Hidden Valley (Trail) - Joshua Tree N'Park
Where to keep stolen cattle?
History & Culture
The Hidden Valley is a place surrounded by large rocks that are only accessible through a gap in the rocks.
It is said, that rustlers used this valley to hide stolen cattle and rebranded them for resale. It was a perfect place, as it was hard to find and formed a natural corral.
Nature & Environment
The valley is surrounded by large granite rocks with cracks that lead the rain to their base and collect it there. This phenomenon is attractive for plants that prefer the proximity to these rocks to access water and at the same time get protection from the wind.
Although part of the desert, the Hidden Valley offers good living conditions to many plants and also animals. Due to the water collection and wind protection, a microclimate formed that gives the Hidden Valley the name of 'a mosaic of miniature worlds'.
The valley spans an area of about 22 ha (55 acres).
Activities
The Hidden Valley Trail is a short and easy walk of about 1,6 km (roundtrip). A well-marked flat trail leads you to a gap in the rocks that form the entrance to the Hidden Valley.
Although the hike is not spectacular and not much is to be seen along the way, the Hidden Valley is all the more worth exploring.
General Info
