Hike to the Hidden Boulder House in Joshua Tree National Park!
One of our all time favorite places on earth to hike is amongst the Joshua Trees in beautiful, sunny, southern California. In fact, we’ve hiked at Joshua Tree National Park several times over the years - often the same Boy Scout to Willow Hole as that singular hike provides a snapshot of all that the park has to offer. We also like to hike longer distances and the opportunity exists to really stretch your legs among the iconic Joshua Trees with sweeping vistas before you wind down into the humongous boulders strewn about Willow Hole. You can check out our video showcasing the Willow Hole hike if you look under our California playlist on YouTube. I digress, this time - our goal was to venture into something different. I wanted a different view through my lens, and after searching the many hikes within the park attempting to find a lesser-known and quieter trail, I knew the hike to Hidden Boulder House was it!
The fun venture to find the hike begins as you turn off the main roadway which bisects the park and onto a dirt road lined with Joshua Trees. At first we took the wrong turn and soon realized our error via AllTrails, an app I highly recommend you have on hand when hiking in land untouched by the internet. Quickly realizing the ‘one-way’ route, we backtracked and found the correct entrance which was just up the road. The trailhead houses a privvy and sizeable parking lot offering opportunities to hike several different trails in the area. We arrived early and were the only ones in the area, which we LOVE as photographers and videographers. The winter sun warmed our backs as we set off to explore the area.
Within a few minutes of hiking I was impressed with this trail! Unlike the Boy Scout to Willow Hole, it offers a range of topography to keep you stimulated. The vegetation is packed with a variety of cacti, grasses, and textures galore. The colors so vivid they really seem unreal splashed against the golden-hued rocks. If you venture along the trail we do recommend (as always) long pants as at several points you might encounter a cactus wanting to say a personal hello as you explore. After a mile or so we came to sweeping views of the valley and a trail emerged below as well as the original planned hike on the other side. We could see mining artifacts below so instead of simply walking down to the valley, and hiking back up the other side - we decided to take a mile stroll along the wash. I highly recommend you do that!!! You’ll see lots of mining equipment and gain a different view of the operations not to mention access to hidden mine shafts plunging into the hillside! The boulders down in the wash were huge!
The ‘main’ trail is near the top and a secondary trail exists which leads to the gated mind shaft to the left. We also recommend hiking up the wash below to see the mine artifacts.
The sun begins to penetrate the valley below.
After adding on a couple easy miles it was time to re-ascend to the upper trail and head to Boulder House! There is so much to see and explore on this hike so make sure you allot plenty of time to enjoy all that it has to offer. Alltrails has this hike listed as moderate. I would only say the last 1/4 mile is perhaps moderate for some but it’s 100% doable. It’s rocky, but doesn’t require any scrambling. An example of the more moderate section is below
After the final push to the top you’ll navigate a small descent to a wide open area lined with massive boulders. Here marks the end of the trail and the ‘fun’ adventure of finding the Hidden Boulder House. Just explore the area to your right and you’ll soon see the beautiful structure and all the artifacts left behind. Make sure you walk around to the back side to see the rock details and architecture. Pretty amazing!
