Hidden Valley Trailhead

Hidden Valley Nature Trail

NPS / Alison Taggart-Barone

Quick Facts

Location:

Joshua Tree National Park

Amenities

9 listed

Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash Dumpster

The Hidden Valley Trail is a one-mile loop hike through a scenic valley surrounded by large rock formations. The trail is excellent for families and offers exciting opportunities for rock scrambling. Along the trail are educational signs about local plants and animals. Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, the valley was used by cattle rustlers looking to stay “hidden”. As you hike the trail, look for Cow Rock, a cow-shaped rock formation on a wall overlooking the valley. 

The trail is considered easy but there are stairs and rock steps at the beginning and ending of the trail. This is a popular hike, and on busy days, the parking lot can fill up quickly. We recommend starting this hike by 9 am during busy weekends and holidays. Hidden Valley Trail has very little shade and no cell service. Before hiking, tell a safety buddy where you are going and when you plan on leaving the park.