Desert Queen Well
1 / 10

Wall Street Mill

4.7
·175 reviews·Twentynine Palms, United States

Explore the remnants of a historic gold mill and ranch ruins in Joshua Tree National Park. An easy hike with fascinating history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Desert Queen Well

Wall Street Mill

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the remnants of a historic gold mill and ranch ruins in Joshua Tree National Park. An easy hike with fascinating history.

4.7
(175 reviews)

"Probably my favorite trail today, especially because it breaks off and allows easy access to the Wonderland Ranch ruins."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Easy Hike, Sandy Terrain

The trail is mostly flat but can be sandy, making the return trip more noticeable.

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Essential for desert hiking; stay hydrated to enjoy your exploration.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wall Street Mill Ruins

Wall Street Mill Ruins

Trailhead area

Explore the remnants of a historic gold mining operation, a tangible link to the area's past.

Instagram
Wonderland Ranch Ruins

Wonderland Ranch Ruins

Offshoot from the main trail

Discover the fascinating remains of an old brick house with a visible chimney and fireplace.

Reddit
Worth Bagley Stone

Worth Bagley Stone

Along the trail

A unique geological feature and a point of interest for hikers exploring the area.

Reddit
Desert Scenery & Rock Formations

Desert Scenery & Rock Formations

Throughout the trail

Enjoy the stark beauty of the desert landscape and unique rock formations like Walrus Rock.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds and the desert heat by visiting the Wall Street Mill early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The trail can get busy, especially during peak seasons, so an early start ensures a more peaceful exploration of this historic site. Instagram

Pack Smart for the Desert

This is a desert environment! Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes for sandy terrain, and protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen. Cell service can be unreliable, so download offline maps. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

nah i’m packing my things now #twentyninepalms #ghost #3amthings
@banditof3rn
335.7K likes • 1.8M views

🚶‍♀️ Easy Hike, Sandy Terrain

The trail is mostly flat but can be sandy, making the return trip more noticeable. InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Essential for desert hiking; stay hydrated to enjoy your exploration. InstagramReddit

what a view to wake up to😍after working 4 12s in a row I decided to treat myself to a solo staycation to relax and it was definitely needed. #fyp #thinlynn_ #twentysomethings #traveltiktok #solotrip #solotravel #solotravelwoman #california #cali #twentyninepalms #thingstodointwentyninepalms #reset #resethotel #hotelreset #resethoteljoshuatree #thingstodoinjoshua #joshuatree #joshuatreehotel Im
@thinlynn_
141.4K likes • 873.3K views
Why else you need to visit this trail… The Wall Street Mill trail in Joshua Tree National Park is a scenic hike that takes you through a historic gold mining site. As you make your way along the trail, you’ll come across the remains of the Wall Street Mill, which was once a bustling hub of activity during the early 1900s. The mill was used to process gold ore, and you can still see the old machi...
discoveringdistance
50 likes • 2K views

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Cell service is unreliable in Joshua Tree National Park. Instagram

🚗 Access Options

Start from Barker Dam or drive a dirt road for closer access to the mill. Reddit

Wall Street Mill Trail 📍one of the most historic hikes that I’ve taken in Joshua tree and we will definitely be coming back to complete the full loop. • • • • #JoshuaTree #JoshuaTreeNationalPark #WallStreetMill #WallStreetMillTrail #SoloTravel #TravelGram #TravelPhotography #Wanderlust #ExploreMore #AdventureAwaits #NatureLovers #HikingAdventures #DesertVibes #LandscapeLovers #IGTravel #TravelAdd...
wyddiaz
31 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Easy Hike, Sandy Terrain

The trail is mostly flat but can be sandy, making the return trip more noticeable. InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Essential for desert hiking; stay hydrated to enjoy your exploration. InstagramReddit

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Cell service is unreliable in Joshua Tree National Park. Instagram

🚗 Access Options

Start from Barker Dam or drive a dirt road for closer access to the mill. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

Great spot for photography, especially with the historic ruins. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(175 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Wall Street Mill trail for its historical significance and accessibility, noting it's a less crowded gem within Joshua Tree. The easy terrain and interesting ruins make it a worthwhile stop for families and history buffs alike. Some mention the sandy path can be a bit tiring on the return, and parking can be competitive.

"Probably my favorite trail today, especially because it breaks off and allows easy access to the Wonderland Ranch ruins and the Worth Bagley stone. Lotsa cool scenery and plenty of scattered gems to stumble upon if you’re flexible about your walk."

dave gunn

"Easy hike. Had a baby chest carrier and was able to do the entire hike. The loose sand was more noticeable in the hike back out, but definitely neat to see the mill and Bagly stone.

Stayed out for a nice sunset view with the mountains."

Matt

"You can start this trail from the Barker Dam parking lot or drive up a dirt road and save a good 10 min of walking.

This trail wasn’t crowded like the rest of the park, which was nice. Took us 50 min round trip and we took some time to admire the ruins of the old mill and the Wonderland Ranch. Would love to find a photo of what it looked like in its glory days, but haven’t been able to yet. Good hike!"

Jen S

What People Like

Historic mill ruins
Less crowded trail
Easy accessibility

What People Dislike

Sandy terrain
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can access the Wall Street Mill Trail from the Barker Dam parking lot, or by driving up a maintained dirt road that leads closer to the trailhead. Reddit This dirt road is generally easy to navigate. Reddit

The dirt road is described as maintained and generally easy to navigate, suggesting it's accessible for most standard vehicles. However, always check current park conditions before your visit. Reddit

Look for signs related to the Worth Bagley rock, which indicates you're on the right trail. Reddit If you reach the ruins of an old brick house with a chimney, you've gone too far towards Wonderland Ranch. Reddit

Yes, there's a dirt road that allows you to drive closer to the mill, saving about 10 minutes of walking from the Barker Dam area. Reddit

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times. If you're hiking from Barker Dam, parking is available there. The closer lot to the mill can fill up. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Wall Street Mill is located within Joshua Tree National Park, so you will need to pay the park entrance fee. Instagram

As an outdoor historical site within a national park, the Wall Street Mill is accessible during park operating hours, typically from sunrise to sunset. Instagram

No, the Wall Street Mill trail is included with your Joshua Tree National Park entrance fee. Instagram

While the park is generally open from sunrise to sunset, visiting during cooler parts of the day like early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the desert heat. InstagramReddit

Guided tours are not typically offered for the Wall Street Mill itself, but ranger programs may be available for Joshua Tree National Park. Check the park's official website for current offerings. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Wall Street Mill trail is an easy out-and-back hike, primarily over loose sand with very little elevation change. Reddit It's a great option for families and those looking for a less strenuous walk. Instagram

The round trip typically takes about 50 minutes, allowing time to explore the ruins. Reddit Some visitors complete it faster, while others take more time to admire the scenery. Instagram

Compared to other popular spots in Joshua Tree, the Wall Street Mill trail is often less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. InstagramReddit

The Wall Street Mill was a significant gold mining operation in the early 1900s. Exploring its ruins offers a glimpse into the area's mining history. Instagram+1

Yes, you can easily access the Wonderland Ranch ruins and the Worth Bagley stone from the Wall Street Mill trail, adding more historical interest to your hike. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography, especially during golden hour. Instagram+1

Many visitors enjoy capturing the historic mill ruins, desert landscapes, and unique rock formations. Film photography is also popular here. Instagram+1

The mill ruins themselves are a prime subject. Exploring offshoots can lead to interesting shots of the Wonderland Ranch ruins and surrounding desert vistas. Reddit

Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park. Check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying. TikTok

Adjust settings based on the time of day. For harsh midday sun, use a polarizing filter. For golden hour, a wider aperture can create a nice depth of field. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Wall Street Mill Trail is a fantastic option for families visiting Joshua Tree. Its easy, mostly flat terrain and relatively short length make it manageable for little legs. Instagram The historical ruins of the mill and the nearby Wonderland Ranch offer an engaging way to introduce children to local history in a hands-on, visual way. Instagram Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day to ensure everyone stays comfortable. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers, the Wall Street Mill Trail offers a rewarding and accessible hiking experience. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the desert landscape and connect with the area's rich mining history. Instagram The trail is often less crowded than other park attractions, providing a more peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Reddit Downloading offline maps is recommended, as cell service can be spotty. Instagram Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for stunning photographic opportunities and a truly memorable experience. Instagram+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Wall Street Mill and its surrounding ruins are a photographer's dream. The textures of the old machinery, the stark desert light, and the unique rock formations provide endless creative possibilities. Instagram+1 Early morning and late afternoon light offer the best conditions for capturing the golden hues of the desert. Instagram Don't miss the chance to photograph the Wonderland Ranch ruins and the Worth Bagley stone for a more comprehensive historical and visual narrative. Reddit Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards to capture all the details. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into the Past: The Wall Street Mill

The Wall Street Mill stands as a testament to the gold mining era in Joshua Tree National Park. Operational in the early 1900s, it was a hub of activity, processing ore from surrounding claims. Today, its weathered structures offer a tangible connection to the prospectors and workers who toiled in this harsh desert environment. Visitors can explore the remnants of the mill, imagining the sounds and sights of its bustling past. Instagram+1

Beyond the mill itself, the trail system around it provides access to other historical sites, such as the Wonderland Ranch ruins and the Worth Bagley stone. These scattered gems offer a more comprehensive understanding of human presence in the area, from early settlers to miners. It's a fascinating journey through the region's history, all within a relatively short and accessible hike. Reddit

When exploring these ruins, remember to tread lightly and respect the historical integrity of the site. The desert environment is fragile, and preserving these remnants for future generations is crucial. Instagram

Navigating the Wall Street Mill Trail

The Wall Street Mill Trail is generally considered an easy hike, making it a popular choice for many visitors to Joshua Tree National Park. The path is primarily composed of loose sand, which can make the return journey feel a bit more strenuous, especially if you're carrying a child or heavy gear. Reddit Despite the sandy conditions, the trail is manageable for most fitness levels, including those with babies in carriers. Reddit

While the main trail is relatively straightforward, the area offers opportunities for exploration. You can extend your hike by visiting the nearby Wonderland Ranch ruins or the Worth Bagley stone, adding layers of historical discovery to your outing. Reddit The trail is not always clearly marked, so having a map or using offline navigation is advisable. Reddit

For those looking to shorten the walk, there's an option to drive up a maintained dirt road that brings you closer to the mill, bypassing a portion of the trail. Reddit However, parking at this closer trailhead can be limited, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

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