Lost Horse Mine Trail is a 4-mile moderate hike to see an old gold mine in Joshua Tree National Park, with the best preserved mill of its kind inside a national park. It’s estimated this mine yielded 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver.
Tip: There is a great Self-Driving Audio Tour on Get Your Guide for the National Park if you enjoy having a historical background on the gold prospecting and cattle rustling of Joshua Tree’s past.
Hike Info
- Loop Trail Hike: 4 miles
- Rated: Moderate
- Elevation change: 400 feet
- Route: Out and back
- Tip: The trailhead has parking but it fills up quickly. Go early if you want to ensure a spot.
The old mine is in good condition due to park protection, which is great except that it has a big ugly chain linked fence around to stop people from defacing it. This is a bummer if you’re into photography like me, but also a good thing because I’m into preserving history.
There are beautiful views of the surrounding mountains all around, and I’ve heard the April bloom is quite the site to see.
If you have the opportunity, go on this hike. It’s a great glimpse into California’s gold rush while having amazing views of the park as you hike.