Park rangers were so helpful in understanding the area. But, don't be reluctant to venture out on this interesting hike. Hiking this area in the less crowded winter months is so serene. We enjoyed the tranquil beauty of this hike by ourselves with no one around. Oddly, in February when alone in these desolate, obviously uninhabited areas we felt as though we needed to be quiet so we didn't disturb the wilderness! I rather guess that was the reason, but we may have been quiet because we were enjoying 'down time' with each other and just by ourselves. Highly recommend this fantastic experience, especially in any less crowded, off season.
This excellent hike leads up to the old Lost Horse mine. It's still standing but is all fenced up. The hike up is breathtaking. Not too strenuous but pretty hilly. Climbing up to the mine can be a bit challenging depending on which way you go. Some of the trail can get a little confusing. It could be marked a little better. Bring a bunch of water.
I enjoyed this hike, it is very easy, just a few semi-steep hills. There are some wonderful views of the valley. It's pretty breezy, so make sure to dress appropriately! Even the view driving into the park was wonderful, but this was a great trail to hike. There is an entrance fee to get into the park, but if you are in the military or a military dependent, make sure to bring your ID, you get a free annual pass (as of Jan 2014).
It is only a 2 mile hike to the mine from the parking area unless you want to do the 6 mile loop (we opted for the 2 miles there and 2 miles back hike as it was late in the day). The hike itself was pretty easy (and I'm 66 years old) and going in November it wasn't hot. The mine has applied to be on the National Historic places register, but that's not yet been approved as of this second. The scenery is desert scenery, rolling hills with no dramatic rock outcroppings. It is well worth the hike for exercise/fitness and desert views. Next time we will go earlier and do the 6 mile loop. You are in the National Park, so there is an entry fee.
It was a really nice walk to the Lost Horse mine in this fantastic national park, and beyond the mine to continue with the Lost Horse Loop trail.You take the two mile hike to the mine through stunning peaceful scenery and just try to imagine how tough life must have been for the miners who worked this mine. Do not expect any excitement at the mine, it is more about its location on the hill sides. The option then is to continue the Loop trail or walk back to the car park. I did the full trail, taking just over 2 hours in total time. If I went again I would walk to the mine and continue the Loop trail until getting to an isolated stone chimney (the only remnant of an old cottage) then turn back and retrace my steps. The reason for this being is that the views are great until about reaching the chimney, but the last part of the trail is flat and not so interesting. Regardless I did still very much enjoy the walk. Whilst I was doing the full loop (bit over 6 miles) my wife went to the mine and came back. She has serious knee challenges with one already replaced, so if she can do it, many other people can. It is not what I would call steep. We would both recommend. Just need to be aware that the car park at the trail head is quite small.We went at 9am on a warm February morning so wore just hat, shorts and a T-shirt.Do of course remember to take plenty of water.
We intended to hike out to the mine site and back, but we started on the wrong end of the loop trail, and ended up doing the entire 6 mile loop. At the trailhead, the shortest route to the mine starts at the end of the parking lot, behind the metal gate. We mistakenly started from the trail at the head of the parking lot, just across from the restroom. About two miles out, we realized our mistake, but decided to keep going, so that we could see the mine. If you do it backwards, like we did, the trail starts out very flat and gentle for the first 1 1/2- 2 miles. After that, it is up and down, with some very steep inclines in the middle of the loop. There are beautiful views of the valley on the south side of the park. October is a great time of year to visit Joshua Tree. The temperature was in the upper 60s during our hike from 11:30 - 2:15.
Do not miss the Lost Horse Mine when in the area of Joshua Tree.It is only a short drive away from the park and for us, a short detour on the way back to Palm Springs. Historically rich, you are really made to feel like you are in The Far West indeed!!! Fun family trip.
Of course, bring water on any hike you do in Joshua Tree, but especially this one because there's no shade. The trail head is easy to find, and there's lots of parking. The hike isn't super special, but you really get a feel for the scenery and being in the middle of nowhere. We hiked up to the mine and ate PBJ's on an old wall looking into it, debating on hopping the fence and going into the mine. We didn't, which I'm sure was a good idea, but it's very tempting! We decided to do a loop back to the car, and the trail was decently up and down. It brought us to an interesting chimney made of stone (or whatever it was), and to a creek bed. The creek was dry, but we followed the path for a while, and soon wondered if we were going the right way. I'm not sure if we missed the turn-off or if it was the actual trail, but after a while we hit the road past where the parking lot was. So we followed the road back for about a half mile to the car. Fun evening hike, but I can imagine it being ridiculously hot in the day because there's no shade. Be sure to study the map first so you don't get lost!
Hiked the short 4-mile out-and-back in the heat of early Sept but also hiked another 1/2 mile past the mine and got some great views to the east and south. Not the most thrilling of hikes although there is always something interesting when hiking thru (less then picture perfect) wildfire burned areas. Natural scenery isn't always picture-perfect.This time in the cooler temps of January went for the longer 6-mile loop starting with the trailhead at the west side of the parking area which leads to a nice 2 mile flat hike thru Joshua Tree habitat, followed by a easy ascent over some low ridges before getting to the climb to the "back side" of the mine at about 3 miles. That makes the final 2 miles back to the car basically all descent. I can easily recommend this route in moderate temperatures for a good variety of scenery in a short hike.
We enjoyed this area as there were views, the mine to check out and a decent hiking trail. Take your time as you really feel you have gotten off the beaten path on this trail. Off season was best, had the place to ourselves the whole time.