3 Haunted Trails To Try Inside Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a mystical and magical desert wonderland that's home to a variety of hiking trails. But be warned, some of these trails are believed to be haunted by spirits from the past. If you're a thrill-seeker or a ghost enthusiast, here are three haunted trails in Joshua Tree National Park worth checking out:
1. The Lost Horse Mine Trail
Our first haunted trail is the Lost Horse Mine Trail. This trail takes you through the rugged terrain of the park and leads you to the remnants of an old gold mine. The mine is said to be haunted by the ghost of a miner who was killed in a tragic accident. Legend has it that his spirit still roams the area, looking for his lost gold.
As you hike the trail, keep an eye out for strange noises and unexplained movements. Some hikers have reported feeling a cold breeze, despite the hot desert temperatures. Others claim to have heard the sound of pickaxes hitting rock, even though there's no one around. The Lost Horse Mine Trail is a spooky adventure that's not for the faint of heart.
Difficulty: Medium
Popularity: High
Distance: 4.1 miles (6.6 km)
Elevation: 528 feet (161 meters)
Time to allot:
For fast hikers and no stops: 1.5 hour
For a casual pace and a few photos: 2.5 hours
For extra exploring: 2.5-3 hours
Best Photo Spot: At the end of the trail you will find the mine and Pinto Basin. Both provide for great photo opportunities, and if your are lucky perhaps you will run into some Desert Sheep.
When to Visit: The optimal time to visit Lost Horse Mine is during the cooler winter months. If planning to tackle this hike during the summer months would recommend arriving before dawn to avoid the higher day temperatures as there is no shade on this trail. Also good to arrive early due to the limited parking at the trailhead.
Plan Your Footwear: Light hiking or approach shoes would be best.
Where to Park: Parking and the trailhead are located off Keys View Road
2. The Wall Street Mill Trail
Next up is the Wall Street Mill Trail, a moderate hike that takes you through a historic gold-mining area. The mill was used to process gold ore and was abandoned in the 1940s. However, the spirits of the mill's former workers are said to still linger in the area.
As you explore the mill, keep an eye out for shadowy figures or strange lights. Some hikers have reported feeling a sense of unease, as if they were being watched. Others claim to have heard whispers or the sound of footsteps coming from the empty mill. The Wall Street Mill Trail is a fascinating and eerie journey through Joshua Tree's mining history.
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Elevation: 75 feet (23 meters)
Time to allot:
For fast hikers and no stops: 40 min
For a casual pace and a few photos: 1 hour
For extra exploring: 1.5 hours
Best Photo Spot: Along the trail are some pretty cool ruins that make for interesting photo backdrops, including abandoned vehicles, a windmill, and a deserted homestead.
When to Visit: As this is a fairly short in and out flat trail it can be hiked year round. If you plan to visit during the summer though it’s always wise to bring plenty of water, sunscreen as well as wear sunglasses, rashguard and a hat.
Plan Your Footwear: Hiking sandals are sufficient.
Where to Park: The trailhead and parking are accessible via a dirt parking lot off of Queen Valley Road
3. The Barker Dam Trail
Our final haunted trail is the Barker Dam Trail, a short hike that takes you to an ancient Native American water source. The trail is said to be haunted by the spirits of the Chemehuevi people, who were forced out of the area by European settlers. The Chemehuevi believed that the area was sacred and that their ancestors' spirits still reside there.
As you hike the trail, keep an eye out for strange rock formations or petroglyphs. Some hikers have reported feeling a sense of peace or reverence, as if they were in the presence of something holy. Others claim to have seen ghostly apparitions or heard the sound of chanting in the distance. The Barker Dam Trail is a hauntingly beautiful hike that's steeped in history and legend.
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Distance: 1.1 miles
Elevation: 50 feet
How Much Time To Plan:
For fast hikers and no stops: Less than an hour
For a casual pace and a few photos: 1 hour
For extra exploring: 2 hours
Best Photo Spots:
At the Dam
Where to Park: You can park directly at the Barker Dam trailhead. There is ample parking here, but this is the busiest parking lot at the park so it can be challenging to find a spot. To the west of the trailhead parking area, is Echo T parking lot that offers alternative parking. Parking at the Echo T Connector Trail will put an extra 0.6 miles (1 km) on the trail length when combined with the Barker Dam Trail loop, making the total length 1.7 miles (2.7 km).
Joshua Tree National Park is not just a beautiful destination for hiking and outdoor activities. It's also a hotspot for paranormal activity and ghost sightings. If you're brave enough to explore these haunted trails, you might just have an otherworldly experience that you'll never forget.
Let us know if you’ve explored any of these trails, which was your favorite and what others you would add to this list in the comments below.
