Mining remains at Desert Queen Mine
This short desert hike visits a gold mine that operated profitably for decades on land now protected by Joshua Tree National Park. An overlook across from the mine is reachable via an easy 0.7-mile round trip trail, and the excursion can be extended to 1.6 miles by crossing a wash to the mine itself.
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Begin hiking on the nearly level Desert Queen Mine Trail (just to the right of the bathrooms at the trailhead for Desert Queen Mine and Pine City). Not far from the start, the trail passes an old stone foundation with a bed frame still inside. These ruins are a few hundred feet from the trail, easy to spot, and worth exploring. After a third of a mile, the trail comes to an overlook on the edge of a small canyon opposite the site of Dawn Queen Mine. The mine was operational from 1895 until 1961, and the remains are well preserved.
Looking down Desert Queen Wash from the overlook
Across the wash, a trail can be seen crossing through the old mine ruins. To connect to this trail, descend past the information panel and turn right on a worn path heading down into the wash. After dropping 125 feet, turn right and hike up to the other trail. Turn left and follow this single-track up the other side of the wash past old mining machinery and numerous fenced over shafts (over 20 in all).
The trail climbs to the top of the mine at the rim of the wash. Stand over the mine shafts and enjoy the desert views. The trail continues beyond the mine down Desert Queen Wash, past smaller mining operations, toward John’s Camp and Park Boulevard. On the return, one can hike back across the wash to the overlook trail or return along the trail that goes through the mine, which joins the overlook trail halfway between the trailhead and the stone foundation. Desert Queen Mine shares its trailhead with Pine City, so there is more hiking nearby for those looking to trek further.
Fenced over shafts at Desert Queen Mine
To get to the trailhead: From Park Boulevard 5 miles west of the intersection with Pinto Basin Road, turn north on Desert Queen Mine Road (opposite Geology Tour Road). Drive a mile over dirt road passing the trailhead for Lucky Boy Vista and continue to the trailhead for Desert Queen Mine, located just past a hairpin turn in the road. The parking area can also be reached from the other end of the dirt road, which starts to the west near Barker Dam.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
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