Joshua Tree National Park: Lost Horse Mine
Explore a desert moonscape of otherworldly cacti on this 4.2-mile hike to an abandoned gold prospect. Take plenty of water and sunscreen.
Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Sign up for Outside+ today.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 3.3
Waypoints
LHM002
Location: 33.9509010314941, -116.152603149414
Views of exposed granite monoliths. Look for stark, metamorphic rock patterns in a terrain of playas & desert varnish
LHM004
Location: 33.9456214904785, -116.145401000977
Views of Pleasant Valley through rugged canyons. Warning: 6 species of rattlers live among Calif. junipers
LHM006
Location: 33.9409408569336, -116.137702941895
Turn R @ Y to loop around mine, or scramble straight over boulders
LHM007
Location: 33.9406204223633, -116.137603759766
L @ Y, head N around mine; take in undulating land to S, note junction of Colorado and Sonoran Deserts, with spiky ocotillo plants and jumping cholla cactus
LHM009
Location: 33.9411811828613, -116.136901855469
R @ Y; spur trail to L. Optional 2-mi., out-and-
back SE traverse of Lost Horse Mtn. for panoramic views of Pleasant Valley and Hexie Mtns.
LHM010
Location: 33.9404182434082, -116.137298583984
L @ Y; retrace route to car. Bighorns may hide in east-facing valleys
LHM005
Location: 33.9421997070312, -116.140502929688
Enjoy superb views of Malapai Hill in the only shade on the whole hike
LHM003
Location: 33.9487609863281, -116.149398803711
Bighorn sheep refuge nearby; Little Bernardino Mtns. to W
LHM001
Location: 33.950870513916, -116.159896850586
Start @ SE end of road. L @ first Y. Hike into sparse piñon scrub and ancient alluvial fans
LHM008
Location: 33.9418067932129, -116.137298583984
Crest of abandoned Lost Horse (5,278 ft.), site of 10-stamp mill. Many uncovered mineshafts; watch footing
