Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead — Attraction in Twentynine Palms

Road Trip! Congrats on considering a visit to this wonderful place, welcome to incredible Joshua Tree! Hidden Valley Trail and Campground are easily found due to clearly posted signs. As with All of Joshua Tree National Park it's an indescribable area of arid raw Nature.

Nice folks abound, nature-lovers all are encountered in the this impeccably clean National Park where no littering is found.

Trails are clearly defined by well-worn wide dirt psths, no concerns about getting lost. Along dirt pathways, on flat land you may find tiny faded red flags placed around a short 8" or taller circular "chicken wire" fencing - to protect various species of plants. I believe some are endangered. Note the low branches of local branches/natural wood designed into criss - cross small gates you'll find, unusual.

Keep your eyes on the ground to spot tiny clumps of cacti-type flowers, red, pink, yellow (barely visible in size or normal-sized) blooms can be found. Close-ups are fascinating.

There are rock-climbing opportunities, *clean concrete picnic tables/with benches seating placed both in the sun and under well-shaded by massive trees.

You definitely will see the most bizarre-oh living-braching out -some dying shapes of cactus-like Joshua Trees. Note: the Taller the Joshua Tree, the more ancient they are (of course they grow extremely slowly).. They are ' completely mature' at 150 years old! Some will even split growing in 2 opposite directions. Most are tall with multiple prickly branches, in the crook/split of branches the enormous crows love to sit and watch for a slow (?) lizard or teeny critter to snatch up.

If you visit during April, early May there are no buzzing insects to bother you. We had a fascinating honeybee who for 30 minutes crawled over, around & under a fresh date pit I placed on a banana peel! Multiple photos easily became a real fascination.

Enjoy your time here, bring a cell phone, camera. *Always bring multiple containers of water, it's a requirement. There are east & west entrances, the entrance nearest Seven Palms is most often...

The Hidden Valley Trail is one of the more popular areas in the park, providing easy access to a rock garden perfect for scrambling and a shallow basin that narrows into a canyon.

For the casual visitor, the well defined trails provide a quick overview of the environment in the park. Those with an adventurous streak can continue into the canyon and follow the dry stream bed (not recommended when there has been rain in the area due to flashflooding) to its end at one of the parks dirt road. Parts of the trek may require short scrambles across rocks that the 'stream' cascades over when flowing. From the end of the canyon, a single-track trail leads to the south around the west side of the rock formations defining Hidden Valley. If you decide to take this option, be sure you have map and compass and are familiar with land navigation. While the trail is fairly well defined, it is still possible to get lost and the desert is unforgiving in hot weather.

The trailhead has plenty of parking and two vault toilets but no running water. There are also a handful of picnic areas with charcoal grills. There is little or no shade in the picnic area so bear that in mind when planning a picnic.

If hiking, keep in mind this is desert and bring plenty of water, especially if you are considering hiking all the way through the canyon. In hot weather, a hat and sunscreen are highly...

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead is located in Joshua Tree National Park, specifically in the central part of the park near the town of Twentynine Palms, California.

To reach the trailhead, you can enter the park through the main entrance on Park Boulevard. From there, drive about 10 miles until you reach the intersection with the road leading to Hidden Valley. Turn right onto this road and continue for about 1.5 miles until you reach the Hidden Valley parking area.

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a 1-mile loop trail that takes you through a beautiful and secluded valley surrounded by towering rock formations. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for all skill levels, making it a popular choice for families and casual hikers.

Along the trail, you'll encounter unique desert vegetation, including Joshua trees, yuccas, and various cacti. The towering rocks provide a stunning backdrop and create a sense of tranquility in the valley.

Hidden Valley is known for its rock climbing opportunities, and you may see climbers scaling the impressive rock faces as you hike. The trail itself is well-marked and offers interpretive signs that provide information about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Overall, the Hidden Valley Nature Trail offers a peaceful and scenic hike that showcases the beauty of Joshua Tree...