HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Hidden Valley Loop

1 miloop
100 ftelevation gain
25mmoving time
100 ft/miaverage climb

Hidden Valley Loop is a 1 mi loop with 100 ft of climbing — about 25m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 4. About 10% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 4 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 10% shaded

Underfoot & overhead boulder-ringed loop, a hidden basin

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Hidden Valley Loop charges in hours, not miles.

1 mi and 100 ft of climbing work out to 25m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the fall refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

25mmoving time, no breaks
0.2–0.4 Lwater, cool day → hot
10–20 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

100 ft per mile 3rd steepest of the 9 trails we've measured in Joshua Tree National Park
10% shaded Open ground — the hour you start decides the day

In July, Joshua Tree National Park runs around 106°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

69°F · Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers · wind 0 to 5 mph

NOAA forecast for Joshua Tree National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ Annual Summer Closures and Restrictions in Effect

The 49 Palms trail along with some campgrounds, facilities, and areas have adjusted availability during the summer. For the full list of changes, please visit our Summer Closures page.

Live NPS alert for Joshua Tree National Park · source
⚠️ Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure

Due to a heavy flooding event, the Oasis of Mara Trail is closed past the Oasis.

Live NPS alert for Joshua Tree National Park
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Joshua Tree National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Hidden Valley Loop take?

About 25m of moving time for 1 mi and 100 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Hidden Valley Loop?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.2–0.4 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Hidden Valley Loop?

No — Hidden Valley Loop is closed to dogs. Our Joshua Tree National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Hidden Valley Loop good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 4. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Hidden Valley Loop?

About 10% of the route is shaded, and Joshua Tree National Park peaks around 106°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.