The view from Lucky Boy Vista
Lucky Boy Vista Trail offers a level 2.5-mile round trip hike to a modest overlook at the site of an old mine. The trailhead is a half-mile from the Pine City – Desert Queen Mine Trailhead and easy to find. There are no junctions along the trail to be concerned with. From the parking area, hike southeast across the desert on an easy track that climbs just 125 feet over 1.25 miles.
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There are small rock formations along the trail but otherwise the desert surroundings are open and sprawling. Turn around for a view of Mt. San Gorgonio, the highest mountain in Southern California, rising above the desert floor. Pass around a metal gate at the halfway point and continue through the desert of Joshua trees, yucca, and cacti.
Looking back down the trail
At 1.25 miles, the terrain drops away to offer a view of the rock formations to the northeast. A footpath continues beyond the ridge to connect to the Split Rock loop and Split Rock Picnic Area off Park Boulevard. This is by no means the best viewpoint in Joshua Tree, but considering the minimal effort, it wouldn’t really be fair if it was.
An old mine shaft
After enjoying the “lucky boy” view, double back and take a look at the vertical mine shafts just off the trail to the east. The shafts are surrounded by fencing and covered with rocks and grates. They are the only obvious remnants of Elton Mine. After taking it all in, find the trail again and return the way you came. To see more mine shafts and remains, take the nearby hike to 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 less than a mile over dirt road and turn right into the parking area with the blank trail sign. This is the only turn off en route to the Desert Queen Mine – Pine City Trailhead.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
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