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Minerva Hoyt (Minerva Hoyt Trail)
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California
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Inside Joshua Tree National Park
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Why you'll love it
Minerva Hoyt (Minerva Hoyt Trail)
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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. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> After abundant winter rains, this trail offers a vibrant springtime display of wildflowers. For more information on wildflowers, visit our <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/blooms.htm">Wildflower Viewing Page</a>.
Cap Rock
~1 min drive
<p>Cap Rock is a popular rock formation in the central part of Joshua Tree National Park. Located near the north end of Keys View Road near Park Boulevard, Cap Rock is an easy to reach location. In addition to the unique rock formation, Cap Rock offers a picnic area with grill…
Ryan Ranch Trailhead
~1 min drive
<p paraeid="{5b31bcd1-638e-43cd-9cfa-6ec1a4d5f5ae}{107}" paraid="1311873658">Ryan Ranch is a one-mile (round trip) out-and-back hike with a 135-foot elevation gain. The trail travels along an old ranch road to a historic adobe structure at the base of Ryan Mountain. Ryan Ranch…
Hidden Valley Trailhead
~2 min drive
<p paraeid="{9296a7fe-185c-4ce3-b578-0e633a2bc16b}{152}" paraid="1177623846">The Hidden Valley Trail is a one-mile loop hike through a scenic valley surrounded by large rock formations. The trail is excellent for families and offers exciting opportunities for rock scrambling.…
Big Trees Trailhead
~2 min drive
<p paraeid="{4e0e7a30-766a-4ca6-b32c-bbdc9e5407e1}{154}" paraid="765287846">Big Trees Trail is a 6 mile (round trip) out-and-back hike less than 100 ft of elevation gain. This trail is great for admiring the desert vegetation and looking out for wildlife. On this hike, you’ll…
Stubbe Springs Trailhead
~2 min drive
<p paraeid="{2a1d1ef4-ea81-489f-93fa-fc6a192e84b3}{233}" paraid="1238713397">Stubbe Springs is a 12-mile “lollipop” loop hike in the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/juniper-flats-zone.htm">Juniper Flats area</a>. This trail is great for hikers looking for a lon…
Cow Rock
~3 min drive
A rock formation that is shaped like a cow overlooking the Hidden Valley Trail. To find this rock formation while hiking the Hidden Valley Trail, stop at the Mountain Quail Interpretive Sign and look to the west. At the top of the tall wall of rocks is Cow Rock.
Ryan Mountain Trailhead
~3 min drive
<p paraeid="{8cc8f37b-3c36-45c6-83d6-94e72c114c11}{25}" paraid="396559091">Ryan Mountain is a 3-mile (round trip) out-and-back hike with 1,050 feet of elevation gain. The summit rewards hikers with one of the best 360-degree views of any trail in the park. From the summit, you…
Echo T Trailhead
~3 min drive
Take the Echo T Trail to connect to the Barker Dam Trail from the Echo T parking lot. This trail follows a wash near unique rock formations. Meander among Joshua trees and other desert plants. Watch for climbers or try to spot desert bighorn sheep. Get ready for a minor rock s…
Lost Horse Mine Trailhead
~5 min drive
<p paraeid="{9296a7fe-185c-4ce3-b578-0e633a2bc16b}{57}" paraid="1485989364">The Lost Horse Mine trail is a 4-mile (round trip) out-and-back hike with 550 feet of elevation gain. Lost Horse Mine operated from 1893 to 1936, producing over 9,000 ounces of gold. It was one of the…
Boy Scout Trailhead
~6 min drive
Explore the Wonderland of Rocks on the Boy Scout Trail. The Boy Scout Trail runs for a total of 8 miles one way(16 miles round trip), but hikes of any length can be a great way to experience the Wonderland of Rocks. Start from the Keys West Wilderness Backpacking Board along P…
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