
Wall Street Mill
Explore the remnants of a historic gold mill and ranch ruins in Joshua Tree National Park. An easy hike with fascinating history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Wall Street Mill
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remnants of a historic gold mill and ranch ruins in Joshua Tree National Park. An easy hike with fascinating history.
"Probably my favorite trail today, especially because it breaks off and allows easy access to the Wonderland Ranch ruins."

🚶♀️ Easy Hike, Sandy Terrain
The trail is mostly flat but can be sandy, making the return trip more noticeable.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for desert hiking; stay hydrated to enjoy your exploration.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wall Street Mill Ruins
Trailhead area
Explore the remnants of a historic gold mining operation, a tangible link to the area's past.

Wonderland Ranch Ruins
Offshoot from the main trail
Discover the fascinating remains of an old brick house with a visible chimney and fireplace.

Worth Bagley Stone
Along the trail
A unique geological feature and a point of interest for hikers exploring the area.

Desert Scenery & Rock Formations
Throughout the trail
Enjoy the stark beauty of the desert landscape and unique rock formations like Walrus Rock.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for the Desert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Hike, Sandy Terrain
The trail is mostly flat but can be sandy, making the return trip more noticeable.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for desert hiking; stay hydrated to enjoy your exploration.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable in Joshua Tree National Park.
🚗 Access Options
Start from Barker Dam or drive a dirt road for closer access to the mill.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Hike, Sandy Terrain
The trail is mostly flat but can be sandy, making the return trip more noticeable.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Essential for desert hiking; stay hydrated to enjoy your exploration.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable in Joshua Tree National Park.
🚗 Access Options
Start from Barker Dam or drive a dirt road for closer access to the mill.
📸 Capture the History
Great spot for photography, especially with the historic ruins.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Wall Street Mill trail for its historical significance and accessibility, noting it's a less crowded gem within Joshua Tree. The easy terrain and interesting ruins make it a worthwhile stop for families and history buffs alike. Some mention the sandy path can be a bit tiring on the return, and parking can be competitive.
"Probably my favorite trail today, especially because it breaks off and allows easy access to the Wonderland Ranch ruins and the Worth Bagley stone. Lotsa cool scenery and plenty of scattered gems to stumble upon if you’re flexible about your walk."
dave gunn
"Easy hike. Had a baby chest carrier and was able to do the entire hike. The loose sand was more noticeable in the hike back out, but definitely neat to see the mill and Bagly stone.
Stayed out for a nice sunset view with the mountains."
Matt
"You can start this trail from the Barker Dam parking lot or drive up a dirt road and save a good 10 min of walking.
This trail wasn’t crowded like the rest of the park, which was nice. Took us 50 min round trip and we took some time to admire the ruins of the old mill and the Wonderland Ranch. Would love to find a photo of what it looked like in its glory days, but haven’t been able to yet. Good hike!"
Jen S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the Wall Street Mill Trail from the Barker Dam parking lot, or by driving up a maintained dirt road that leads closer to the trailhead. This dirt road is generally easy to navigate.
The dirt road is described as maintained and generally easy to navigate, suggesting it's accessible for most standard vehicles. However, always check current park conditions before your visit.
Look for signs related to the Worth Bagley rock, which indicates you're on the right trail. If you reach the ruins of an old brick house with a chimney, you've gone too far towards Wonderland Ranch.
Yes, there's a dirt road that allows you to drive closer to the mill, saving about 10 minutes of walking from the Barker Dam area.
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times. If you're hiking from Barker Dam, parking is available there. The closer lot to the mill can fill up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Wall Street Mill is located within Joshua Tree National Park, so you will need to pay the park entrance fee.
As an outdoor historical site within a national park, the Wall Street Mill is accessible during park operating hours, typically from sunrise to sunset.
No, the Wall Street Mill trail is included with your Joshua Tree National Park entrance fee.
While the park is generally open from sunrise to sunset, visiting during cooler parts of the day like early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the desert heat.
Guided tours are not typically offered for the Wall Street Mill itself, but ranger programs may be available for Joshua Tree National Park. Check the park's official website for current offerings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Wall Street Mill trail is an easy out-and-back hike, primarily over loose sand with very little elevation change. It's a great option for families and those looking for a less strenuous walk.
The round trip typically takes about 50 minutes, allowing time to explore the ruins. Some visitors complete it faster, while others take more time to admire the scenery.
Compared to other popular spots in Joshua Tree, the Wall Street Mill trail is often less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
The Wall Street Mill was a significant gold mining operation in the early 1900s. Exploring its ruins offers a glimpse into the area's mining history.
Yes, you can easily access the Wonderland Ranch ruins and the Worth Bagley stone from the Wall Street Mill trail, adding more historical interest to your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography, especially during golden hour.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the historic mill ruins, desert landscapes, and unique rock formations. Film photography is also popular here.
The mill ruins themselves are a prime subject. Exploring offshoots can lead to interesting shots of the Wonderland Ranch ruins and surrounding desert vistas.
Drone usage is restricted in Joshua Tree National Park. Check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Adjust settings based on the time of day. For harsh midday sun, use a polarizing filter. For golden hour, a wider aperture can create a nice depth of field.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into the Past: The Wall Street Mill
Beyond the mill itself, the trail system around it provides access to other historical sites, such as the Wonderland Ranch ruins and the Worth Bagley stone. These scattered gems offer a more comprehensive understanding of human presence in the area, from early settlers to miners. It's a fascinating journey through the region's history, all within a relatively short and accessible hike.
When exploring these ruins, remember to tread lightly and respect the historical integrity of the site. The desert environment is fragile, and preserving these remnants for future generations is crucial.
Navigating the Wall Street Mill Trail
While the main trail is relatively straightforward, the area offers opportunities for exploration. You can extend your hike by visiting the nearby Wonderland Ranch ruins or the Worth Bagley stone, adding layers of historical discovery to your outing. The trail is not always clearly marked, so having a map or using offline navigation is advisable.
For those looking to shorten the walk, there's an option to drive up a maintained dirt road that brings you closer to the mill, bypassing a portion of the trail. However, parking at this closer trailhead can be limited, so arriving early is recommended.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit