Hiking California National Parks USA

Explore Wall Street Mill: Historical Hike in Joshua Tree (2026)

Updated on
Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park.

If you’re a history enthusiast and a lover of the great outdoors, a visit to one of California’s best-preserved historical gold mills should be at the top of your list! Head to Joshua Tree National Park and take a hike along the Wall Street Mill Trail. 🌵

This short yet captivating hike takes you through a rich slice of the past, where you’ll encounter fascinating artifacts such as an old homestead, rusted vehicles from the early 1900s, and the iconic Wall Street Mill itself.

Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, this site is a treasured piece of California’s mining history, so please be respectful and leave everything as you found it.

The trail offers an easy, enjoyable trek through the stunning desert landscape. Read my complete guide to learn everything you need to know about Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree! 🙌

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the blog! 🫶

Table of Contents
[Open][Close]

Wall Street Mill Trail Stats and Map

Wall Street Mill Trail Stats

Old rusty green car located along the Wall Street Mill Trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
Old car along Wall Street Mill Trail

Starting Point: Barker Dam parking lot

Length: 2 miles

Elevation Gain: 80 feet

Hiking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Route Type: Out-and-back

Difficulty Rating: Easy

Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed

Hike Features: Wonderland Ranch, old cars, historical murder site with gravestone, and Wall Street Mill

Wall Street Mill Trail Map

Joshua Tree Entrance Fee

Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park costs $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free!

For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

Wall Street Mill Trailhead and Parking

Old rusty brown car located along the Wall Street Mill Trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
Wall Street Mill Trail

Wall Street Mill is located off Barker Dam Road near Hidden Valley Campground in Joshua Tree National Park.

There are two trailheads for the Wall Street Mill Trail. Barker Dam parking lot is the main trailhead parking area and it’s paved.

There is another non-paved parking area off Queen Valley Road just 0.5 miles from the Barker Dam Parking Lot.

For the purpose of this blog, I will explain how to reach Wall Street Mill from the Barker Dam Parking Lot.

There are also vault toilets at that location.

History of Wall Street Mill

Before we explore the rich history of the Wall Street Mill, it’s important to acknowledge the deep cultural significance of this land.

For centuries, the area was home to Native American tribes who relied on the natural rock shelters and abundant food sources for survival.

In the late 1800s, a man named William McHaney dug a well in the area, unknowingly setting the stage for a new chapter in its history.

The well quickly became a vital watering hole for cattle, attracting settlers and shaping the land’s future as it transitioned from its indigenous roots to the mining boom that followed.

In the early 1900s, this area underwent a dramatic transformation – the discovery of gold! The desert landscape became the object of intense fascination as prospectors flooded in, eager to strike it rich.

In 1928, Oran Booth and Earle McInnes staked their claim on the well site and established a homestead, naming it Wall Street to reflect the booming gold rush spirit of the time.

After a few years, Booth and McInnes left the site to seek new opportunities. In 1930, William Keys swooped in and claimed this area as a milling site. He built a bunk house and outhouse and also transported a two-stamp mill ore crusher to the new site.

The mill soon became known as the Wall Street Mill. It was used to process ore extracted from nearby mines, including the renowned Desert Queen Mine.

The ore was crushed and sifted in the mill to extract the precious gold hidden within. William Keys operated the mill for several decades, running it until around 1966.

Wall Street Mill was eventually added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its legacy for generations to come.

Preserved structure of the Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree.
Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park

Oh, I guess I should mention that William Keys was also a murderer. Continue reading to learn more about that tea.

Another intriguing site along the Wall Street Mill Trail is the Wonderland Ranch. The Ohlson family established a homestead here, but little is known about them.

It is believed that they were drawn to the area by the promise of gold mining opportunities. The remnants of their homestead still stand adding another layer of history to your hike.

Best Time to Hike Wall Street Mill

The fall and spring months offer mild temperatures, making these seasons the most comfortable for exploring.

Winter is also a magical time to visit, especially if you get a chance to see the desert covered in a layer of snow!

Summer can be extremely hot, so visit early or later in the day.

⚠️ Summer Safety Tips

  • Carry plenty of water and include electrolytes to stay hydrated.
  • Hike early or late to avoid the hottest part of the day.
  • Use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight sun-protective clothing.
  • Check the weather and avoid hiking in extreme heat.
  • Pack snacks, a first-aid kit, and a map or GPS device.
  • Wear moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy footwear.
  • Watch for signs of heat-related illness, like dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and confusion, and act quickly if symptoms appear.
  • Take breaks in the shade and pace yourself to prevent overexertion.
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles by carrying out trash and staying on trails. (this rule applies for any day of the year – help keep the outdoors pristine for future visitors!)

Wall Street Mill Trail Directions

Barker Dam Parking Lot

Starting from the Barker Dam Parking Lot, head right and follow the trail signs towards Wall Street Mill.

This parking lot also shares the trailhead for Barker Dam (hence the name of the parking lot).

Wonderland Ranch

Soon in the hike, you may or may not notice another trail veering off to the left.

Take a short side quest to reach a place called Wonderland Ranch.

Explore the ruins of this old homestead then head back to the main trail.

Old Cars and Gravestone

As you continue along the Wall Street Mill Trail, you will soon see an old wind mill at the Desert Queen Well.

This well was used to support the operations of the Desert Queen Mine as well as livestock.

Along the way you will see various old rusty cars from the early 1900s. Amazing, right!?

Old rusty red car located along the Wall Street Mill Trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
Rusty car along Wall Street Mill Trail

The next piece of history you will see as you continue hiking is a (replica) gravestone. It reads, “Here is where Worth Bagley bit the dust at the hands of W.F.Keys. May 11, 1943.”

The backstory behind this memorial is that William Keys had a property dispute with a guy named Worth Bagley.

Long story short, Keys shot Bagley and killed him. Keys was convicted of murder and sent to San Quentin Prison.

He was released after five years due to the judge ruling that Bagley was killed in self-defense. Keys returned to his home and created a memorial for Worth Bagley.

Replica gravestone that reads, "Here is where Worth Bagley bit the dust at the hands of W.F.Keys. May 11, 1943."
Replica gravestone

Wall Street Mill

Keep hiking a little bit further until you reach the famous Wall Street Mill.

Explore this well-preserved gold mill and learn more about its history with educational plaques posted in various locations around the site.

Preserved structure of the Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park.
Wall Street Mill

To return back to the parking lot, retrace your steps.

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

Do you have time for another hike? Take the Barker Dam Trail to the Barker Dam, and you will find petroglyphs along the trail.

Petroglyphs along the Barker Dam Trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
Petroglyphs seen from the Barker Dam Trail

Tips for Hiking Wall Street Mill

1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

2. Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. Also, bring high-energy snacks to refuel and help maintain your energy during the hike.

3. Sun Protection: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

4. False Trails: Hiking trails within Joshua Tree National Park can be confusing due to difficulty following the trail markers (or lack thereof). I highly recommend downloading offline maps and having a physical map and compass in your backpack just in case you get off trail.

5. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park.

✨ More Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Hiking in Joshua Tree Packing List

👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!

Check out my favorite tops 👇

🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.

Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇

🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!

🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!

🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇

🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!

❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.

🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.

🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.

🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.

🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.

💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.

🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.

🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.

🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.

🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.

💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!

Conclusion

The Wall Street Mill is a must-see destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts visiting Joshua Tree National Park.

This quick but rewarding hike gives you a peek into the area’s history, with old relics from the past tucked into a gorgeous desert setting.

From the rich Native American history to the well-preserved mill and rusting vehicles, every step along the trail reveals a story of resilience and innovation in the harsh Mojave Desert.

If this guide inspires you to hike Wall Street Mill, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!

Enjoyed this post? Pin for later!

This blog post is about hiking to Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park.
This blog post is about a historical hike in Joshua Tree National Park - Wall Street Mill.