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Exploring Joshua Tree

Trips included in the Exploring Joshua Tree book

42 posts

Los Angeles and Brooklyn Mines

Los Angeles and Brooklyn Mines

Deep in the rugged backcountry just outside Joshua Tree National Park lie the remnants of two once-thriving gold mines, the Brooklyn and Los Angeles. The story of the Brooklyn Mine began in 1890 when prospector John Burt discovered the rich gold-bearing veins in the rugged Pinto Mountains. Burt partnered with

Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks

Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks

Nestled in the remote backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park lie Bernard and Little Berdoo Peaks, two seldom-visited summits with incredible views. This adventurous cross-country ramble climbs up rugged canyons and rocky ridges to reach these two peaks. The views are the reason to be up here. Down below, but

California Riding and Hiking Trail

California Riding and Hiking Trail

The California Riding and Hiking Trail was part of an ambitious 1940s California State Parks project to create a statewide trail network. Due to land ownership issues, it was never completed. However, the sections within Joshua Tree are complete and provide an excellent opportunity for experienced hikers to explore the

Covington Crest

Covington Crest

The Covington Crest trail offers a short but rewarding trek into a little-visited Covington Flat. It is an easy 3-mile round trip hike that rambles through some of the park's largest Joshua trees. The trail culminates at a dramatic precipice overlooking the canyons of the Little San Bernardino

Warren Peak

Warren Peak

Warren Peak is an unassuming peak in the quiet northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park. At 5,103 feet, it is only the 10th highest peak in the park, but from its top, you can see extraordinarily panoramic views of Mount San Jacinto and San Gorgonio down into Coachella

Lost Horse Mine

Lost Horse Mine

If you are a fan of mining history and scenic desert hikes (and I think you are since you're probably reading this), you should stop by the Lost Horse Mine. The mine is well known, but its history isn't, and fewer people still hike the whole

Lucky Boy Vista

Lucky Boy Vista

This short trail heads out to the site of the Elton Mine (originally called the Lucky Boy and the Elltun) and the fantastic Lucky Boy Vista. The trail follows the old mine road out to the mine and then returns via a wash. There isn't anything left of