Wall Street Mill Hike

JTNP's Wall Street Mill Hike is a simple hike idea for a variety of ages and abilities.

Before the area now known as Joshua Tree National Park became a National Park, it was a hot spot for gold and silver mining.  Miners owned and occupied this land for years.  William Keyes, one of the first to settle here started a mill to process the precious metal.  That mill was called Wall Street Mill, and today it is one of the most well-preserved mills in the US.

While the mill is the “destination” of this hike, it is certainly not the only highlight! Along the way to the mill, you will pass abandoned cars, windmills, homesteads, and even the marker to a famous gunfight between Mr. Keyes and his neighbor. The hike is also a great place to see all kinds of birds including roadrunners and quail.  There may also be Jack Rabbits and tortoises nearby.  There are snakes as well, including rattlesnakes so remind kids to not put their hands under rocks or walk through tall weeds.

Wall Street Mill is a popular hike with little to no elevation gain. Depending on where you start, the hike will be between 1.5 and 2-miles. This hike can be done by any age.  The trail is soft sand, so a stroller would be difficult.  This hike is fully in the sun, so you need to wear sun protection, bring extra water and start this hike early in the day.

There are 2 parking areas and 2 trailheads to start Wall Street Mill Hike.  The first is Wonderland of Rocks trailhead.  There is a large parking lot here with restrooms available.  Starting here makes your hike just over 2 miles. If you start here, you can veer off-trail and see the ruins of an old homestead.  Look to the right where this trail meets the other trailhead at the next parking lot.

A second parking area, 0.3 miles up the trail, is located just off the unpaved Queen Valley Road. This parking lot is smaller and also has a restroom available.  Starting here makes your hike about 1.5 miles.