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California, CA

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Lost Horse Mine

4.6 (15 reviews)

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Rocks on trial
Nirali P.

This trail is a little hidden between the camp grounds. If the campgrounds are open then drive to the campground and you should see the trial If the campgrounds are closed you will park at the bathrooms and walk to the campgrounds and you will find the trial. The trail is called Ryan's Ranch Trail but, it leads to the Lost Horse Trail. I would recommend bringing snacks and enjoying the sunset on the rocks. This trial also leads to the Ryan's Mountain. This hike is easy. Make sure to know where the road is and always look around for people.

Mine
Paul Y.

Did this on my second day in Joshua Tree since I didn't have enough time on the first day. Got to the trailhead around 8:00 am and hiked to the mine. There were some decently challenge hills on the way, and some weird structures. There was one structure where there were a bunch of flat rocks piled together to make a fort with no roof, but there was no cement to hold the rocks together. I wonder how long that structure had been there without cement to hold it together. At the mine, there were other similar structures but those had cement. The first half of hike to the mine itself is fairly boring, and as you get close to the mine you get more scenery. The mine itself is decently cool. I turned around and went back the way I came, and did not do the 6 mile loop. I finished the hike by 10:30 am, so about 2.5 hours. The reason it's called the lost horse mine trail is because a guy named Johnny Lang lost his horse, and found gold in the spot where the mine was, as he was looking for his horse. Horses must have cost a lot in those days for him to wander into the mountain looking for it, but he found something much more valuable. The story made me think of how bad circumstances can turn into good, so it's good to stay optimistic. When I got close to the mine, there was a bunny at the start of the fork for the mine. I tried to toss it some carrots but it didn't want them. I guess it really is a wild bunny.

Aileen R.

The horse mine trail offers you a work out, a nature walk and at the same time a hike filled with American history. That is a win win situation in my books because I love to be in nature and learning new things at the same time. The trail is called the horse mine trail because this historic place was a place were prospectors we're looking for California gold before the historic gold rush and guess what? they found gold! The hike is kid friendly and well maintained. Some reviews say it i difficult but I found it to be beginer trail. If I could describe it for you to get a better understanding of it you will notice that on this trail you go up and than you go down and than you up and than you go down again until the last stretch when you are about to arrive to the mine you will hike up. But the up and down hiking is not super strenuous at all. It is more like a nice walk up and down on a path. The roundtrip hike is 4 miles and the loop is a little over 6 miles.

View on loop trail
Rich H.

Summary for the longer 6+ mile loop trail: --get to the parking lot at the trailhead early. By the time we got back to the lot it was full and there's no overflow parking --requires actual hiking boots, though trail running shoes might be ok. --loop trail goes through a lot of sand, which slows things down somewhat --many wildflowers on our visit in April Fun, I'd do it again.

Debris is along the walk up to the mine
Lee F.

This is a great hike in Joshua Tree National Park. It's a 4 mile out and back or 6 mile loop. We did the 4 mile one, it's steep in some places on the way out, but all easy to walk. Very cool to see the mine and debris in such good shape. The mine is behind a fence. Parking can be challenging. Very small lot, but people park anywhere leading into the lot as long as your vehicle can handle it.

Old mine

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Review Highlights - Lost Horse Mine

“We chose the "out &back" which was as long as stated on the map, 4 miles, compared to the six mile loop.”

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Joshua Tree National Park - Joshua tree

Joshua Tree National Park

4.7(1.2k reviews)
14.1 mi

Happy new month, happy September! I killed 3 birds with one…read morestone during our visit to Palm Springs hehe and got to cross Joshua Tree National Park off my list. I always wanted to visit Joshua Tree National Park from seeing all the Instagram post, heard many things about the tree and the movies were filmed here. Yay, it finally happened during August, not a good time to visit but it was the only time we could make it. The weather was super HOT to be in the desert , 3 digit hot . Next time I have other plans Joshua Tree, I will be visiting in cooler times. I was so excited for Joshua Tree, finally happened hehe. We drive in to Joshua Tree twice, the first day we kind got lost looking for Joshua Tree and we started later in the day so we continued the next day. The drive in was nice, the roads were paved. We didn't hike it but just got to drive around the National Park, $30. per car, good for 7 days entrance. I asked the park guard where is the original Joshua Tree located, (hehe) but I learned that there isn't a specific or original. "Joshua" is named after a person. I loved seeing all the Joshua Trees, trying to find the perfect tree shape for our photos. I know how the Joshua Tree looks like, hehe. Joshua Tree is 130 miles east of LA, in southern dessert, we drove from LAX, it was perfect as one of the reason to visit Palm Springs was for JW, got info. that Joshua Tree was in the area, this was truly meant to be, Nearest towns are Twentynine Palms, Palm Desert and Palm Springs. What makes Joshua Tree special, this is where two deserts meet, The Mojave desert and lower Colorado desert, they have crazy rock formations, boulder piles and dark night skies, like International Dark Sky Park) The park is open 24 hours which I would be afraid to be at the park late at night. Don't forget to bring water, snacks, food, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, prepared for spotty cell service. All in all, Absolutely beautiful, I got to cross JTNP off my list, took in nature and family time, Carpe Diem, seize the moment, all we have is now. I can't wait to be back again for more Joshua Tree adventures!

As part of our quest to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, we set off on a six-week road trip. I…read morehave a personal rule: I only count a national park as "visited" if I actually spend time there, hike or walk through it, and truly experience it. On this trip, we visited 14 national parks, and Joshua Tree National Park was one of the most playful and surprising. My husband came up with what may be the park's most accurate unofficial name: "Amazing Boulders National Park... with a few Joshua trees." After spending a couple of days there, I had to admit he had a point. Yes, the Joshua trees are fascinating. These unusual plants are actually members of the yucca family rather than true trees, and they give the landscape a wonderfully whimsical character. But what completely captivated us were the enormous granite boulder formations scattered throughout the park. They seem to have been dropped from the sky by a giant child building a playground. Hiking here is simply fun. Around every corner, another incredible rock formation appears, and before long you find yourself spotting shapes in the rocks: an elephant, a skull, faces, animals, castles... your imagination takes over. Climbing on the boulders brought out our inner children. Unlike many hikes where you simply follow a trail, Joshua Tree encourages exploration and curiosity. One of the most fascinating aspects of the park is that it lies where two distinct deserts meet: the higher, cooler Mojave Desert, home to the Joshua trees, and the lower, hotter Colorado Desert, creating remarkable diversity in both plants and wildlife. We were fortunate to visit while many of the cacti were in bloom, adding splashes of color to the desert. We also enjoyed watching the abundant wildlife, including desert iguanas, ground squirrels, Gambel's quail, and countless birds that make this seemingly harsh environment feel surprisingly alive. The scenery constantly changes, from forests of Joshua trees to giant rock piles, hidden valleys, cholla gardens, and wide-open desert vistas. It is easy to understand why artists, photographers, climbers, and stargazers have been drawn here for generations. Joshua Tree National Park is one of those rare places that makes you smile while you're exploring it. It is beautiful, quirky, imaginative, and incredibly fun. Whether you come to hike, climb, photograph, or simply let your imagination run wild among the boulders, this park is unforgettable. Highly recommended, and if you find yourself calling it "Amazing Boulders National Park," don't worry... you're probably not the first.

Photos
Joshua Tree National Park - Joshua tree shadows

Joshua tree shadows

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Keys View vista

Addicted2Wonder Stargazing Tours - arrival

Addicted2Wonder Stargazing Tours

5.0(7 reviews)
14.9 mi

This was hands down one of the best tours I have ever experienced. It is a bit daunting to think…read moreabout finding the tour group off a Joshua Tree parking lot at night, but the logistics and communication by Molly and Tony were exceptional, with Cuz onsite. They are also quick responders to any questions. Every aspect of the experience has been perfected. I don't know much about astronomy and figured this tour would help point out some constellations for us. It was SO much more, full of Tony's impassioned stories from different cultures about the stars . His enthusiasm is contagious and knowledge is impressive. The tour is totally unscripted yet packed with great stories and just the right amount of interaction. It is a great and inspiring story how the business was developed. They offer drinks and snacks as well as blankets and gravity chairs, with flameless candles lighting where to step. The two other highlights for us were the UFO military grade goggles that make the stars and planets pop as they did for our ancestors, prior to light pollution. The equipment is clearly state of the art. The slow exposure portrait Tony takes at the end is absolutely beautiful and frameable. I left wanting to do further research on the stars, and would repeat these tours again for sure.

If you're into seeing the night sky the way God intended for us to see, then these are the guys to…read morehookup with. You will see things that will not only educate you, but will blow your mind. Tony is a great storyteller and his sidekick Kevin is hoot as well. It made our whole stay worth it. When we come back we'll be hooking up A2WS again.

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Addicted2Wonder Stargazing Tours - One of the telescopes that also photographs what you see

One of the telescopes that also photographs what you see

Addicted2Wonder Stargazing Tours - Tour in progress

Tour in progress

Addicted2Wonder Stargazing Tours - Light Painting under the MilkyWay

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Light Painting under the MilkyWay

Indian Cove Campground

Indian Cove Campground

4.4(81 reviews)
11.5 mi

This is a very nice Campground places to book up and weekends to fully book up so try to plan early…read morelike really early different spots have different benefits some are shady and some are not some are more roomy and some are not some have parking for more than one person While others the parking is extremely tight also need to look at the proximity to the pit toilets pit toilets meaning that it's just a hole in the ground but it isn't closed with the door overall the Ambiance and the environment is amazing and well maintained frequently I see that there are Ranger Patrol vehicles that drive by to check and the many times that we have visited we have always been very impressed with the cleanliness and the order and how well the park is maintained many people come here over and over again because of the amazing Ambience and the environment it is so quiet here and unclear nights you can definitely see all the stars and you are one with them this is far enough to be away from the daily hustle and bustle but close enough to be able to do a weekend trip

Indian Cove Campground is hands down one of the most unique and peaceful places to stay in Joshua…read moreTree National Park. Surrounded by massive rock formations, it feels secluded, quiet, and incredibly raw -- like you're camping inside a natural stone cathedral. The campsites are well spaced, giving you privacy and that true desert solitude. No RV hookups, no noise, no distractions -- just rocks, sky, wind, and silence. This is real camping, not a parking lot with tents. Sunsets here are unreal, and at night the stars are absolutely breathtaking. If you're into hiking, climbing, photography, or just disconnecting from everything, this place is perfect. You can step out of your tent and immediately feel like you're deep in the wilderness. Facilities are basic but clean and well maintained, which is exactly what you want in a place like this. Indian Cove isn't for everyone -- and that's why it's special. Highly recommended for anyone who wants an authentic Joshua Tree experience

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Indian Cove Campground
Indian Cove Campground
Indian Cove Campground

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Joshua Tree Excursions - Stargazing

Joshua Tree Excursions

4.7(24 reviews)
15.4 mi

Quite simply outstanding. We signed up for the Sunset Hike and the Night Sky Presentation. Kelly…read moreof Joshua Tree Excursion was truly amazing. He has a vast knowledge of the entire park. He shared the parks rich history, the eco system and geology. He exceeded all my expectations. Especially noteworthy was Kelly's ability to interact with my 5-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. He was very attuned to their questions and request. To an outside observer, he would have seemed like a loving uncle. This is something you can't put a price on. Kelly took our family on a kid friendly hike to Barker's Dam. On our hike he shared his knowledge of the vegetation along the trails. We went looking for the Big Horn Sheep and saw many of the local animals. Along the way, Kelly helped out other hikes find their way and he even took steps to pick up some rubbish left behind by some uncaring hikers. I can say without a doubt, Kelly is someone who loves his job and enjoys sharing his vast understanding of Joshua Tree with others. After our hiking was over, he took us out to a remote location to watch the sunset and enjoy an alfresco dinner. His cooking skills was right what the occasion called for...delicious. The second part of our tour was star gazing with "Starman" Steve. He has to be an expert among experts. He brought out his high-power telescope. With his telescope we able to see the moon up close, see Jupiter in high detail, see Saturn with it's rings and distant star clusters. During his presentation his gave us a tour of the constellations. Once again, the interaction with my kids was amazing. My kids came up with every "kid question" that they could think of and Starman couldn't have been kinder to them. I can't wait until I have a chance to visit Joshua Tree again and book another excursion with Joshua Tree Excursion.

Just took a Joshua Tree morning tour with Wendy. She was excellent and patient with my family…read more Since we got into the park a little after 8am, we were constantly ahead of the crowds. Overall we really enjoyed our experience and would highly recommend using them. And we paid about $100 per person for a private morning tour. That's pretty good value IMO! The selection of different activities was very low but that was because we booked the busiest time of the season, and only about 3 weeks ahead of time. Booking process was very smooth. The only issue I had was they were unresponsive to any type of communication beforehand. After I booked online, I wrote them and email asking for confirmation, as well as called them and left a voicemail. I received no reply. I almost thought I might have been scammed! Thankfully that wasn't that case.

Photos
Joshua Tree Excursions - Our Amazing Team April 2026

Our Amazing Team April 2026

Joshua Tree Excursions - Astronomers

Astronomers

Joshua Tree Excursions - Corporate groups

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Corporate groups

Sacred Sands - General outdoor area

Sacred Sands

4.9(54 reviews)
11.8 mi

We loved it here! Incredibly relaxing, peaceful. Gorgeous decor and a very handy location…read more Well-appointed rooms, with a nice mini-fridge and pod-based coffee maker. Comfortable and beautiful outdoor sitting areas. It was so quiet here in the middle of the week. We could just lie outside on the patio bed and look at the stars. We will definitely be back! The sooner the better!

What a gem! Sacred sands is a beautiful and relaxing boutique hotel near Joshua Tree National Park…read more My boyfriend and I came here for a weekend trip a couple of weeks ago. We only stayed for one night but we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Check-in instructions were sent via email and there's a code to unlock the room. The grounds are very pretty, perfect for a desert wedding or party. There are great views all around and there aren't any neighbors nearby. It looks like they own a lot of acreage nearby. The room we stayed in was the Onyx room. It was beautifully and thoughtfully decorated. There are lots of nice additions in the room to ensure you enjoy staying in from wine glasses, a wine fridge, record player with a record collection, bath salts, star gazing area outside with a mattress, and comfy robes and slippers to use during your stay. If it were warmer, I definitely would've tried out the outdoor tub and shower but it was too cold at night to even think about it. There's also a large community pool in the works. As mentioned earlier, this hotel is about a mile from the NP so it's an excellent choice for anyone going there. It's also not too far from town so you're not too far from stores and cafes. I am definitely planning on staying here again!

Photos
Sacred Sands - Outdoor tub and tanning area

Outdoor tub and tanning area

Sacred Sands - Outdoor shower in the Onyx Room.

Outdoor shower in the Onyx Room.

Sacred Sands

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Lost Horse Mine - hiking - Updated October 2026

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