The Minerva Hoyt Trail is an out-and-back hike to the Hidden Valley picnic area. It is 3 miles roundtrip with 100 feet of elevation gain. From the parking lot, the trail follows an old road before it takes a sharp right towards Hidden Valley. The hike goes through a valley of Joshua trees with excellent views of unique rock formations and mountains in the distance. It can be combined with the 1-mile Hidden Valley Nature Trail to create a 4-mile “lollipop” loop.  

The trail is named after Minerva Hoyt, the founding force behind Joshua Tree National Park. She lobbied congress and President FDR to preserve the area. Her efforts helped the park become designated as a National Monument in 1936. It later became a National Park in 1994.

After abundant winter rains, this trail offers a vibrant springtime display of wildflowers. For more information on wildflowers, visit our Wildflower Viewing Page.