Lost Horse Mine Joshua Tree
Explore the remnants of a late 19th-century gold mine on a scenic desert trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Lost Horse Mine Joshua Tree
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remnants of a late 19th-century gold mine on a scenic desert trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
"The quietness is my favorite thing about this trail. It’s also got great views."
💧 Bring Ample Water
Crucial for this exposed desert hike. Stay hydrated!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
No shade on the trail. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lost Horse Mine Ruins
Trailhead off Park Boulevard
Explore the remnants of a late 19th-century gold mine, a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Lost Horse Loop Trail
Trailhead off Park Boulevard
A scenic 4-mile loop offering desert vistas and a chance to see wildlife.
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Near the mine and trail
Keep an eye out for these elusive desert dwellers, often spotted in the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for the Desert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Ample Water
Crucial for this exposed desert hike. Stay hydrated!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
No shade on the trail. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail can be rocky; good hiking boots are recommended.
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
Enjoy the eerie, peaceful silence of this less-trafficked trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Ample Water
Crucial for this exposed desert hike. Stay hydrated!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
No shade on the trail. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail can be rocky; good hiking boots are recommended.
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
Enjoy the eerie, peaceful silence of this less-trafficked trail.
📸 Capture the Views
The desert landscape and mine remnants offer great photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Lost Horse Mine trail for its unique historical significance and the profound sense of quiet it offers. While some find the hike itself a bit underwhelming and the mine inaccessible, many appreciate the scenic desert views and the chance to spot wildlife. It's a hike that rewards preparedness and a willingness to embrace the serene, rugged beauty of Joshua Tree.
"Great hike. Trail is fun. Extremely quiet. Like eerie quiet but in an amazing way. The quietness is my favorite thing about this trail. It’s also got great views the path at times is rocky but poles help."
Carlos Archuleta
"Very cool hike. We went around Nov so it was nice. There is no shades on the entire trail so it will be really hot in the summer. The lost horse mine is fence up so you can't go inside of the mine. Since this is one of the longer trail in the park so there aren't too many people. Parking is very limited and a restroom(no water) is available at the trailhead."
Swire Ho
"I lived close to Joshua Tree so I'm a little biased 😂! There is not a hike in the park that you would be disappointed with. Go in September when it starts to cool down, because it gets HOT! All three hikes that lead to old mines are really fun with a lot to see. The rock formations throughout the park are so unique that you might think you are on a different planet! Even if you don't like the desert, it's still worth the trip."
Patrick Frisby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lost Horse Mine trailhead is located off Park Boulevard in Joshua Tree National Park. Look for the signs. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead, but it is quite limited. Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
You can drive to the trailhead, but the mine itself is accessed via a hike. The trail is approximately 4 miles roundtrip for the loop.
There are restrooms available at the trailhead, but they do not have running water.
The trailhead is accessible by standard vehicles. The trail itself is for hiking only.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need to pay the entrance fee for Joshua Tree National Park to access the Lost Horse Mine trail.
Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visitor centers have specific hours. The Lost Horse Mine trail is accessible during daylight hours.
No, the mine is fenced off for safety reasons and is not accessible to the public. You can view it from the outside.
The fee is for park entry, not specifically for the trail. Check the official Joshua Tree National Park website for current entrance fees.
Park entrance fees are typically paid upon arrival. There's no need to book specific tickets for the Lost Horse Mine trail itself.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Lost Horse Loop Trail is approximately 4 miles long. Some sources mention it's a bit less than 2 miles to the mine itself, with the loop extending further.
The trail is generally considered moderate due to its length and some rocky sections. It's not overly strenuous but requires good stamina.
You'll see remnants of the historic mine, unique desert vegetation, rock formations, and potentially wildlife like Desert Bighorn Sheep.
Compared to other popular Joshua Tree trails, the Lost Horse Mine trail is often less crowded, especially on weekdays, due to its length. +1
The trail itself offers the mine ruins and scenic desert views. Nearby areas in Joshua Tree National Park include Skull Rock and Keys View.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the mine and desert landscapes.
You can photograph the historic mine structures, the surrounding desert scenery, unique Joshua trees, and potentially wildlife.
Drones are generally prohibited in all U.S. National Parks, including Joshua Tree National Park, for safety and environmental reasons.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light shots.
The mine structures themselves are the main subject. Explore different angles and perspectives of the ruins against the desert backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Crucially, bring plenty of water and ensure everyone wears sun protection. The lack of shade means this hike is best suited for cooler months or early morning/late afternoon in spring and fall. Look for wildlife like lizards and birds, and discuss the unique desert plants you encounter to make the hike educational and fun.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
As a solo hiker, prioritize safety. Inform someone of your hiking plans, carry a fully charged phone, and be prepared for the desert conditions with plenty of water and sun protection. The well-marked trail provides a good sense of security, allowing you to focus on the stunning desert scenery and the historical remnants of the mine.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive desert vistas and the scale of the mine ruins. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing any wildlife, such as Desert Bighorn Sheep, that might be present. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, and be mindful of the park's regulations regarding drone usage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Lost Horse Mine
+1Today, the National Park Service preserves the mine as a historical landmark. While the mine shafts and buildings are fenced off for safety reasons due to the hazardous nature of abandoned mines, visitors can still explore the exterior and imagine the bustling activity that once took place here. The well-preserved remnants provide a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity and challenges of small-scale western mining technology.
Exploring the Lost Horse Mine Trail allows visitors to not only appreciate the historical significance but also to immerse themselves in the unique desert environment. The trail winds through the rugged landscape, offering insights into the geology and flora of the Mojave Desert. It's a chance to connect with the past while experiencing the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park.
+1Hiking the Lost Horse Loop Trail
+1Hikers should be prepared for the desert environment. The trail is almost entirely exposed, meaning there is no shade. This makes it crucial to carry ample water, wear sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and hike during the cooler parts of the day, especially in warmer months. The terrain can be rocky in places, so sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended.
Beyond the mine itself, the trail offers opportunities to observe the unique Joshua Tree ecosystem. Keep an eye out for desert flora, interesting rock formations, and the possibility of spotting Desert Bighorn Sheep, which are known to inhabit the area. The quiet solitude of this trail is often cited as a major draw, providing a peaceful escape from the more crowded park areas.
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