass massive boulders, Joshua trees, and desert plants. Short side trails lead to rock formations. Signs share the history of cattle rustlers hiding herds here."
Jess Robach
"It’s an interesting area of the park - the most fertile in terms of vegetation and someone used to support grazing at one point!
The trail here is very poorly marked - only a mile loop that takes maybe 20-30 minutes. It’s pretty easy to walk through and there’s minimal elevation changes but there’s so many curves and turns that are not noted or lack signs."
Kevin Wang
"Arrived at 9am on Memorial Day, and there were at least a 100 people on the trail already. This is a very easy and very popular hike. Took us around half an hour to walk the mile. Don't really need hiking boots or even shoes for this hike. The signs around the vegetation are all pretty descriptive and we spent time at each. Saw some squirrels and lizards too. There was a volunteer ranger going around with advice and giving more information. Good sized parking lot, and it's a short trail, so should always be people going out in the next few minutes. We were able to find a spot right away at 9am on Memorial Day."
Vipul Singh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hidden Valley is located within Joshua Tree National Park. Access is via Park Boulevard. The entrance fee for the park applies. Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, there is a parking lot for Hidden Valley. It's a popular area, so the lot can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Absolutely! Hidden Valley is a fantastic spot for stargazing. The dark skies offer incredible views of the Milky Way, making it a popular destination after sunset.
The main trail is a 1-mile loop. While generally easy, it can be poorly marked in places. Pay attention to signs and consider using a park map or an offline navigation app to stay on track.
The main loop trail has minimal elevation gain and is relatively easy. However, some of the side trails leading to rock formations may be more challenging. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hidden Valley is located within Joshua Tree National Park, which requires an entrance fee. You'll need to pay the park's per-vehicle fee to access Hidden Valley and other park areas.
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visitor services and ranger presence may vary. For the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is generally recommended, though stargazing at night is a major draw.
You cannot book specific tickets for Hidden Valley itself, as it's part of the national park. You pay the park entrance fee upon arrival or can purchase a pass online in advance through the National Park Service website.
While there aren't specific events for Hidden Valley itself, Joshua Tree National Park occasionally hosts ranger-led programs or special events. Check the official Joshua Tree National Park website for any scheduled activities.
The entrance fee for Joshua Tree National Park is typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official NPS website for the most current fee information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Hidden Valley offers a 1-mile loop trail with opportunities for hiking, rock scrambling, photography, and learning about the area's history and unique desert flora, including Joshua trees. It's also a prime spot for stargazing.
The Hidden Valley loop trail is about 1 mile long and typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the rock formations and reading the interpretive signs.
Yes, Hidden Valley is a very popular destination for rock climbing and bouldering, with numerous established routes and formations. Many climbers visit specifically for the challenging and scenic climbs.
You might spot desert wildlife such as lizards, squirrels, and various bird species. During stargazing, you might also hear or see nocturnal animals.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Hidden Valley picnic area, which is adjacent to the trailhead. It's advisable to check the park's website for any temporary closures or maintenance.
📸 📸 Photography
The massive rock formations, iconic Joshua trees, and the vast desert landscape offer numerous photo opportunities. The trail itself provides varied backdrops, and the Milky Way is spectacular for night photography.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour just before sunset is particularly stunning. Nighttime is ideal for astrophotography.
Absolutely! The large boulders are a major attraction and provide excellent subjects for photography. Many visitors enjoy climbing on them (safely) for unique perspectives.
Yes, Hidden Valley is renowned for its dark skies, making it an excellent location for astrophotography. The combination of the desert landscape and the clear night sky is perfect for capturing the Milky Way.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and rock formations. For astrophotography, a tripod and a camera with good low-light performance are essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone has sun protection. The interpretive signs about the cattle rustlers can also be an engaging way to teach children about the area's history. Arriving early is key to avoiding crowds and ensuring a more relaxed experience for everyone.
🧗♀️ Rock Climbers and Bouldering Enthusiasts
Make sure to bring your essential climbing gear, including a crash pad for bouldering. Familiarize yourself with the local climbing ethics and safety guidelines. The sheer volume of climbing opportunities here means you could spend days exploring different routes.
✨ Stargazers
Remember to bring a red-light headlamp for navigation and to preserve your night vision. Dress warmly, as desert nights can be chilly. The unique landscape provides a stunning foreground for your astrophotography endeavors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Hidden Valley Trail
The area's history as a hiding place for cattle rustlers is also a point of interest, with interpretive signs along the trail providing insights into this past. The vegetation here is notably more fertile than in some other parts of the park, supporting a variety of desert plants. This makes it not only visually interesting but also a good spot for observing desert wildlife like lizards and birds.
Key Takeaways for the Trail:
* Length: Approximately 1 mile loop.
* Elevation Gain: Around 100 feet.
* Difficulty: Easy, with some mild scrambling opportunities.
* Best for: Quick hikes, photography, learning about the park's history and flora.
* Caution: Trail can be poorly marked; stay aware of your surroundings.
Stargazing at Hidden Valley
When visiting at night, be prepared for the desert's cooler temperatures, even in warmer months. It's crucial to bring a reliable light source, such as a headlamp with a red light setting, to preserve your night vision and avoid disturbing other stargazers. Red lights are also less likely to attract nocturnal wildlife. While the parking lot is accessible, be mindful of other visitors and their vehicles, especially those exiting with headlights.
Tips for Stargazing:
* Bring a red-light headlamp: Essential for navigation and preserving night vision.
* Check the moon phase: A new moon offers the darkest skies for optimal viewing.
* Dress warmly: Desert nights can get surprisingly cold.
* Be patient: Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 20 minutes to see the most stars.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
Climbers often praise the quality of the rock and the sheer variety of challenges available. It's advisable for climbers to be familiar with the area, bring appropriate gear, and be aware of safety protocols. Many resources are available online and through local climbing communities that detail specific routes and their difficulty ratings. The scenic beauty of the park only enhances the climbing experience.
Climbing Essentials:
* Climbing shoes and harness: Standard climbing gear.
* Chalk bag: For grip.
* Crash pad: For bouldering.
* Guidebook or app: To identify routes and problems.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit