lost horse valley

Lost Hoarse Valley is a large valley south of Hidden Valley and epitomizes what most people think of Joshua Tree NP; vast stands of Joshua Trees, huge granite outcroppings and boulder piles. Driving south on Park Blvd and turning onto Keys View Road takes one through the center of the valley with wonderful views of individual Joshua Trees as well as large stands. Stop by at Cap Rock located along Keys View Road just south of Park Blvd for an easy, wheelchair accessible 0.4mi (0.65k) nature trail that gets one up close to the huge boulders. The rock here is easy to climb which provides even better views of the valley and its Joshua Trees. A little further south on Keys View Road to the left is a dirt road, passable by ordinary cars in dry conditions, that leads to the trailhead of the Lost Horse Mine which takes one 2mi (3.2k) up Lost Horse Mountain to the old mine near the summit. While on Keys View Road, one should continue to the end to Keys View which offers excellent views of the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault and Salton Sea. The Lost Horse Valley area is a must see for any visitor to Joshua Tree NP.

Stunning hike with amazing views. You can either do the 4 mile path there and back to the mine - in which case do climb to the top of the hill above the mine for the best panorama - or continue on the loop which adds a further 2 miles and piles on the stunning scenery.I recommend the latter as it gives you 4 miles largely to yourself. There were plenty of people on the mine side on a relatively quiet day in the park.