Wild West Side

Hike to Lost Horse Mine in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is wild in more ways than its gnarly namesake trees. Hike the park's west side for a big-picture vantage of the desertscape and to explore a historic mine dating to the late nineteenth century. The 6.7-mile Lost Horse Mine loop is both eerie and beautiful, due to a 2009 fire that burned a majority of iconic flora in the area. Trek 2 miles among hills dominated by desert chaparral, sprinkles of Joshua trees, and the occasional sprouting yucca to reach the Lost Horse Mine, which operated for over 37 years. After admiring the well-preserved structural relic, protected by fencing, venture up a short spur trail behind the mine for panoramic views of the seemingly endless desert. Return to the main trail and follow signage to complete the loop.

BONUS VIEW: If you're still craving awesome desert landscape, drive south a few miles to Keys' View. It's obvious from the number of cars parked here that Joshua Tree's premier vista is not a secret. What's not obvious is the 1.2-mile (round-trip) unmarked trail found on the overlook's west side, which leads to even better views—without the crowds!

From Los Angeles, take I-10 east to CA-62. Turn right at Park Blvd. and continue south on the road after the park entrance until a sign for Lost Horse Mine directs you to a dirt road on your left. Park in the lot and follow signage for the trailhead. $20 minimum entry fee (good for 7 days) or $30 annual pass. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View