Lost Horse Loop Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
10.6 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
279 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.8
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Read Reviews
Directions to Trailhead
Panorama of the Lost Horse Loop hike in Joshua Tree National Park, California

Passing by a historic Gold Mine then gaining a scenic ridge, the Lost Horse Loop Trail is truly a treat. Moderate elevation gain and stunning views make this hike a fantastic way to spend most of a day.

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Route Description for Lost Horse Loop Trail

Find the trailhead at the far side of the parking lot, and start hiking on the wide double track trail. The path will ascend slightly and gain a small pass, where you will get your first fantastic views looking back the way you came. You will be able to see many of the stunning small mountain ranges of the park, as well as the small plateau you drove in on.

The trail will ungulate up and down along the side of the hill as it heads towards the old mine. Along this ridgeline you will start to have fantastic views down to the left, of Pleasant Valley. A couple of rock formations will dot the plane.

After going around several bends you will have your first view of the Lost Horse Mine. The mine produced roughly $5 million (in today’s dollars) worth of gold and silver when in operation, before shutting down in 1931, and was one of the few successful desert gold mines in the area.

The trail passes somewhat closely by the fenced off mine, however we recommend turning left onto one of the plentiful unofficial trails and heading up to get a closer look. After admiring the old timber mine, head back to the trail and climb up a steeper trail to another small notch. From here you will traverse along a stunning ridge, gaining and losing elevation steeply. You will have some of the best views down to the left towards Pleasant Valley along this 3/4-mile section.

Finally the trail will veer right and start to slowly drop down into the valley on the other side of the small mountains you contoured around. The trail will join up with a wash (a dried up creek-bed which flows during the flash floods which occur irregularly in the region) and follow it almost all the way back to the parking lot. This is typically the most efficient way to cross terrain of this nature. The only downside is that you will be hiking in (typically) loose sand, which is not only somewhat challenging to walk in, but also gets in your shoes.

Finally arrive at the parking lot near its entrance as the trail turns harder right. Find your car and head out!

Insider Hints for Lost Horse Loop Trail

  • The way described is the clockwise loop of the trail. We recommend completing the hike this way, as it provides a more gradual climb to the scenic ridge.

Getting to the Lost Horse Loop Trail Trailhead

Enter the park from the West Entrance Station below Joshua Tree Town. Continue down Park Boulevard until you see the well-indicated turnoff for Keys View. Turn right here and follow this narrow paved road until you see the small signs for Lost Horse Mine and Trail pointing to the left. Follow this dirt road to its end, where you will find a small dirt parking lot (which typically fills quickly).

Route Information

  • When to do

    Spring and Fall, avoid summer heat

  • Backcountry Campsites

    None

  • Toilets

    At trailhead

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Lost Horse Loop Trail Elevation Graph

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Lost Horse Loop Trail Reviews

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