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Wall Street Mill: A Desert Relic

Step back in time at Wall Street Mill, a historic gold ore crushing mill in Joshua Tree National Park. Discover the stories of desert mining!

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Explore the historic Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park, a well-preserved gold ore crushing mill from the early 20th century. Built by William F. Keys, the mill processed ore for local miners and offers a glimpse into the area's mining past.

A brief summary to Wall Street Mill

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.
  • 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.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Twentynine Palms, drive west on CA-62 (Twentynine Palms Highway). Turn south onto Park Boulevard and follow it into Joshua Tree National Park. After approximately 12 miles, turn left onto Barker Dam Road. Continue for 1.5 miles to the 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. Park in the dirt lot. Note: Entrance to 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 trail is approximately 2.4 miles round trip. If starting from the Wall Street Mill Trailhead (dirt lot off Queen Valley Road), the hike is approximately 2 miles round trip. Follow the trail, staying along the sandy wash. Note: There are no additional costs associated with walking to the mill from either trailhead beyond the park entrance fee.

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Discover more about Wall Street Mill

Nestled within Joshua Tree National Park, Wall Street Mill stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of early settlers and miners in the Mojave Desert. Constructed between 1930 and 1931 by William F. Keys, the mill was a crucial resource for processing gold ore, serving both his own mining operations and those of other prospectors in the vicinity. The mill features late 19th-century machinery, including a two-stamp mill for pulverizing ore and a gasoline engine to power its operations. The location was strategically chosen near productive mining claims, allowing Keys to transport ore efficiently. Today, Wall Street Mill is considered the best-preserved gold mill in Joshua Tree and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the site, including the mill, well, and remnants of supporting buildings, to gain insights into the area's mining history. The hike to Wall Street Mill is a moderate two-mile out-and-back trail. Along the way, hikers can also see rusted cars and the memorial plaque for Worth Bagley.

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