Exploring Joshua Tree National Park
- Jennifer Chung
- Jun 28, 2023
- 6 min read
Growing up as a California native, Joshua Tree National Park has always held a very special place in my heart. It's unique landscape and rich history make it a great adventure for the whole family. Over the last couple of years, it has truly bloomed as a trendy tourist destination and has something to offer for the entire family.
Joshua Tree National Park is very large with a lot to offer, so depending on how much time you plan to spend there, you might want to limit your activities to one or two excursions. Also be aware that Joshua Tree varies greatly season-to-season. It is wicked hot in the summer and can sometimes even get snow in the winter time. Be sure you check weather conditions and plan ahead with food, water, and gas. There are no services once you are inside Joshua Tree National Park (including cell service), so consider yourself warned. Also, keep in mind that this is a national park and is considered federal land. Do not remove any items from the park, or vandalize/tamper with items in any way during your visit.
Desert Queen Mine:
The Desert Queen Mine is a wonderful hike for all ages and is one of my favorite hikes in Joshua Tree. Not to mention the area is packed with history that the whole family will love. You start by parking at the lot near the trailhead, and work your way over along the trail until you see some building ruins. There are no signs, but I would think this was a home for some of the miners working in the mine, as there is an old bed frame in one of the rooms. As you continue along the trail, you will end up at the bottom of a wash. You can cross it to various pathways leading to the mine shafts in the hill across from you before heading back the way you originally came. Please be mindful of where you are walking, and practice safety when entering any of the mines. Many of them are blocked off for safety reasons, but it is still worth the trek.
Keyes View:
Keyes View offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the desert landscape that surrounds Joshua Tree National Park. Perched at an elevation of 5,185 feet, visitors are treated to sweeping views of Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and the majestic peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see the Salton Sea from here. It's a captivating spot to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets, but the view is breathtaking any time of day. Keyes View is one of the easiest stops in Joshua Tree National Park, simply because you can drive right up to it. You park your car, walk up the steps, and find yourself gazing over Keyes View.
(Pro Tip: This is the only place in the park where I can manage to get cell phone service. If you need to check your texts and try and make a call, this would be your opportunity.)
Barker Dam/Wall Street Mill/Wonderland Ranch:
Barker Dam, nestled along a short trail in Joshua Tree National Park, can be a desert oasis at times. This historic dam was constructed in the early 1900s and still holds water today (depending on the season and how much rain we have had), attracting a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors can explore the tranquil reservoir, marvel at ancient petroglyphs, and immerse themselves in the park's breathtaking natural beauty along this hike.
(Pictured: Petroglyphs on the Barker Dam trail.)
Although many of the petroglyphs in this cave are originals, many of them have been painted over, as seen above. There was a film made here by Walt Disney in the 1960's in which they painted over the petroglyphs to make them "pop" for the film. Something that would get you a hefty fine today. When visiting this area, please be respectful and note that it is not ok to modify these petroglyphs in any way during your visit.
(Pictured: Some landmarks on the way to Wall Street Mill including where the Worth Bagley Stone was and an abandoned vehicle.)
After the Barker Dam loop, you can make your way over to Wall Street Mill and Wonderland Ranch. Be sure to keep an eye out for the various landmarks on the way, including the site of the Worth Bagley Stone and a pretty old abandoned car.
Wonderland Ranch Ruins or Ohlson House:
(Pictured: Wonderland Ranch Ruins.)
As you follow the trail towards Wall Street Mill, you will notice some pink ruins in the distance. On Google Maps, this is referred to as the "Wonderland Ranch Ruins" or sometimes the "Ohlson House", although none of the park maps or signs will point out this particular location. This always puzzled me, because it is rather fascinating to look at and is even covered with small glass pieces and artifacts from whoever must have resided there previously. I have searched far and wide about the history of these ruins, but unfortunately whatever pioneers built this desert home have been forgotten. There are a few blog posts speculating the origin of these ruins, but no historical information has been provided by the park. Be sure to explore this area if you have time. After my last visit, I discovered there are some old housing foundations, some sort of "natural icebox", and native mortero I am dying to see on my next visit.
Wall Street Mill:
(Pictured: Wall Street Mill.)
When you're done exploring the ruins of Wonderland Ranch, continue along the trail to Wall Street Mill. This area is well marked with signs and there is a lot to look at in this area. Keep in mind that most of the structures in this area are fenced off.
Cholla Cactus Garden:
(Pictured: Cholla Cactus Garden.)
If you make it over to this portion of the park, the Cholla Cactus Garden is a must-see. It is well-paved with boardwalks and cholla cacti as far as the eye can see. Depending on the time of year, sometimes these cacti are even in bloom with small yellow "flowers". This is another phenomenal place to watch the sunset while in the park. Be mindful not to stray off the path too much, as these cacti are sharp. The park even has a first aid bin up front with pliers, you know, just in case.
Ocotillo Patch:
(Pictured: Ocotillo Patch.)
Just a little further up the road from the Cholla Cactus Garden is the Ocotillo Patch. Although it is not as pretty as the cholla garden, this concentration of ocotillo cacti is still worth the stop, especially if you are already stopping to see the cholla. I personally think they are rather cute!
Lost Horse Mine:
(Pictured: Lost Horse Mine.)
The Lost Horse Mine is an excursion you can try if you have a little bit more time to spend in the park. I would only recommend this if you are comfortable hiking as well, as it is a 4.1 mile out-and-back hike. The trek to the mine is also entirely uphill, and a lot of the climb is rocky. I have a special place in my heart for old and abandoned structures, so I was excited to make the trek. The mine itself was very rewarding to see, however, most of the main structure is fenced off so you cannot get too close to it.
Joshua Tree Seasonally:
(Pictured: Joshua Tree after receiving snow, December 2019.)
When I think of the desert, I typically think of something hot and dry, which is usually the case. However, Joshua Tree National Park experiences all sorts of weather conditions, so be sure you are looking into this before planning your visit. As shown above, we have visited Joshua Tree when it was completely blanketed in snow. Joshua Tree is also home to the occasional rare spring bloom.
(Pictured: Joshua Tree super bloom, March 2019.)
Joshua Tree AirBnb Scene:
(Pictured: Affordable AirBnb next to Joshua Tree National Park.)
Due to its increasing popularity as a tourist destination for younger groups, Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas have really boomed as a trendy and unique place to stay for the weekend. If you are planning on staying more than a few days, I would highly recommend looking on AirBnb for a unique and memorable stay while you are in Joshua Tree. There are options in this area for any budget.
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