Hidden Valley Nevada

The basics

The best way to experience Hidden Valley is by ATV, dirt bike, or off-road vehicles known as RZRs, described as “souped-up golf carts” equipped with a cage structure. Guided tours depart from Las Vegas and head to Jean, a 30-minute drive away. Once there, travel through the historic Hidden Valley, its extinct lava beds, and Roach Dry Lake, then enter the rugged McCullough Mountain Range. Make your way to the Hidden Valley National Monument Overlook for scenic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Things to know before you go

• Wear closed-toed shoes; open-toed shoes are not permitted for riding.

• Drivers must be at least 16 years of age.

• Dress according to the weather, as it can get hot especially during the summer months.

• Hikers can walk into the Sloan Canyon Conservation Area from Hidden Valley. This alternative route avoids the heavily trafficked and built-up Henderson neighborhoods.

How to get there

Jean is located just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip in southern Nevada. Most guided tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off service to and from Jean. If traveling on your own, head south on Interstate 15 and look for the Sloan Road exit. There are ATV rental shops located near the town.

When to get there

During the height of the summer, you may prefer to explore Hidden Valley early in the morning to avoid the strong midday Mojave Desert sun. The area is typically quietest outside of spring and fall, which are peak seasons in the Las Vegas area. Consider timing your visit to coincide with the area’s Rise Festival. Held every year in the first week of October, the festival is a celebration of music, art, and food, and it culminates in the world's largest sky lantern release.

Seven Magic Mountains

Travelers can combine two top Las Vegas-area attractions by adding on a stop at Seven Magic Mountains. Less than a 10-minute drive from Jean, Seven Magic Mountains is a bright and bold contemporary public art installation comprising seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders. Many Hidden Valley tours pass by the Instagram-famous artwork.

Ways to explore

Tours of Hidden Valley are all about getting far away from the road, and options for exploring range from ATV excursions to RZR and side-by-side trips. Some of the landscapes you might encounter include dry lake beds ideal for high speeds, arid mountain summits, and rippling valleys.

Most tours are beginner-friendly and include protective equipment, so you don’t need to worry about prior experience or bringing your own gear. Some Hidden Valley tours visit nearby additional destinations, such as the colorful, stacked boulders of Seven Magic Mountains.

Accessibility

Tours of Hidden Valley are not generally wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Drivers must be aged 16 or older for most self-drive tours. Check ahead before booking for specific age restrictions, as they vary by activity.

What to pack

Sunglasses, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes

What to wear

The desert sun can be intense, so plan to bring light, layered clothing to protect your skin from UV rays.

Not allowed

Sandals and open-toe shoes are banned on off-road tours.

Amenities

Jean has a gas station and coffee shop with restrooms.

Address

Jean is located off I-15, just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip in southern Nevada. Most guided tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off service in Las Vegas.

Driving

From Las Vegas, head south on I-15 to Exit 12/Sloan Road, and from there, follow NV 151 East to Jean.

Public transportation

Currently, you can’t reach Jean and Hidden Valley by public transport. Instead, consider booking a tour that includes round-trip transportation.

Best times to visit

During the height of the summer, you may prefer to explore Hidden Valley early in the morning to avoid the strong midday Mojave Desert sun.

Best days to visit

This is a great spot to visit on weekends, when central Las Vegas gets crowded, as there’s generally plenty of room to roam in the desert.

Best months to visit

Consider a trip in spring and fall—March through May, September, or October—when the mild, sunny weather is ideal for a trip to the Mojave Desert.

Special events

The Jean Dry Lake Bed, near Hidden Valley, hosts RISE—a sky lantern and music festival held in the first week of October.