Hidden Valley Loop hike
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Hidden Valley Loop hike
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This very popular Hidden Valley Loop hike quickly transports hikers from the busy road into a spectacular small valley, entirely surrounded by the classic boulders of Joshua Tree. The loop is well travelled and mostly flat, so everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Getting there
Enter the park from the West Entrance station below Joshua Tree town. Continue down Park Boulevard for just under 9.0mi. Turn right towards Hidden Valley picnic area and nature trail. Here you will find a relatively large parking lot that fills up quickly. We recommend getting here as early as possible.
About
| When to do | Spring and Fall, avoid summer heat |
| Backcountry Campsites | None |
| Toilets | At trailhead |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Hidden Valley Loop
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Hidden Valley Loop
From the right side of the parking lot, the trail will head up a narrow canyon between two cliffs. Here is where the entirety of the elevation gain of the hike takes place. The trail is well graded and the elevation gain is minimal, so this shouldn’t pose a problem.
Once you have crested the ridge you will feel totally isolated from the humming roadway. Next, you’ll enter Hidden Valley and be treated to beautiful rock towers and cliffs on every side. Made of monzogranite rock, these formations are the most well known part of the park! They where formed over 100 million years ago when magma cooled into monzogranite beneath the surface of the earth.
Water then eroded sections of the rock to help form the impressive structures we witness today. Flash floods have since helped isolate these rocky islands, washing away the abutting sand and adding to their natural beauty.
The well-marked loop goes around the valley, typically hugging the cliff walls. You will complete the loop and descend the same access trail you came in on, returning to the parking lot and your vehicle.
Insider Hints
This is an extremely popular hike. Get here early to avoid the crowds and heat!
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Francine Robertson 4 years ago
The views are seriously priceless! The beautiful rock formations feel other-worldly.
supermario 4 years ago
The scenery is unexplainable You have to visit to see it.
Teri Scott 4 years ago
I'm a huge fan of this trail. First time doing it but I can say that I would like to do this again sometimes, with or without my friends.
James Barnes 4 years ago
Fairly easy hike with outstanding views. Trail was mostly flat so expect a carefree walk in the desert!
Carlos Gómez Sánchez-Lafuente 5 years ago
Very short and flat hike with amazing views of the Joshua trees and an amazing valley. This walk was my favourite in the park.
Gordon Y. 5 years ago
Great trail. We finished the whole trail in less than an hour. Beautiful surroundings and wildlife.
Olga Kircova 5 years ago
This is amazing! The only hike I really adore in Joshua Tree!
Chris Stutter 5 years ago
Enchanting hike with amusing trail and scenery. Just a few minutes of walk and you'll be rewarded with beautiful views!
Cisco K. 5 years ago
The views from the valley were awe-inspiring. Nice hike with a mostly flat trail. The path was awesome.
Stewart M. 5 years ago
There are rewarding views with little to no shade. Make sure to apply your sunscreen.