Hidden Valley Nature Loop is a fun place and usually my first stop when visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
The valley loop is home to several of the native plants that are home to park. Piñon Pine, Yucca, Beaver Tail Cactus and of course, Joshua Trees can be found along the trail.
The loop is just over a mile long but you can spend the whole day here scrambling around and exploring side trails.
The valley loop is also popular with climbers. While on your hike take a moment to stop and scan the boulders you’ll most definitely spot someone taking in the views.
This beautiful,and I do mean beautiful hike starts after a bumpy 2 mile drive on Darwin Falls Rd. The marked trailhead holds about 10 cars.
Darwin Wash
From the parking lot continue past the information board and up the wash. The dry creek bed is littered with debris from past flash floods so check the weather before entering the wash.
Entering the oasis
About three quarters of a mile up the wash the green begins to appear and the riparian habitat reveals itself. The canyon narrows and soon enough you’ll find yourself crossing creeks and jumping boulders.
Riparian habitat in the desert, Darwin Creek
Darwin Creek reveals more of itself the closer you get and the sound of the flowing creek becomes louder
Darwin Creek
Small cascades lure you closer and gushing sounds of lower Darwin Falls motivate you to pick up the pace. After some creek crossings and a little bush whacking, you arrive to one of, if not the best features in Death Valley National Park.
Beautiful Lower Darwin Falls
Beautiful Lower Darwin Falls. Upper falls and a beautiful fern gully sit above the lower falls. To access it you have to climb up on the left of the cliff face. Use extreme caution if you decide to do this. I saw a few people heading up but didn’t go because I had my daughter with me.
● Trail difficulty – Easy
● 2 Mile out and back ● 20 ft waterfall ● Riparian habitat ● Bird watching ● Wildlife viewing
