These mines out in the backcountry of Joshua Tree are a bit of a mystery as very little is known about them. The hike visits a roofless stone cabin first, then heads over to the Lucky Turkey Mine and arrastra, and then finally out to a cabin at the Blind Mule Claim.
The little bits of information I could dig up are scant. For one, it seems the Lucky Turkey was also known as the Mystery Mine (really!). Also, there is an account that mentions a mining claim notice found here dated November 9th, 1899, and signed by W. E. Lee. It is certainly possible the site is that old and the presence of the arrastra helps support that date. But otherwise, whatever prospectors tried to make a living out in these parched hills remains a mystery.
