Lucky Boy Vista Trail | Joshua Tree

Lucky Boy Vista
in Joshua Tree National Park

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Lucky Boy Vista Trail offers a level 2.5-mile round trip hike to a modest overlook at the site of an old mine. The trailhead is a half-mile from the Pine City – Desert Queen Mine Trailhead and easy to find. There are no junctions along the trail to be concerned with. From the parking area, hike southeast across the desert on an easy track that climbs just 125 feet over 1.25 miles.

There are small rock formations along the trail but otherwise the desert surroundings are open and sprawling. Turn around for a view of Mt. San Gorgonio, the highest mountain in Southern California, rising above the desert floor. Pass around a metal gate at the halfway point and continue through the desert of Joshua trees, yucca, and cacti.

Lucky Boy Vista
Looking back down the trail

At 1.25 miles, the terrain drops away to offer a view of the rock formations to the northeast. A footpath continues beyond the ridge to connect to the Split Rock loop and Split Rock Picnic Area off Park Boulevard. This is by no means the best viewpoint in Joshua Tree, but considering the minimal effort, it wouldn’t really be fair if it was.

Lucky Boy Vista
An old mine shaft

After enjoying the “lucky boy” view, double back and take a look at the vertical mine shafts just off the trail to the east. The shafts are surrounded by fencing and covered with rocks and grates. They are the only obvious remnants of Elton Mine. After taking it all in, find the trail again and return the way you came. To see more mine shafts and remains, take the nearby hike to Desert Queen Mine.

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 less than a mile over dirt road and turn right into the parking area with the blank trail sign. This is the only turn off en route to the Desert Queen Mine – Pine City Trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

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

Nearby Trails

	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.
	Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Wonderland Wash This level 2.1-mile hike travels past the ruins of Wonderland Ranch up a use trail into 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.
	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.
	Arch Rock This 0.3-mile loop visits a natural arch in the granite formations around White Tank Campground.
	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.