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An easy loop that provides brief introductions to the fauna and flora of Joshua Tree National Park.


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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.7

KM

95%

Runnable

4,262' 1,299 m

High

4,180' 1,274 m

Low

112' 34 m

Up

111' 34 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Wildflowers

Overview

Signs along the nature trail help visitors identify the park's fauna and flora. The trail is mostly level, crossing through hard-packed sand, but it does venture through some of the valley's interesting rock formations.

Runner Notes

As a popular and short loop, the trail can be crowded.

Description

This loop encircles the inside of a natural corral made of immense rock walls and boulders.

Hidden Valley's natural enclosure holds more rain than the surrounding area, creating a unique micro-habitat that brings together a wide range of plants and animals not typically found together in this section of the Park.

In 1936, desert pioneer Bill Keys blasted a notch through these walls to improve access for his cattle herds. Today this serves as Hidden Valley's main access point.

Flora & Fauna

A remarkable variety of amphibians, reptiles and mammals call the area home in addition to desert wildflowers, cacti species, and lichens.

Contacts

Shared By:

Trail Master

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 75 votes

#97

Overall
  4.6 from 75 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#9

in California

#97

Overall
35 Views Last Month
4,162 Since Feb 12, 2018
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

38%
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38%
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2%

Photos

Joshua Tree National Park.
Oct 31, 2016 near Twentyn…, CA
A sunset settles over the start of the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton.
May 25, 2017 near Twentyn…, CA
About 80% done of trail, it starts to climb and has a few stairs soon. Looking S, photo center is Sports Challenge rock. We saw a group climbing it. I liked the hiker/climbers mix at the park.
Jan 28, 2019 near Twentyn…, CA
About midpoint on the trail, facing SE back at the enterance. Not too flat, but a happy place to rest stock if needed.
Jan 28, 2019 near Twentyn…, CA
Hidden Valley vegetation
Apr 13, 2018 near Twentyn…, CA
Some of the rock formations walling the valley. Note the people climbing (for scale), picture center and slightly left. Taken facing NE @ about 130pm.
Jan 28, 2019 near Twentyn…, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 27 days ago
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