Contact Mine Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate and excellent hike (on an out and back trail) in Joshua Tree National Park which leads up to what's left of the Contact Mine workings.

Getting Started

The trailhead (and parking) is located approx. half a mile inside the park from the North Entrance on the West side of the road (RH side if you're heading south along Utah Trail). There is room for 6-10 cars at the trailhead and it's typically not that busy. A well-marked trail leads from the trailhead info board and soon turns into a wash which becomes wide and sandy. Look ahead and you'll see in the distance a red hiker sign which shows you the direction to head as you navigate the wash. As you reach each hiker sign lookout for the next sign and head towards that.

As you reach the end of the wash, the trail turns to the right. Stay on the path and ascend an embankment that follows parallel to the wash. Continue to follow the trail which will in turn descent and cross the wash. There is a clear trail which then ascends the hillside and becomes very obvious to follow. The climb starts to get steeper and relentless as you gain height as it bends right and then curves around to the left. Keep heading uphill until you start to notice the obvious mine pilings on the distant hillside close to the top of the canyon.

Once you approach the mine pilings you'll start to notice large pieces of machine debris, old cable winches, engines, pumps, etc. and on top of the pilings what's left of the rails used by the ore trucks.

Take some time to explore what's left of the mine workings, grab your breath, some water, and a bite to eat before heading back down to the trailhead by reversing the route followed on the ascent.

Taking Children

This may be a tough hike for younger children (less than 8-10 years) as it's a good 4 miles and about half of the route is fairly steep, with some parts of the trail being on broken/rocky ground. But there's a lot of things for them to look at once at the top plus the mine shafts are securely closed off. Overall children's rating would be a 7.