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 embark on the scenic 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.
Whether you’re passionate about hiking, history, or both, the Wall Street Mill Trail provides the perfect combination of adventure and discovery.
Wall Street Mill: Overview
Trailhead Location: Located off Barker Dam Road near Hidden Valley Campground.
Length: 2.25 miles
Elevation Gain: 80 feet
Hiking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Pet-friendly? No
Hike Features: Wonderland Ranch, old cars, historical murder site with gravestone, Wall Street Mill, and Barker Dam (optional)
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!
Directions and Parking
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.
Tips for Hiking Wall Street Mill
Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.
Bring Plenty of Water & 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.
Footwear and Gear:
- Some sections of this trail can be rocky, so wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes (or boots).
- Wear proper clothing for the season and bring layers just in case.
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.
Leave No Trace: Stay on the trail, pack out all trash, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Help keep Joshua Tree pristine for future hikers.
Summer Safety Tips:
- Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Eat high-carb and salty snacks to help keep your energy levels up and replenish electrolytes.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Try to hike during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
- Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
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.
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.
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!?
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.
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.
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.
More Things to Do in Joshua Tree
- Hike along the Split Rock Trail and take a side quest to see unique rock formations, including Face Rock and Skull Rock.
- Hike the Arch Rock Trail and see the iconic Arch Rock as well as Heart Rock.
- Watch sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden and hike a short trail through the garden.
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!
