Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Joshua Tree National Park

We’ve been to 4 or 5 hikes in Joshua tree now and happy valley is one of our family favorites. It’s an easy 1 mile loop, although our hike turned into about 1.5 miles due to the amount of climbing we did. This is such a fun hike with so much variety in what you see and can do. There’s limitless possibilities in bouldering. Our two kids, ages 10 and 12, loved climbing and exploring. We saw families with toddlers who were running and climbing off steam. Try and get there early as the parking lot tends to fill up by 10. We got there at 10:30 and we’re lucky someone was leaving. The rangers were redirecting people to another lot when we left at 12:30. There are pit toilets and many picnic tables for lunch at the parking lot. Easy drive in and out as well. Take sunscreen and water and enjoy the peace and calm of Joshua Tree!

Easy hike (1 mile loop trail). We went there early ~ before 9am and easily found the parking lot. Would recommend to arrive early to avoid the traffic… saw long line cars waiting to enter the gate on the way back. This hike is suitable for families, mostly flat, rocks for kids to climb (not dangerous). Be aware of the cold. It was end of Dec when we were here and we wish we would have worn beanie and gloves.