Lost Horse Mine

  • Highlights: Historic Lost Horse Mine, great views, desert scenery
  • Near: Joshua Tree, CA
  • Distance: 6.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 750 ft
  • Hike Time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: 4/10
  • Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
  • Trail head map: Click here for Google map
  • Rating: ★★★☆☆

Summary:

On this easy introductory hike to Joshua Tree National Park you will get some good mountain views and follow an historic wagon road that leads to the most prosperous of Joshua Tree gold mines. Here you will see the remains of a mine that produced 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver (worth approximately $5 million today) between 1894 and 1931.

Trailhead:

From Los Angeles – 10 Freeway (east) to 62 Hwy (east) to Park Bl. (right) to Quail Springs Rd. (straight) to National Park Dr. (straight) to Loop Rd. (straight) to Salton View Rd. (R) to trailhead.

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Stamp Mill

Stamp Mill

lost horse mine view

lost horse mine view

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Warren Peak

  • Highlights: Joshua Trees, Pinyon Pines, Spectacular Mountain and Desert Views
  • Near: Joshua Tree, CA
  • Distance: 4.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 950 ft
  • Hike Time: 2.5 hours
  • Difficulty: 5/10
  • Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
  • Trail head map: Click here for Google map
  • Trails of Black Rock Canyon Map
  • Rating: ★★★½☆

Summary:

If you are camping at the Black Rock campground or just want a nice view, try this hike. Along the way you will see some interesting plants that are synonymous with Joshua Tree National Park.  Located within the northwestern-most portion of the park, temperatures are much cooler than in the parts further south. Once you reach your destination, the views of the San Jacinto Mountains and surrounding desert terrain are quite spectacular. The trail, which begins adjacent to campsite #30 in the Black Rock Canyon Campground is well-signed.

Trailhead:

From Los Angeles – the 10 Freeway (E)  to 62 Hwy (E) to Joshua Ln. (R) to San Marino Dr. (R) to Black Rock Canyon Rd. (Straight) to Black Rock Campgound to site #30 to trailhead. Park in front of ranger station.

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ken on warren peak

ken on warren peak

clouds and skyline

clouds and skyline

Warren Peak View

Warren Peak View

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Rocky Peak

  • Highlights: City Views, Neat rock formations, great sunsets
  • Near: Simi, CA
  • Distance: 6 miles
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 ft
  • Hike Time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: 5/10
  • Trail Condition: Well maintained trail and fire road
  • Trail head map: Click here for Google map
  • Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary:
This is a fun hike through dramatic rock formations and continuous panoramic views of both Simi and the San Fernando Valleys. In the spring, the green grass and rocky formations make for a stunning contrast, and wildflowers dot the trail along the way. On a clear day, you can see to the ocean and several islands. This hike is great for the whole family.

Trailhead:
From the 118 Freeway (W) in Simi to Kuehner Drive (R) to Parking Lot (R) to trailhead. Overflow parking is on the other side of the 118 Freeway.

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Rocky Peak View 1

Rock Peak Trail View

Rocky Peak View 2

Rocky Peak View

Sunset On Rocky Peak

Sunset On Rocky Peak

rocky peak city lights

Rocky Peak City Lights

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