Hidden Valley Campground to Barker Dam Nature Trail

The Hidden Valley Campground to Barker Dam Nature Trail is a popular route within Joshua Tree National Park. To avoid the larger crowds that sometimes develop, consider going earlier or later in the day, or even skipping the hike in favor of a less used route.

With your vehicle parked, make your way down Hidden Valley Campground Road north. You will soon arrive at a trailhead that, if followed, will bring you north onto Barker Dam Trail. Once on Barker Dam Trail, you will continue north. You will soon pass a stream that may or may not be dried up. After the stream, the trail continues north, traveling over fairly flat terrain before gradually veering to the east.

You will then arrive at a junction where the Barker Dam Loop begins. As this section of the trail is a circuit, it can be completed in either direction. However, to minimize trail congestion, it is recommended you go clockwise around the Barker Dam Loop. After a few hundred feet, you will arrive at the Barker Dam itself. Take in the scenery and perhaps stop for lunch before completing the Barker Dam Loop, and retracing your steps from the junction back to the trailhead.