Lost Horse Mine Trail | Joshua Tree

Lost Horse Mine
in Joshua Tree National Park

Loading ...

Joshua Tree Lost Horse Mine
At the terminus of a 4-mile round-trip trail is the Lost Horse Mine ten-stamp mill and foundation. This is one of the best preserved mills under National Park protection, however, it can only be viewed from outside a chain link fence.

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.

Joshua Tree Lost Horse Mine
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:

View California Desert Hikes in a larger map

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.