Want to go on a short hike in Joshua Tree National Park? Check out the Hidden Valley Trail. In less than an hour, you’ll get a great impression of the park.
About the Hidden Valley Trail
The Hidden Valley Trail (also known as the Hidden Valley Nature Trail) is a short circular hike of only 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) in Joshua Tree National Park. It is qualified as easy, as there are only a few small elevation changes. In total, you climb a maximum of 30 feet. The trail starts at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area.
What makes this hike so beautiful is that it is the perfect introduction to Joshua Tree National Park. You will not only see several iconic Joshua trees (yucca trees) here but also other plants and unusual rock formations. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see wildlife like a rattlesnake.
I myself have visited Joshua Tree National Park twice and explored several beautiful hiking trails in the park. In my opinion, the Hidden Valley Trail is the perfect hike to get to know the park. It is also not too difficult, so everyone can do the hike without any problems. Depending on your hiking speed, it will take you between 30 minutes and an hour to complete the trail.
Hidden Valley Trail report
Want to know what it’s like to hike the Hidden Valley Trail? This is my trail report.
The drive to the Hidden Valley Trail
The Hidden Valley Trail is best accessed from the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park in the town of Joshua Tree. After paying the entrance fee ($30 per car) or showing your America the beautiful annual pass (this is really recommended if you are going to visit multiple parks) you drive up Park Boulevard.
From the entrance, it is another 8 miles (13 kilometers) to the starting point of the Hidden Valley Trail. Along the way, you will drive through beautiful scenery with unusual rock formations and lots of Joshua trees.
Trailhead
After about a 15-minute drive, you will arrive at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area. Here you can park your car. Here you can also use the restroom and there are some picnic tables. At the start of the trail (the trailhead), there is a sign with some background information and next to it, the trail begins. It can’t be missed thanks to the posts.
Enjoying Joshua Tree National Park
From then on, it’s time to enjoy the beautiful nature in this place. In less than an hour, you will see several large Joshua Trees, interesting rock formations, and if you are lucky, some birds and snakes as well.
There are also several signs next to the trail, explaining the beautiful things you see. Although this is really a short trail, there is plenty to see. If you’re like me, you just keep taking pictures which is why it takes so long to walk only 1 mile, haha! An impression of my hike and the pictures I’ve taken:
The route is a circular walk, so you’ll naturally return to the parking lot.
Other scenic hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
After your hike on the Hidden Valley Trail, of course, you can explore even more beautiful areas in the park. Follow Park Boulevard to stop at more great spots in Joshua Tree National Park. The road will also take you past the famous Skull Rock. Here you can walk the fun Skull Rock & Discovery Trail, which is about 2.4 miles (3.8 kilometers) long.
You can also drive the Pinto Basin Road to the south, where you will find some great trails. A must is the Cholla Cactus Garden, which is a small 0.25-mile (0.4-kilometer) loop between a whole bunch of cacti (don’t touch them, because it’s really hard to remove the needles from your skin).
If you fancy a slightly bigger challenge, the hike to Mastodon Peak is also an amazing hike. It starts at the Cottonwood Spring parking area and is 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long. You climb up past old mines to the top of a mountain and have beautiful views from here.
For all the great hikes, check out Joshua Tree National Park’s official website. Looking for more practical tips? Then also read my article Tips for visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
Additional (hiking) tips
Here are a few additional tips for hiking in Joshua Tree National Park.
- Bring plenty of water. You are in the desert, there is almost no shade anywhere, nor can you buy food or drink in the park. Think you’ll be sweating a lot? If so, bring some gatorade or other sports drink to replenish your minerals. It’s also smart to bring some salty snacks.
- Watch out for the sun, as it is really bright! Wear a hat or cap and don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
- You might encounter rattlesnakes when visiting the park. As long as you don’t stand or sit on them, they won’t bite you. If you get too close you will hear it right away, the rattling noise is hard to miss. If possible, always keep a few feet away. If they see you, 9 times out of 10 they will leave on their own.
These were my tips for the Hidden Valley Trail and a few other great hikes in Joshua Tree. I hope this article has inspired you to take a nice (short) hike in Joshua Tree National Park. Do you have any further questions? Feel free to ask them in the comments below this article.
Book a trip to California
Want to visit Joshua Tree National Park and other beautiful places in California? Then book your trip now!
✈️ Plane tickets – Los Angeles has the largest airport near the park. Check WayAway to find the best deals and cashback on plane tickets.
🚘 Rental car – To visit the park, you’ll be most flexible when you have a rental car. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
💊Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours and Activities – There are several fun tours and activities to do in Joshua Tree National Park, like horseback riding and rock climbing. Check Get Your Guide for all options.
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