Hiking Hidden Valley
Moab
Overview
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Sun 45 | 26 |
Mon 46 | 31 |
Tue 45 | 29 |
Wed 41 | 30 |
Thu 40 | 26 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Sun 45 | 26 |
Mon 46 | 31 |
Tue 45 | 29 |
Wed 41 | 30 |
Thu 40 | 26 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Hiking hidden valley
A friend of mine had mentioned for years that Hidden Valley was one of his favorite Moab hikes. I finally took the time to visit in the spring of 2014 and enjoyed the hike. From the trailhead, the hike steeply switchbacks up to Hidden Valley, a valley situated between Moab and the canyon rim. The valley itself is pretty and would make a worthwhile destination, but what makes the hike excellent is a large number of petroglyphs at the head of Hidden Valley. Also, there are 2 unique rock circles, presumably also from the ancient peoples.
Hidden Valley is a good hike in spring, fall, or winter (with no snow on the ground). If doing it in the summer, get a very early start. The steep section has morning / mid-day sun, and would be very hot by mid-day.
Panel near the ruins
Getting There
From downtown Moab, head south through town on highway 191 about 3.5 miles to Angel Rock Road. If you reach the Shell station on the left, you have gone a couple of blocks to far. Turn right (west) on Angel Rock Road and follow it a few blocks to Rim Rock Lane. Turn right on Rim Rock Lane and follow it north to its end at the trailhead parking lot.
Panel
Route
Rock art and historic sites are fragile, non-renewable cultural resources that, once damaged, can never be replaced. To ensure they are protected, please:
- Avoid Touching the Petroglyphs: Look and observe, BUT DO NOT TOUCH!
- Stay on the Trails: Stay on the most used trails when visiting sites, and don't create new trails or trample vegetation.
- Photography and Sketching is Allowed: Do not introduce any foreign substance to enhance the carved and pecked images for photographic or drawing purposes. Altering, defacing, or damaging the petroglyphs is against the law -- even if the damage is unintentional.
- Pets: Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
- Artifacts: If you happen to come across sherds (broken pottery) or lithics (flakes of stone tools), leave them where you see them. Once they are moved or removed, a piece of the past is forever lost.
From the trailhead, follow the Hidden Valley trail, being sure to stay left at the first junction. The trail quickly begins climbing the boulder-strewn hillside with a few zig-zags. It is a short 20-30 minutes to the top, where the trail flattens as it enters Hidden Valley.
Hidden Valley is stunning! Continue on the trail as it crosses the valley, going over a very small hill mid-way. At the other side of the valley, the trail makes a short climb to a pass, with the trail splitting on top of the pass. Go right here. The trail splits again in a couple hundred feet. Go left, along the cliff band.
The petroglyph panels begin almost immediately. Follow the cliff band west, passing many panels until the cliff band gives way to a side drainage. Go up this side drainage on a social trail to near the top, and then head left (northwest/west) along the top. The first of two dwelling ruins is visible ahead. To reach it requires a straightforward chimney about 3 m tall. Most should not have much difficulty with the climb. From the ruin, you can see the second ruin further along the ridge.
To reach the second ruin, retrace your steps to the side drainage. Instead of following the drainage, however, follow the cliff band on the north side of the drainage. There are several good panels here as well. The west side of the cliff band below the second ruin allows access up to the ruin via a 2 m overhung crack. This is not as difficult as it appears because of good hands and feet, but larger hikers will struggle fitting up where it is easy.
From the second ruin, it is easiest to go south until picking up the main trail, then follow the main trail east and back up over the pass, returning via the approach trail.
Photos
Maps
| Trailhead |
12S 629229mE 4265869mN N38° 31' 55" W109° 31' 02" |
| Junction |
12S 626912mE 4266945mN N38° 32' 31" W109° 32' 37" |
| Panels Start |
12S 626712mE 4267001mN N38° 32' 33" W109° 32' 46" |
| Ruin |
12S 626399mE 4267139mN N38° 32' 37" W109° 32' 59" |
| Panels Start 2 |
12S 626356mE 4267121mN N38° 32' 37" W109° 33' 00" |
| Ruin 2 |
12S 626179mE 4267154mN N38° 32' 38" W109° 33' 08" |