Rock Climbing at Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Rock climber in Hidden Valley

NPS/Hannah Schwalbe

Hidden Valley Nature Trail is one of the many popular rock climbing locations within Joshua Tree National Park. Hidden Valley is a central and easy to reach location that offers many popular rock formations including The Sentinel and Sports Challenge Rock. With a wide range of difficulties, there are options for technical rock climbers of all abilities.

To access climbing areas please use existing climbing access routes to minimize your impact. Learn more about rock climbing on the park website and follow any climbing closures. Climbing guidebooks and hiking maps are available for purchase at park visitor centers. If you are learning to climb or are looking to expand your climbing skills, a guide or class could be of interest to you. When hiring a climbing guide, make sure that they are permitted to work in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park does not maintain anchors or climbing routes, and you are responsible for your own safety.

Details

Activity

Rock Climbing

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Hidden Valley

Reservations

No

Season

Winter, Spring, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Climbing routes are not wheelchair accessible. The terrain in the Hidden Valley Area is uneven with many obstacles like rocks. The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is narrow, has many steps in some sections, and soft sand in others.

Technical rock climbing is a strenuous activity on rugged and difficult to reach terrain. It is important for anyone participating to know their physical capabilities. Always know how to get off of a rock formation before climbing to the top. Most rock formations in the park do not have rap rings and require a specific walk-off, which is often steep, and requires 4th or 5th downclimbing. 

Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed more than 100 feet away from the road or parking area, but service animals are allowed throughout the park. Many campgrounds have rock formations next to roads and campsites where pets are allowed.