Take the Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail to experience a rolling desert landscape studded with Joshua trees and cacti, as well as learn about the history of the old mine on this lightly trafficked trail.
The Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail is about 7 miles in total. This hike should be considered easy to moderate, only due to the distance. Since it’s desert, the temperatures can be extreme so bring plenty of water or food. This hike took us about 3 hours with only a couple stops to read about the mine or admire the Joshua Trees.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Lost Horse Mine Loop hike, search for the Lost Horse Mine Loop in Joshua Tree National Park, CA or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Los Angeles, take Highway 10 all the way into the desert until you take Highway 62 North. In Yucca Valley you’ll break left and head southeast towards the park.
Driving Info: The roads are easy up until the very end, close to the trailhead. It’s possible during winter weather, the dirt roads and parking lot shuts down due to snow.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in March. It started off cool with a lot of bright sun, but by the end of the hike a winter storm had rushed through and showered us with light desert snow. It was cold but absolutely magical to experience that rare event at Joshua Tree NP.
Gear: Like most desert hikes, bring layers for sun and wind protection. In the warmer months bring plenty of water and sunglasses.
Trail Navigation: This trail is easy to follow the entire way.
Water & Food: Bring water, especially when it’s hot out. This hike is not terribly long or challenging, so snacks are optional.
Trailhead Info: There is a good sized parking lot that gets you to the trailhead.
Pictures of the Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail:
Park and begin wandering through the beautiful deserts of Southern California.
Tons of color scattered around the desert.
An old chimney structure.
Continue weaving your way through the rolling mountains.
Beyond the ridge line we can see a winter storm headed our way.
Gorgeous rock structures set against the menacing gray skies.
Approaching the old mine.
You can get up close and personal with this mine, although it’s fenced off to keep it well preserved. Read up on the history and construction of the mine.
The winter storm has caught up with us for the last few miles of the journey. The hike went from short sleeves and sunglasses to extra jackets and beanies.
It’s rare to see snow covering Joshua Tree National Park.
We’d wrap this hike up before the snow completely covers the ground, but as we were driving out we got completed blanketed in snow.
Again, we knew how rare it was to see snow in Joshua Tree National Park, so we pulled over to experience and take some pictures.
Looking to conquer more in Joshua Tree? Try making the 1,000+ foot ascent and hiking to the top of Ryan Mountain for 360 degrees views of this beautiful park.
