Finding the Hidden Valley

We have been busy here in Moab to say the least. We have Jeeped a little. Hiked a little. Biked a little. Plus Jeep Safari started Saturday. This little town is about to double in size.

So as you can guess, the hikes in Arches National park and Canyonlands are very busy. So we know hikes outside the parks that are lesser used. One of those hikes is The Hidden Valley.

Hidden Valley

The Hidden Valley is just off to the right. You have to climb through this boulder field to get up into it. This view is from the parking area.

Lisa playing mountain goat

Half way up looking down at the parking area

The trail winds around and through the boulder field called "Barney Rubble". If you have ankle issues you may not want to try this hike. The trail is dirt and lots and lots of rocks. What you do get if you make the climb is spectacular views.

The view of the La  Sal Mountains from the entrance of the valley

This is the Hidden Valley after the climb up to get into it.

Once you climb to the top you enter the valley. Rock walls on each side. It is very nice. There are two parts to the valley. The front part you can still get some highway noise from below. The second part of the valley is very peaceful. We hiked a couple of miles until the trail turns into the Moab Rim Jeep Trail. You can hike all the way through if you want.

Looking North at the Moab Rim Trail

Lisa having fun

We enjoyed the scenery for awhile before we turned around and headed back. On the way back you get beautiful views of the La Sal Mountains.

I just love the contrast of the red rock and the white snow capped mountains in the back ground. Well that is it for that hike. It is work to get up there and easy getting out because it is all downhill.

Now just some un-finished business from our stay at Quartzsite Arizona. When we tell people where we are they always say "Did you go to the bookstore?" I guess it is one of those things that is a must do when in Quartzsite. I did not go (and you will see why) but Lisa and some of the girls went.

l-r:Dianne, Lisa, Bookstore guy, Barb and Pam

That is the owner and that is how he dresses every day. What happens in Quartzsite gets blogged all over the world. Free advertising for him. And he loves for people to take pictures of him.

It is Jeep Safari week so I will have a entire post about that next.