For a brief period at the start of America’s involvement in World War Two, this area was heavily mined for its high-grade calcite, a mineral then used to make bomb sights. This approximately 4-mile expedition follows an old mining road into the Santa Rosa Mountains, crossing a narrow ravine with slot canyons that hikers may explore to add variety and excitement to the trek.

From the not-entirely-well-marked trailhead on route S22 east of Borrego Springs, begin down Calcite Mine Road, which immediately drops seventy-five feet into Palm Wash. Continue up the dirt road across desert badlands toward the mine built into Pyramid Peak. You are hiking up a 4X4 road so look out for occasional vehicle traffic.

Calcite Mine Road crosses Palm Wash toward Pyramid Peak

The road dips into a ravine 1.4 miles from the start, and half a mile from Calcite Mine. Above and below the road are narrows open only to hikers. To venture up the ravine to the mine site, leave the road and turn left. After a few hundred feet, the ravine narrows to just a few feet wide. Weave your way through winding water-swept sandstone, climbing a few pour-overs that obstruct the path.

Hiking up the narrows

The trench eventually widens and arrives at a ten-foot dry falls. Retreat a few hundred yards and look for a steep track ascending through a gap on the east wall of the canyon. Climb to the rim and turn right, marching east on a faint and sometimes invisible footpath. Worry not, the mine is near. Hike over a low ridge and across the top of a small depression to reach the mine. You will pass to the left of a tall porous rock formation before stepping down to a large turnaround area at the top of the road.

This is the mine site, though there is no rusting equipment to identify the location. Look below your feet and you are sure to spot a few pieces of calcite glistening on the ground. Calcite Mine played a brief but important role in U.S. history. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, military specialists pinpointed this rich deposit of optical-grade calcite, an essential material in the manufacturing of precision bomb sights and anti-aircraft weaponry. The discovery led to vigorous trench mining, which came to an end as quickly as it began when a synthetic substitute was created that held the same optical qualities as calcite and was less expensive to produce.

The top of Calcite Mine Road and the mound southeast of the mine

There are footpaths leaving Calcite Mine in several directions. Take the opportunity to explore. A track descending southeast to a rocky mound offers nice view over the vast badlands. The Salton Sea is visible to the east, a full 1,300 feet below Calcite Mine at 226 feet below sea level. North of Calcite Mine is the aptly named Locomotive Rock, a long prominent formation with jagged steps that stands out from the landscape, and is identifiable from the trailhead. A rugged jeep trail drops into the canyon below Locomotive Rock, allowing even greater exploration.

Locomotive Rock

When you are ready to head out, hike half a mile back down the road to the ravine where you first went off-road to explore the narrows. Now turn left to head downhill through a lower slot.

Sunlight entering the narrows

After 0.45 miles of fun, the narrows join a larger branch of the canyon. Turn right and stride down to the top of another 4X4 road. About a quarter mile down the wash, turn right up a steep jeep road. The road is faint, but it is very important not to miss this turn. If you continue down the wash, it will angle progressively further to the east, away from the trailhead, resulting in a frustrating unplanned extension of several miles. It is quite easy to lose your sense of direction in these winding desert channels, which is why it is important to hike with a reliable map, and useful to carry a GPS device. Assuming you don’t mistakenly continue down the wash (man, that would be frustrating…), hike up out of the wash and down the connection road until it meets up with Calcite Mine Road. Turn left and return to the trailhead, less than a mile away.

Looking down Calcite Mine Road toward the trailhead

This figure-eight shaped lollipop loop visits enthralling narrows and a mine site important to history of the Anza-Borrego Desert. Calcite Mine is 1.9 miles from Route S22 over the mine road, and a little further through the narrows. Plan to hike at least a quarter mile around the mine site on this varied 4.25-mile trek with 600 feet of elevation between the low and high points. No fee or permit is required to visit Calcite Mine and the adjacent narrows, so get out enjoy.

To get to the trailhead: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive east for 4.3 miles on Palm Canyon Dive. The road bends north, becoming Pegleg Road. After 2.4 miles, the road turns east onto Borrego Salton Seaway (Route S22). Drive another 12.4 miles to the trailhead. There is a large turnout on the north side of the road near mile marker 38. Calcite Mine Trail begins 0.2 miles to the east (marker 38.2). Directly across from the trailhead, there is a smaller pullout on the south side of the road near emergency call box 382. Park in either spot, and walk to the display panel at the start of Calcite Mine Road, which describes the history of Calcite Mine.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                           

These photos were taken in March of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Borrego Palms Canyon Trail This 3.25-mile loop visits a popular palm tree oasis in a canyon west of Borrego Springs.
	Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls This 5.5-mile hike visits a 20-foot waterfall in a canyon near Borrego Springs, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in the California Desert.
	The Slot This 1.2-mile hike descends through a narrow canyon beneath a natural rock span that is among the most photographed landmarks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
	Narrows Earth Trail This 0.5-mile self-guided hike explores the geology of the park.
	Elephant Trees Trail This easy one-mile loop offers a lesson in desert botany including the rare Elephant Tree.
	Wind Caves Trail This 1.25-mile round trip hike climbs 250 feet to a sandstone formation that begs to be explored.
	Pictograph Trail This 1.8-mile hike visits rock paintings drawn by Kumeyaay Indians who lived in the Anza-Borrego Desert thousands of years ago.
	Morteros Trail This 0.6-mile hike visits a village of boulders once occupied by Kumeyaay Indians who left behind Morteros, grinding bowls carved into the rock.
	Rainbow Canyon Trail This 2.2-mile adventure follows an undeveloped trail up a colorful canyon full of vibrant rock formations and desert plants.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Golden Canyon – Gower Gulch Loop in Death Valley National Park This 4-mile loop travels up canyons and across badlands in a stunning region of the park near Furnace Creek.
	Contact Mine in Joshua Tree National Park This 3.9-mile hike ascends 700 feet up a wash, a canyon, and an old road to a mountainside mine site that offers a glimpse into the mining history of Joshua Tree.
	New York Peak in Mojave National Preserve This 7 to 9-mile round trip hike travels an old mining road before summiting the highest point of the New York Range in the northeast corner of the preserve.

 

Camping

 

Anza-Borrego Desert Campgrounds There are four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and extensive roadside camping to accommodate your visit to California’s largest state park.

 

Wildflowers

 

See more wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park The desert bloom brings out Barrel Cactus, Bigelow’s Monkeyflower, Ocotillo, and more.

 

More Info

 

Calcite Mine Trail on sandiegoreader.com

Calcite Mine Trail on modernhiker.com

Calcite Mine Trail on signonsandiego.com

Calcite Mine Trail on calipidder.com

The official website for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

 

Contact Mine was in operation at the start of the 20th century, extracting gold and silver from the mountains south of Twentynine Palms, California. A hundred years of desert decay have left the mine rusty but recognizable. The old road to the mine is worn down and eroded, now just a little-used hiking trail. This 3.95-mile round trip trek ascends 700 feet up a wash, a canyon, and an old road to a mountainside mine site that offers a glimpse into the mining history of Joshua Tree National Park.

There is no trail marker for Contact Mine. To locate the trailhead, drive half a mile south of the north entrance on Route 12 (Utah Trail) and pull into the parking area on the southwest side of the road. There is a kiosk displaying information about the park, but no mention of Contact Mine. Hike southwest past the kiosk, following the footsteps of previous hikers across open desert toward a pile of distinct boulders. After 0.15 miles, and just before reaching the rock formation, you will hit a wash. Turn right heading up the wash toward the canyon carved into the mountains to the west. There is more evidence of an actual trail from this point on.

Looking up the wash

After half a mile of brisk cross-desert travel, a line or rocks directs traffic to a small track exiting the wash to the left. Follow this trail, and its periodic cairns, on a course paralleling the wash. The wash becomes choked with boulders as it meets the canyon, while the fading mine road remains navigable. After another 0.37 miles, and just over a mile from the start, the trail drops into the canyon at a Y in the drainage. Take a few steps up the smaller right fork and relocate the trail ascending the ridge up the center of the Y. The fading road rises above the left fork, which is the main channel of the canyon.

The road becomes steeper, climbing toward the back of the canyon where it makes a broad curve to the left. The quality of the stone construction is apparent as you tackle the remaining 500 feet of elevation up to the mine.

Looking down the old mining road

The trail crosses a saddle into a neighboring branch of the canyon and angles to the right. At this point, 1.65-miles from the start, Contact Mine comes into view for the first time. Continue the last quarter mile to the old mine site. The trail breaks up just below the mine, so make your own way across the slope strewn with a surprising amount of rusting remnants. A mound of discarded gravel forms the base of Contact Mine. Either scramble up the rock pile, or circle up to the mine, where old machinery, rail tracks, and covered mine shafts are still in place.

Contact Mine

Enjoy the nice view down the canyon from Contact Mine before returning the way you came. The hike back is easy and downhill, with wide vistas beyond the canyon toward the Pinto Mountains. This unmaintained trail sees few visitors and provides a secluded desert hiking experience. There is no permit required to hike to Contact Mine, but a park entrance fee must be paid to reach the trailhead.

A winch rusting at Contact Mine

To get to the trailhead: The hike begins from the parking area four miles north of the intersection with Pinto Basin Road and Park Boulevard, which is half a mile south of the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park near the city of Twentynine Palms. There are signs posted for the parking area on the southwest side of the road, but no markers for the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                 

These photos were taken in November of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Fortynine Palms Oasis The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
	Arch Rock This 0.3-mile loop visits a natural arch in the granite formations around White Tank Campground.
	Desert Queen Mine This 1.6-mile hike follows a level trail to an overlook before crossing a canyon to visits the ruins of one the most profitable gold mines in the California desert.
	Wall Street Mill This level 1.55 to 2.15-mile hike visits a well-reserved gold mill, exploring the mining history of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Wonderland Wash This level 2.1-mile hike travels past the ruins of Wonderland Ranch up a use trail into the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Hidden Valley This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena.
	Lucky Boy Vista This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine.
	Warren Peak This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree.
	Inspiration Peak This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Mastodon Peak This 2.6-mile loop visits a 3,400-foot summit with panoramic views of southeastern Joshua Tree.
	Lost Palms Oasis This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Similar Trails

 

	New York Peak in Mojave National Preserve This 7 to 9-mile round trip hike summits the highest point of the New York Range in the northeast corner of the preserve.
	Silver Peak in Mojave National Preserve This 8.5-mile hike summits a 6.365-foot peak in the Granite Mountains.

 

Camping

 

Joshua Tree Campgrounds There are nine campgrounds with 500 total sites spread throughout the park to facilitate your visit.

 

Wildflowers

 

Joshua Tree Wildflowers The desert in bloom is something any outdoor enthusiast in California should see.

 

More Info

 

Contact Mine in HIKING CALIFORNIA’S DESERT PARKS by Bill and Polly Cunningham

Contact Mine on redtrails.com

Contact Mine on mojavetravelers.com

The official website for Joshua Tree National Park

 

The Ashford Mill ruins are visible to those driving up route 178 to Badwater Basin and Furnace Creek. The ruins rest on the valley floor at an elevation of 121 feet below sea level. They serve as a picturesque example of the rigors of life in this harsh desert.

In 1914, Ashford Mill was built to process gold from the Ashford Mine, located in the mountains to the east. Like many desert mines, Ashford went through several owners with long breaks in production. Today, the ruin of Ashford Mill can be explored in under ten minutes. The site also holds the distinction of being the southernmost bathroom in Death Valley, so it may be worth stopping for other reasons.

Ashford Mill Ruins

Those with high clearance vehicles may also explore Ashford Mine. A dirt road directly across from Ashford Mill heads east for three miles. From here it is a 1.5-mile hike to the old mine.

To get to Ashford Mill: The ruins are located just off Badwater Road 25 miles north of the southern park entrance and 27 miles south of Badwater Basin. From Furnace Creek, drive 44.5 miles south on Badwater Road and turn west at the sign into the parking area for Ashford Mill.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                           

These photos were taken in May of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Attractions

 

	Badwater Basin This is the lowest place in North America — a required stop for first time visitors to Death Valley.
	Dante’s View This towering overlook above Badwater Basin offers panoramic views of Death Valley.
	Artist’s Drive This 9-mile drive crosses a sloping mountainside composed of vibrant soil colored by rich metals.
	Harmony Borax The ¼ mile walk around the Harmony Borax plant offers a window into the mining past of Death Valley.
	Zabriskie Point This easy-to-reach overlook offers a stunning panorama of the badlands near Furnace Creek.
	Charcoal Kilns These conical constructions converted lumber to charcoal for area miners from 1879 to 1882.
	Death Valley Explore more destinations in Death Valley National Park

 

Camping

 

Death Valley CampgroundsThere are nine campgrounds spread throughout this large park to facilitate your visit.

 

More Info

 

Ashford Mine in HIKING CALIFORNIA’S DESERT PARKS by Bill and Polly Cunningham

The official website for Death Valley

 

This short desert hike visits a gold mine that operated profitably for decades on land now protected by Joshua Tree National Park. An overlook across from the mine is reachable via an easy 0.7-mile round trip trail, and the excursion can be extended to 1.6 miles by crossing a canyon to the mine itself.

Begin hiking on the nearly level Desert Queen Mine Trail (just to the right of the bathrooms at the trailhead for Desert Queen Mine and Pine City). Not far from the start, the trail passes an old stone foundation with a bed frame still inside. These ruins are a few hundred feet from the trail, easy to spot, and worth exploring. After a third of a mile, the trail comes to an overlook on the edge of a small canyon opposite the site of Dawn Queen Mine. The mine was operational from 1895 until 1961, and the remains are well preserved.

Looking down on the trail and mine from the overlook

Across the canyon, a trail can be seen crossing through the old mine ruins. To connect to this trail, descend past the information panel and turn right on a worn path heading down into the canyon. After dropping 125 feet, turn right and hike up the canyon bottom toward the other trail. Turn left and follow this single-track up the other side of the canyon past old mining machinery and numerous fenced over shafts (over 20 in all).

Machinery along the trail

The trail climbs to the top of the mine at the canyon rim. Stand over the mine shafts and enjoy the desert views. The trail continues beyond the mine down Desert Queen Wash, past smaller mining operations, toward John’s Camp and Park Boulevard. On the return, one can hike back across the canyon to the overlook trail or return along the trail that goes through the mine, which joins the overlook trail halfway between the trailhead and the stone foundation. Desert Queen Mine shares its trailhead with Pine City, so there is more hiking nearby for those looking to trek further.

Mojave Mound Cactus blooming along the trail above the mine

A photo of the map at the trailhead

To get to the trailhead: From Park Boulevard 5 miles west of the intersection with Pinto Basin Road, turn north on Desert Queen Mine Road (opposite Geology Tour Road). Drive a mile over dirt road passing the trailhead for Lucky Boy Vista and continue to the trailhead for Desert Queen Mine, located just past a hairpin turn in the road. The parking area can also be reached from the other end of the dirt road, which starts to the west near Barker Dam.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                             

These photos were taken in April of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Elevation

 

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Lucky Boy Vista This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine.
	Contact Mine This 3.9-mile hike ascends 700 feet up a wash, a canyon, and an old road to a mountainside mine site that offers a glimpse into the mining history of Joshua Tree.
	Arch Rock This 0.3-mile loop visits a natural arch in the granite formations around White Tank Campground.
	Wall Street Mill This level 1.55 to 2.15-mile hike visits a well-reserved gold mill, exploring the mining history of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Hidden Valley This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena.
	Ryan Mountain This 3-mile round-trip hike offers summit views from the center of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Lost Horse Mine This 4-mile round-trip trail visits a well-preserved mine and mill.
	Inspiration Peak This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Warren Peak This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree.
	Fortynine Palms Oasis The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
	Indian Cove The 101-site campground is home to a 0.6-mile interpretive trail and endless bouldering and rock climbing opportunities.
	Mastodon Peak This 2.6-mile loop visits a 3,400-foot summit with panoramic views of southeastern Joshua Tree.
	Lost Palms Oasis This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park.
	Cholla Cactus Garden This quarter-mile loop allows visitors to stroll through an intense concentration of Cholla cacti.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Camping

 

Joshua Tree Campgrounds There are nine campgrounds with 500 total sites spread throughout the park to facilitate your visit.

 

Wildflowers

 

Joshua Tree Wildflowers The desert in bloom is something any outdoor enthusiast in California should see.

 

More Info

 

Desert Queen Mine on Wikipedia.org

Desert Queen Mine in HIKING CALIFORNIA’S DESERT PARKS by Bill and Polly Cunningham

The official website for Joshua Tree National Park

 

The easiest way to complete the loop trail is in a counter-clockwise direction. Start by taking the Lost Palms Oasis Trail from Cottonwood Spring and make a left at every junction you come to.

A Desert Tortuous shares the trail

Start the hike by descending into Victory Oasis. Pass through the spring fed palms and continue up the opposite bank toward Lost Palms Oasis (3.6 miles away). The hard-packed trail ascends gradually to the east past yucca and ocotillo. At the first junction, 0.7 miles from the trailhead, turn left following the sign toward Mastodon Peak.

Hiking up the trail to Mastadon Peak

The trail gains 165 feet over the next quarter mile before coming to the base of Mastodon Peak. Break from the loop here and follow the use trail to the summit. The climb is just one tenth of a mile long, but the route is somewhat elusive to follow. A bit of light scrambling is required as the undeveloped trail wraps around the rocky east side of Mastodon to arrive at the 3,400-foot summit.

From here, the views are far and wide. That large blue body to the south is not a mirage. It’s the Salton Sea. To the east, the highest point in sight is Eagle Mountain at 5,350 feet.

Mastadon Mine

Descend from the summit and continue along the loop trail, passing the remains of Mastodon Mine, which operated here until 1971. The trail descends west toward Cottonwood Spring, crossing and traveling down a series of desert washes. This section of the loop is easier to follow in this direction than in the reverse, and hiking down the loose sand is certainly better than the alternative.

The trail comes to a final junction a mile from the peak, near another set of ruins at the former site of Winona Mine. For those staying at Cottonwood Spring Campground, a 0.2-mile trail continues straight ahead to return you to your campsite. For everyone else, turn left to return to the trailhead. The 0.4-mile long sandy track curves to the left, running alongside the paved road before returning to the start.

To get to the trailhead: From the 10 freeway, take exit 168 and head north on Cottonwood Spring Road. After 7 miles, turn right before the at Cottonwood Spring Visitor Center and continue 1 mile to the trailhead at road’s end. From within the park, Take Park Blvd to the junction with Pinto Basin Road. Take Pinto Basin Road thirty miles to the Cottonwood Spring Visitor Center, turn east and continue 1 miles to roads end at the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                             

These photos were taken in April of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Elevation

 

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Lost Palms Oasis This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park.
	Cholla Cactus Garden This quarter-mile loop allows visitors to stroll through an intense concentration of Cholla cacti.
	Desert Queen Mine This 1.6-mile hike follows a level trail to an overlook before crossing a canyon to visits the ruins of one the most profitable gold mines in the California desert.
	Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Fortynine Palms Oasis The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
	Indian Cove The 101-site campground is home to a 0.6-mile interpretive trail and endless bouldering and rock climbing opportunities.
	Hidden Valley This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena.
	Ryan Mountain This 3-mile round-trip hike offers summit views from the center of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Lost Horse Mine This 4-mile round-trip trail visits a well-preserved mine and mill.
	Inspiration Peak This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Warren Peak This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree.
	Lucky Boy Vista This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Camping

 

Joshua Tree Campgrounds There are nine campgrounds with 500 total sites spread throughout the park to facilitate your visit.

 

Wildflowers

 

Joshua Tree Wildflowers The desert in bloom is something any outdoor enthusiast in California should see.

 

More Info

 

Mastodon Peak in HIKING CALIFORNIA’S DESERT PARKS by Bill and Polly Cunningham

NPS trail bruchure for Mastodon Peak and Lost Palms Oasis

Mastodon Peak on summitpost.org

Mastodon Peak on protrails.com

Mastodon Peak on localhikes.com

The official website for Joshua Tree National Park

 

Lost Horse mine was one of the few mineral speculations in Joshua Tree to be productive. According to the NPS, The mine yielded approximately 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver.

Lost Horse Mine

The hike is gentle with just a slight uphill grade. Outside of wildflower season, the views will be lacking and visitors may find other trails more enjoyable. Anyone coming to the park for the Joshua trees and the boulders will be disappointed by the trail. Those making the hike to Lost Horse Mine are advised to go the extra mile, or in this case the extra third of a mile, and continue up the steep ridge behind the mine to a vast overlook.

To get to the trailhead: From Park Boulevard, take Keys View Road south 2.4 miles and turn left onto a dirt road leading to the trailhead for Lost Horse Mine.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

               

These photos were taken in November of 2006. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Inspiration Peak This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Hidden Valley This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena.
	Ryan Mountain This 3-mile round-trip hike offers summit views from the center of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Desert Queen Mine This 1.6-mile hike follows a level trail to an overlook before crossing a canyon to visits the ruins of one the most profitable gold mines in the California desert.
	Lucky Boy Vista This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine.
	Wall Street Mill This level 1.55 to 2.15-mile hike visits a well-reserved gold mill, exploring the mining history of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Contact Mine This 3.9-mile hike ascends 700 feet up a wash, a canyon, and an old road to a mountainside mine site that offers a glimpse into the mining history of Joshua Tree.
	Fortynine Palms Oasis The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
	Indian Cove The 101-site campground is home to a 0.6-mile interpretive trail and endless bouldering and rock climbing opportunities.
	Warren Peak This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree.
	Cholla Cactus Garden This quarter-mile loop allows visitors to stroll through an intense concentration of Cholla cacti.
	Mastodon Peak This 2.6-mile loop visits a 3,400-foot summit with panoramic views of southeastern Joshua Tree.
	Lost Palms Oasis This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Camping

 

Joshua Tree Campgrounds There are nine campgrounds with 500 total sites spread throughout the park to facilitate your visit.

 

Wildflowers

 

Joshua Tree Wildflowers The desert in bloom is something any outdoor enthusiast in California should see.

 

More Info

 

Lost Horse Mine in HIKING CALIFORNIA’S DESERT PARKS by Bill and Polly Cunningham

Lost Horse Mine on localhikes.com

The official website for Joshua Tree National Park

 

Dawn Mine offers a glimpse into the history of the San Gabriel Mountains. The abandoned shafts can be reached on a moderately strenuous 6-mile round trip hike up beautiful Millard Canyon.

To visit the entrance to this forgotten gold mine, start from the Millard Campground parking area and hike half a mile up the canyon to Millard Falls. Take in the falls and back up three hundred feet. You will see a wooden post to your left, marking a steep path up the wall of the canyon. This is the start of the extended trail to Dawn Mine.

This first section of the Dawn Mine Trail will definitely get your thighs burning!

Take the steep path up along the right rim of the canyon, returning to the creek at a small landing above Millard Falls. Cross the water here and pick up the single track on the other side. The pleasant hike upstream begins anew.

Follow the trail as it routinely crosses the creek, unable to decide which side it wants to be on. The trail breaks up some as the canyon widens, bringing in more California bays and other vegetation. Stick with the stream. As long as you do not exit the canyon, you will arrive at the destination.

The photos in this report depict recognizable milestones to help guide you to the mine. The photos below offer more scenic views of the hike.

Looking upstream from a little ways above the falls

The trail passes over rusted out pipes and other man-made vestiges.

Continue past this check cam

You will cross under and over a few logs along your way.

This old log is nice enough to have a built-in step

When you start to ask yourself, “how far away is this thing,” you are probably getting close. A miles from the mine, the canyon narrows and the creek may disappear underground. The stream bed becomes a boulder field, so take the trail to the left as it winds up a steep slope.

When you come back into the stream bed, you should see these blackened tree roots standing out and covered in white stones:

Continue past this marker

Follow the dry creek and trail into a wooded area, as you close in on the mine. The trail will cross back and forth across the creek. At one point, when you are walking along the right bank, there will be remnants of an old miners’ encampment in a clearing on the slope to the left. Pay a brief visit to the rusting relics and push on for the last third of a mile to the mine.

The canyon bends to the left, then to the right, as you rock-hop along. When the trail switches up the canyon wall to the left, you are there! Take a look at the rusted engine that once delivered gold from the mine, and ascend to the mouth of the mine. Climb inside and enjoy a moment in the cold shade. If you brought a flashlight you can have a look back into the dark recesses.

A century-old mining engine

Leave the mine and retrace your steps down the canyon. Take your time and enjoy the calming creek as the sun plays on the water through the leaves of the bays above. You are sure to return to Millard Falls with a feeling of blissful accomplishment. An Adventure Pass is required to park at the trailhead for Dawn Mine in the Angeles National Forest. No other permit is required, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: Take the 210 freeway to Pasadena. Exit Lake Avenue and head north. After 3.5 miles, turn left at the T onto Loma Alta Drive. After one mile, make a right on Chaney Trail. The 1.5 mile road winds up to Sunset Ridge and down to the parking lot for Millard Campground and the trail to Dawn Mine.

Use the map below to create your own directions to the trailhead:

Photos

 

Dawn Mine
                           
Millard Falls
                 
Millard Campground
       

These photos were taken in March of 2009. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Dawn Mine This 6-mile hike from Millard Campground leads past Millard Falls to an old gold mine.
	Rubio Canyon Trail This 1.3-mile round trip hike ventures into a rustic canyon to a double waterfall.
	More trails in the San Gabriel Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

 

Similar Trails

 

Santa Anita Canyon Loop This 9.5-mile loop visits a two peaceful creeks, a 60 foot waterfall and plenty of beautiful wilderness.

 

Camping

 

Millard Campground This is the place to camp at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Or, the place to start on a hike to Millard Falls or Dawn Mine.

 

More Info

 

The Angeles National Forest website

Dawn mine on localhikes.com

Dawn mine on Dan’s Hike’s