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A nice trail to one of Joshua Tree's most famous gold mines.


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Map Key

6.4

Miles

10.4

KM

Loop

5,075' 1,547 m

High

4,571' 1,393 m

Low

664' 202 m

Up

679' 207 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

Overview

A great option if you're looking for a bit of history on your hike.

Description

The trail to Lost Horse Mine starts at the end of Lost Horse Mine Road. Follow an old abandoned mining road two miles to reach the crumbling remains of Lost Horse Mine. Between 1894 and 1942 the mine produced over 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver. Today the mine is surrounded by a chain link fence to protect visitors from the dangerous, open mine shafts.

Beyond Lost Horse Mine the trail climbs Lost Horse Mountain, where you can enjoy terrific views from the 5,313-foot (1,619-meter) summit. After a short, steep descent you'll pass a stone chimney that marks the remains of Optimist Mine (which never produced any gold). From the Optimist Mine follow a sandy wash back to the parking area.

Thanks to guidebook author and photographer, James Kaiser, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about visiting Joshua Tree, check out his .

Contacts

Shared By:

James Kaiser

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 31 votes

#576

Overall
  4.1 from 31 votes
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1 Star
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#576

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Photos

The fading ruins of Lost Horse Mine.
Jun 9, 2016 near Sky Valley, CA
Dodge the Joshua Trees.
May 21, 2016 near Sky Valley, CA
Lost Horse Mine.
Jun 10, 2016 near Sky Valley, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 13, 2024
Bryanna McFarland
Aug 30, 2023
Nina Buffi
Apr 5, 2023
Juli Yoder
Nov 25, 2022
Brian L
out and back to mine 4mi
Apr 9, 2022
John Hobbs
Loop with the gang, great rock variety and J-Tree valley on west side
Mar 1, 2021
Tom Herr
Wonderful hike through the hills and mountains of the Mojave desert. Climbed up to the old mine and enjoyed the relaxing hike around the loop. 6.4mi
Feb 20, 2021
Amy Pahlen
Jan 26, 2021
Nicole Wright
7.3mi
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