Hidden Valley Campground

Occupied Campsite Rule In Effect! MORE INFO >>> Any route or boulder problem that starts out of or near an occupied campsite may not be done without first obtaining the campsite occupant's permission. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Hidden Valley Campground from Cyclops

Description 

Welcome to Hidden Valley Campground - the Camp 4 of Southern California. HVCG has a high concentration of quality routes and one could potentially spend a week in The Park without ever leaving the campground. As such, the area sees more than it's fair share of traffic and, unfortunately, accidents on routes like Toe Jam and Double Cross (see route descriptions for specifics). A few considerations and logistics while you're here:

• Entrance fee (currently $15) is valid for 7 days of purchase. Camping in the Park is $10/campsite/night, and is on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). However, reservations may be made online for group campsites at Indian Cove, Sheep Pass, Cottonwood, and Black Rock Campgrounds through the NPS Reservation Center. More about camping....

• Weekends are crowded during peak season! With its proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego, the Park draws more than 1 million visitors annually. Plan accordingly and have a backup plan if the campgrounds are full. There are numerous inexpensive motels in the nearby towns of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and 29 Palms.

• There are no gas stations in the Park itself. There are two gas stations in the town of Joshua Tree - a Valero on the corner of Park and Hwy 62 and at a Circle K (no diesel) which is a block to the east. Yucca Valley, 6 miles west of town on Hwy 62, has many gas stations to choose from with most having lower prices than the ones in Joshua Tree.

• There is no running water in the Park. Come prepared with a 5-gallon or more jug if planning on staying more than a day. The last place to fill up is at the West Entrance kiosk, where you'll pay 25 cents for 5 gallons.

• Protect your food!!! Coyotes, squirrels, and scrub jays WILL raid your food if left out. A couple of durable plastic storage bins will make your life a lot easier and will help to keep the critters self-sufficient.

• Cell phones reception is spotty, but good reception can be had at Key's View. There is an ***EMERGENCY ONLY*** phone located at the second bathroom in main loop of Hidden Valley Campground. The closest payphone is at Coyote Corner at the SE corner of Park Blvd and Hwy 62.

Getting There 

HVCG is located 14 miles SE of the Park's West Entrance along Quail Springs Road (Park Blvd).

The Classics

Featured Route For Hidden Valley Campground

Double Cross 5.7+  CA : Joshua Tree National Park : ... : The Old Woman - West Face

One of the best and most accessible of the easier moderates, Double Cross is perhaps the most climbed (i.e, crowded) route in the entire Park. Those who have not yet developed basic jamming technique will find this route quite difficult. Although easily protected, this route has been the site of several serious injuries and a few fatalities over the years.Begin by climbing 25' up and then traverse left to gain the main crack. Continue for anoth...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Hidden Valley Campground Slideshow

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Sunset from site #2 [[Hidden Valley Campg...	Bird and Brodie launching the Space Pod. Photo: Er...	Sunrise @ Hidden Valley
To the campground residents, a styrofoam cooler is...	Looking Down into the Hidden Valley Campground are...	Tarantula and lunch near Hidden Valley Campground,...
Cholla detail	The end of another great day in Joshua Tree.	Brett emerging from his long winter hibernation
One of the many hidden valley natives	Joshua Tree at Sunset.	Sunset at the Hidden Valley Campground
Campsite #2	Sunset, as viewed from the Old Woman.	Saddle Rocks from Hidden Valley CG, Joshua Tree.
Hidden Valley from Ryan Mountain. Photo by Blitzo.	Sunrise over Hidden Valley	Old Woman, The Blob, and Hidden Valley Campground ...