Tag Archives: national park

Hidden Valley Loop

19 Thursday Jan 2017

Posted by in Cave, Easy Hikes, Outdoors, The 10 Essentials

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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. 

CLICK FOR GOOGLE MAPS LINK TO TRAILHEAD

  • Difficulty – Easy
  • Season – Winter, Spring, Late Fall
  • Family friendly 
  • No dogs allowed
  • No shade ( it’s the desert)
  • Bring plenty of water

LOWER DARWIN FALLS – DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

26 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by in Easy Hikes, Outdoors, Waterfalls

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Darwin Falls Rd.

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.

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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. 

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

Click for directions
Darwin Falls Trailhead