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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a fine and fairly easy introductory hike to Joshua Tree National Park. You get some good mountain views, follow an historic wagon road that leads to the most prosperous of Joshua Tree gold mines. The remains of which are kept behind a chain link fence for their protection. A shame that so many people would deface and destroy something from our heritage, but they would. If you need an example, visit any mine in the Angeles National Forest. If you head in at a good pace, you'll be there before you know it. My total hike time for this trip was one hour and ten minutes, and I wasn't even trying to be fast, but if you set out at your leisure, or have elders or children with you, this may just be the hike of a lifetime. There is something here for everyone to enjoy, and that doesn't even mention the arbor of Joshuas on the road to the trailhead. Trailhead: Take the 10 towards Palm Springs and exit on the 62 heading North. Follow the 62 through the desert hamlets of Morongo, Yucca Valley, and Joshua Tree. From there you will see signs that tell you how far you are from the West entrance to the park. Turn right on Park and follow it to the entrance booth where you'll pay a $10 fee that is good for one week in the park. Drive about ten miles to Key's View Road, turn right (just before Cap Rock) and follow it until you see a sign for Lost Horse Mine. Drive about a mile down the dirt road to the parking area. The trail is actually an old wagon road, some washes cross it in places, but it is easy to stay on the trail. (Lat:33.94128 Lon:-116.13556) Trail Guides for Joshua Tree NP - Lost Horse Mine and Mountain: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) California Hiking by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Joshua Tree National Park (760)367-5500 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by B. Wilson on 6/27/2009 We hiked this trail in February of 09. On our way in, the Ranger told us it gets less than a couple inches precipitation a year... but during our entire hike, it hailed (hard) which unfortunately also caused some puddles and were hard to avoid. It was a lot of fun and quite an adventure. It's not the most strenuous of hikes, but it's a decent hike for those wanting to experience JT. The mill was neat. I wouldn't go again for the simple reason that I still haven't seen other parts of the hike. I would take others though if they were interested. Recommended. 
Reviewed by Chris V. on 5/31/2009 I have been on this hike several times over the past 25 years, and I still love the hike. The 1st time out to the Lost Horse Mine, there was not a fence around the stamp mill. So, we were able to climb on the structure, pretty cool. We even got to see a Desert Tortoise on one of the hikes. The views are incredible along the trail. Done the loop once, it was incredible, but it did take longer than I had expected. I will be taking my 11 year old son on this hike the next time I go.
Reviewed by missrocky on 3/18/2009 I love a hike with a destination and this one dodn't disppoint! Saw a few Kangaroo rats and lizards along the way. What I liked about it the most was that the switchbacks and elevation didn't KILL YOU...it wasn't too steep but it gave you a great workout! It's exciting when you come around the mountain and see the Mine up on the hill. On the way up, you can see the equiptment that slipped down the mountain over time... it's very cool. The view from the top is NOT to be missed! All and all- a very enjoyable experience!
Reviewed by Bahamut on 2/7/2009 This is a nice trail with some cool history. The Stamp Mill is in great shape too. 
Reviewed by David R. on 1/5/2009 Hiked this trail on 12/28 in some snow with my 11 year old. We also climbed Lost Horse Mtn. which overlooks the mine. The way back we follwed the long ridge that bisects into the parking area. Total time hiking was 3 hours.
Reviewed by GAC on 11/20/2008 Very Pleasant hike, no trash, awesome views. Great hike for familys or first timers. The mine is really awesome, there's only one very small piece of graffiti on the mine. Overall a great hike.
Reviewed by Heidi on 12/10/2006 We hiked this trail with 2 children (6 yr old on foot and a 2 yr old in a backpack) in September. The trail is clearly marked and quite wide in most places making this a perfect longer hike for families with young children or first-timers. Once you get to the mine do try to climb to the peak-the views are breathtaking. And it provided a perfect place to stop for lunch.
Reviewed by Matt on 11/12/2006 Hiked this starting at 7am 11/4/06, and didn't see another soul during the entire hike or in the parking lot. Hiked to the mine and back, but some sections were beyond "easy" given there grade and the condition of the trail. The hike was tiring at a good pace, but very enjoyable. I wish there hadn't been the enormous chain-link fence around the mine so you could get a closer look, but I suppose it's dangerous and the best thing for protecting the structure. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Bernardino County Hiking, San Bernardino County Trails, San Bernardino County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||