Is the Hidden Valley Trail in Joshua Tree National Park toddler-friendly?

I'm planning to go to Joshua Tree National Park with my wife and 2.5 year-old daughter.

I would really like to go to this Hidden Valley Nature Trail. It has great reviews all over the place, it's just 1 mile long, and they say it's good for kids-- but I'm not sure if they had a 2 year old toddler in mind when saying that.

Is it accessible at all with a standard stroller?
What about with a jogging/hiking stroller?
Is the trail sane enough for a 2 year old to be walking with supervision?
If really necessary, will I be killing myself to be carrying a 30 pound baby through the rough parts?

Best Answer

I've never been there myself, but this map seems to indicate that there is approximately 100 feet of elevation loss/gain over the course of the mile.

Also note that on the official list of Joshua Tree nature trails, three trails (Bajada, Cap Rock, and Oasis of Mara) are marked as "accessible", which probably means that someone with a walker or wheelchair could navigate them. Hidden Valley is not "accessible", which would make me expect that a stroller would have trouble.

Pictures about "Is the Hidden Valley Trail in Joshua Tree National Park toddler-friendly?"

Is the Hidden Valley Trail in Joshua Tree National Park toddler-friendly? - Brown and Black Rock Formation

Is the Hidden Valley Trail in Joshua Tree National Park toddler-friendly? - Exotic trees growing in national park on sunny day

Is the Hidden Valley Trail in Joshua Tree National Park toddler-friendly? - Bare Tree on Desert Land

Can you take a toddler to Joshua Tree?

Best Easy Joshua Tree Hikes for Little OnesJoshua Tree is an exceptionally great national park to visit with young kids because the unique scenery is arresting. Plus, there are a lot of hikes that are doable for younger visitors.

What can toddlers do in Joshua Tree?

11 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Joshua Tree, CA for 2022

Barker Dam Nature Trail.

Skull Rock Nature Trail.

Keys View.

Oasis of Mara.

Jumbo Rocks.

Cap Rock Trail.

Lost Palm Oasis.

Indian Cove.

Where can I hike with Joshua Tree for kids?

6 Kid Friendly Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

Skull Rock Trail.
Split Rock Trail.
Keys View Joshua Tree Lookout.
Cholla Cactus Garden.
Arch Rock Nature Trail.
Oasis of Mara Trail.

Is Joshua Tree family friendly?

Joshua Tree was a fun family day trip destination from Desert Springs. And it allowed us to sample one of the US National Parks in a manageable way when we were short on time.

Joshua Tree Hidden Valley Trail | CA Hiking | Vegan Family Hike with Toddler

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: James Lee, Marek Piwnicki, Rachel Claire, Pixabay