Starbuck's Exploring

Sign in Subscribe

Exploring Joshua Tree

Trips included in the Exploring Joshua Tree book

42 posts

Golden Bee Mine

Golden Bee Mine

Most people who visit the Cholla Cactus Garden don't know is an old mine with an interesting history is just a few miles away, gazing down on them. There are a few minor prospects scattered along this side of the Hexie Mountains, but two gold veins were discovered

Hexahedron Mine

Hexahedron Mine

Sometime before 1894, Al Tingman ("The Father of Indio") and Ed Holland (of Lost Horse Mine fame) staked claims on some rich gold ore outcrops high above Pleasant Valley. They sold the mine to Bill and John Garrison, who formed the Hexahedron Mining Company. The Company dug a

Mastodon Mine

Mastodon Mine

The Mastodon Peak Loop is an easy ramble near Joshua Tree's Cottonwood Campground and draws plenty of visitors. But while the trail is well-trodden, the story of the mine and nearby mills is lesser known. The Mastodon Mine was owned and operated by George Hulsey (and his family)

Barker Dam

Barker Dam

It goes without saying that water is vital in the desert, and Joshua Tree is no different. A rancher named C.O. Barker built the dam around 1902 to improve the natural tank for his cattle. Along with the nearby Cow Camp reservoir, the tank was an important watering hole

Window Rock

Window Rock

I'm a fan of arches. I don't know why, but they are always fun to find. There aren't that many in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park (Arch Rock and Garrett's Arch come to mind), but there is a lesser-known one

Boy Scout Trail

Boy Scout Trail

This is a shuttle hike that goes along the edge of the maze that is the Wonderland of Rocks, and then drops down into Indian Cove. It's not a backcountry hike to an old mine or anything, but I am including it for the completeness of Joshua Tree

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley has a hidden secret: its outlaw past. The history of this area dates back to the mid-1870s when ranchers discovered it had good spring grazing and winter feed for their sheep and cattle. Around this time, a group known as the "McHaney Gang" began utilizing certain