Hidden Valley Nature Trail
Joshua Tree National Park

[Map of the trail]

Parry’s Nolina (Nolina parryi)
Look for the white lower plume of Parry’s nolina (Nolina parryi) in late spring, March through June

Length: 1mi (1.6km) loop
Difficulty: easy
Elevation Gain: 100ft (30m)
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Average Width: 3ft (0.9m)
Grade (Avg): 4% (2°)
Grade (Max): 19% (11")
Composition: compact dirt, rocky steps, sandy washes

Follow the trail to a narrow gap in the rock. Go through and emerge in Hidden Valley - a 55-acre (22-ha) valley surrounded by rock walls. The Hidden Valley Nature Trail circles the valley. Learn about the park’s plants and animals along this trail. Find out what makes a pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla) special. Watch for common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) darting into cracks in the rocks. Try to spot a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) soaring above. Remember to stay safe and help protect desert plants and animals by remaining on the trail.

Why Hidden Valley?
According to local legend, rustlers hid horses and cattle here in the late 1870s

Hike Smart
• Use caution! The desert can be deadly.
• Plan ahead and prepare.
• If it is hot, hike before 10 am and after 5 pm.
• Pack it in, pack it out.
• Vandalizing or removing plants, animals, rocks, rock art, or artifacts is illegal.
• Do not use rock shelters for camping, fires, or toilets.
• Be considerate of others - keep noise levels low.
• Leave route information with a friend.
• Bring the 10 essentials:
• water / • food / • clothing layers / • sun protection / • first aid kit / • sturdy shoes / • navigation / • pocket knife/multi-tool / • flashlight/headlamp / • emergency shelter

Climb Smart
Welcome to the high desert, climbers! Take your pick of traditional crack, slab, and face climbing. Learning to climb or looking to expand your skills? Hire a guide or take a class. Remember, whatever your skill level, the park and other climbers rely on you to practice good climbing etiquette.

Know your skill level and do not take chances.

Climb Clean
• Do not cut or break tree limbs, remove lichens, or damage vegetation,
• Never fabricate holds or change the nature of the rock.
• Do not anchor or tie-off to trees or plants.
• Learn the rules about fixed anchor placement and get a permit at go.nps.gov/JTreeBolts.

Follow the Footpath
• Stay on defined trails to protect plants and animas
• Respect closed climbing formations

Keep Your Pet Safe
• Leave your pet at home, at a kennel, or with a local pet sitter.
• Ask a friend to pet sit at your campsite.
• Remember, pets cannot be taken on trails or left unattended.

Be Considerate of Others
• Keep music and noise levels low to ensure others can enjoy the solitude and quiet of Joshua Tree.
• Ask for permission if you wish to climb in an occupied campsite.
• Limit the size of your group and share the rock.
• Attend a top rope at all times.
• Carry out all trash, including toilet paper, climber’s tape, and challk
• Acknowledge the original stewards of this land who have been here since time immemorial. Pay your respects to the Maara’yam (Serrano), Nüwů (Chemehuevi), Kawiya (Cahuilla), and Aha Macay (Mohave) people of the past, present, and future.

Find an Emergency Phone at Intersection Rock parking area.

A route in the Jehoshua Tree National Park - the "Hidden Valley" where there are huge rocks.

The route map appears here at magnification Click for a larger image

The following photo was taken in the Hidden Valley on the same day by the same photographer (note also the many Joshua trees that appear in the photo) Click for a larger image