Hidden Valley Trail: A sacred hike just "inside" the Moab valley rim

Tucked just inside the Moab rim, Hidden Valley is true to its name—a place that seems to be the best kept secret but at the same time a sacred hike. Once you climb the steady switchbacks and step into its expanse this small world comes to life. The trail head is a couple of minutes outside of Moab City limits, just off highway 191. On the way to Deer Creek retreat in Old La Sal, Ut.

Hidden Valley Trail is a perfect day hike for Deer Creek Retreat guests—the steep switchbacks offer a bit of a challenge, with plenty of stopping areas to take in the veiw and catch your breath, at the top you enter into a grassy valley with epic Moab Rim views, at the end of the trail petroglyphs, and an optional Colorado River extension.

My latest hiking experience on Hidden Valley trail began under a crisp desert sunrise, each step revealing more of the Moab red sandstone in front along the large bolders lining the trail and the majestic La Sal moutains in the backdrop. The blue sky connecting to the snow capped La Sal mountains makes an amazing contrast when the two meet the deep red rock surrounding all of the Moab area. This trial reveals a sacred world carved by time, the sun, and wind.

By the time I reached the valley floor, the red cliffs seemed to whisper reminders about stillness and strength. It wasn’t just a hike; it was a causual conversation with an old friend, one that left me both grounded and grateful to have wandered off the beaten path. And even though I shared the path with many making the same trek, there was plenty of alone time as people pass one another, with a greeting and "good morning" then we were both off in our own way.

I love to hike, so making the trek up the hill is a reward of its own, but the hike has a special surprise for those who venture all the way to the end—ancient petroglyphs etched high above the valley floor. These art master pieces are hundreds of centuries-old rock carvings appear like whispers from another world — silent storytellers of the Ancestral Puebloans who once walked these paths. Whether you come for the challenge, the solitude, or the history carved in stone, Hidden Valley offers a glimpse of Moab’s mysterious and sacred past.

Trail Quick Facts:

• Distance: 4 miles round trip (out-and-back); extend to 7+ miles via the Moab Rim Jeep trail.

• Elevation gain: ~680–745 feet (steep initial climb).

• Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous (rocky switchbacks, exposed sun).

• Drive from Deer Creek: ~35 minutes south of Moab via Hwy 191.

• Best time: Spring/fall mornings; summer requires an early start to avoid the heat.

Getting There from Old Lasal

From Deer Creek Retreat, head north Hwy 46 to Lasal Junction, then Hwy 191 north toward Moab. Drive past the first traffic light past the Shell gas station, second left (west) on Angel Rock Road, then right on Rimrock Road to the gravel parking lot/trailhead. Plenty of parking space; vault toilets available.​

The Hike: Switchbacks to Hidden Paradise

0–0.6 miles (Trailhead to valley rim): From the southwest parking corner, follow signs up boulder-strewn switchbacks. Steep but short—20–30 minutes of leg burn through piñon/juniper to the Moab Rim top. Sign the register box, entering Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area.

0.6–2 miles (Hidden Valley proper): The trail flattens into a stunning grassy hanging valley hemmed by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs. Juniper trees dot the sandy flat; thistles line the path (gaiters help). Open views east to Moab Valley, Lasal’s behind you.​

2–2.5 miles (Saddle & views): Climb a low pass with sweeping vistas: Hidden Valley behind, Behind the Rocks fins ahead, Colorado River canyon possible on clear days. Turnaround for a standard 4-mile hike or continue west.​

Petroglyph bonus: At the saddle, take a social trail west along the cliff base for extensive Native American panels (2,000+ years old). Look for bighorn sheep, hunters, spirals—respect by not touching.

Why Deer Creek Guests Love It

• Morning-to-lunch timing: Leave the cabin at 8 am and return by 1 pm for a porch lunch.

• Moab contrast: Quiet valley solitude vs. Arches crowds; shade in the afternoon.

• Family pacing: Steep start weeds out little kids, but valley flat suits mixed groups.

• Photography: Rim-top panoramas, petroglyph closeups, golden-hour cliffs.

Practical Tips from La Sal

• Water: 3L/person minimum (no sources); fill bottles at the main cabin or tiny home before leaving the property.

• Gear: Sturdy boots (slickrock), sun hat/sunscreen (exposed), trekking poles for switchbacks.

• Dogs: Leashed OK; grassy valley great for cooldown romps.

• Extend it: Moab Rim Jeep trail drops 3 miles to the Colorado River canyon, a few miles before Kane Creek Road (if attempting the longer trail, you’ll need to arrange a shuttle).

Deer Creek connection: After valley views, the Lasals, you'll see in the distance, your backyard. Perfect way to bridge Moab adventures with Old La Sal peace—hike hard, retreat quiet.

Pro tip: An early start beats the heat; petroglyphs glow in early-afternoon light, 2–3 hours total for most.

Come out and join us for a night, or stay a week, were ready for you to become a part of our story and enjoy the wild, rugged and silence of Old La Sal.

Cheers!

Justin

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