Wall Street Mill: A Desert Relic in Joshua Tree

4.7 (166)

Discover the history of gold mining in Joshua Tree National Park at the well-preserved Wall Street Mill historic site.

Home
California
Palm Desert
Wall Street Mill

Explore the historic Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park, a well-preserved gold ore crushing mill from the early 20th century. Hike through the desert landscape and discover the remnants of a bygone era, including the mill itself, old cars, and informative signs detailing the site's history and significance.

A brief summary to Wall Street Mill

Twentynine Palms, California, 92277, US
Click to display
Click to display

Local tips

Hike during the cooler months (October-May) to avoid extreme heat; bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the trail offers little shade.
Combine your visit with a hike to Barker Dam, located nearby, for a more comprehensive Joshua Tree experience.
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on sand and uneven terrain.
Take time to read the informative signs at the mill site to learn about the history and milling process.
Be respectful of the historical site and leave all artifacts undisturbed for future visitors to enjoy.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Wonderland Ranch Ruins

Explore the Enigmatic Wonderland Ranch Ruins

Barker Dam

Barker Dam: A Majestic Oasis in the Heart of Joshua Tree National Park

Hidden Valley Campground

Discover the Serenity of Hidden Valley Campground

Getting There

Driving

To reach Wall Street Mill, enter Joshua Tree National Park via the North Entrance near Twentynine Palms. Drive south on Park Boulevard for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Barker Dam Road and continue for 1.5 miles to the main parking area for the Wonderland of Rocks Trailhead/Barker Dam. Alternatively, for a slightly shorter hike, turn right onto Queen Valley Road just before the Barker Dam parking area. After a short distance on the dirt road, turn left toward Wall Street Mill Trailhead and park in the dirt lot. Note that entering Joshua Tree National Park requires a fee of $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Walking

From the Barker Dam parking area, the Wall Street Mill trailhead is located to the right of the restrooms. Follow the well-marked trail northeast. The hike is approximately 2.4 miles round trip from the Barker Dam Trailhead, or about 2 miles round trip from the Wall Street Mill Trailhead. There are no additional costs associated with walking to the mill from either trailhead beyond the park entrance fee.

Discover more about Wall Street Mill

Wall Street Mill, nestled in Joshua Tree National Park, offers a glimpse into the hardy lives of early settlers and gold miners in the Mojave Desert. Built in the 1930s by William F. Keys, a local rancher and miner, the mill processed ore for his operations and other prospectors, becoming a vital resource during the Great Depression. The mill features late 19th-century two-stamp mill machinery used to crush ore and extract precious metals. The site includes the mill building, a well, and remnants of supporting structures. Visitors can explore the area, view the machinery, and read interpretive signs to learn about the milling process and the history of mining in the region. The hike to Wall Street Mill is an easy 2-mile out-and-back trail with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors. Along the way, you'll encounter Joshua Trees, old car wrecks, and the site where Bill Keys shot and killed Worth Bagley in 1943 over a property dispute. The mill is fenced off to protect the historic structures, but the surrounding area is open for exploration.