Joshua Tree National Park – Wall Street Mill

The old Wall Street Mill can be found on a relatively short hike (3.54 km / 2.2. mile round trip) through the desert from the Wonderland of Rocks area of Joshua Tree National Park. This was a two stamp mill used to process gold found by gold prospectors within the region and was operated as needed from 1930 to 1966 for a fee by rancher-miner William F. Keys (during the Great Depression he gathered the parts and equipment to build the mill from other unused mines and mills in the area). The name originates from 1928 when the site was used as a gold mine called “Wall Street” and the mill remains relatively intact today with a well (the reason the site was chosen. The well was originally dug out in the late 1800’s and it was used as a cattle watering spot), well pump and the two stamp mill which are housed within the building but you are not allowed to enter the preserved as is site.

The Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park CA — The Wall Street Mill

Along the way and around the mill site you will discover wrecks of old 1930’s era vehicles, abandoned buildings and even a rickety old windmill. This old relics along with the wonderful rocky outcrops and desert terrain make for a great hike.

old car is right near the front of the Wall Street Mill Joshua Tree National Park — This old car is right near the front of the Wall Street Mill

An old windmill and ruins along with the Wall Street Mill Joshua Tree National Park — An old windmill and ruins along with the Wall Street Mill

Old pick up truck is just behind the Wall Street Mill Joshua Tree NP — This old pick up truck is just behind the Wall Street Mill. Check out the tyres!

old car wall street mill joshua tree national park — This old car can be found off the trail about halfway to the mill

Old ruined house just off the Wall Street Mill trail Joshua Tree NP — Old ruined house just off the Wall Street Mill trail

Joshua Tree National Park has plenty to offer and the desert scenery is a highlight but old relics from our relatively recent history are always interesting to see as well. The Wall Street Mill is no exception.

2 Comments Add yours

Girl Gone Expat says:

June 10, 2015 at 8:57 pm

The Wall Street Mill looks like a pretty cool place to explore. It is always interesting learning about these old sites and see the remnants from old times. We hikes up to an old gold mine while we were in Prince William Sound, the old stamp will was actually pretty intact. There were still lots of old remnants left on the site. Pretty cool stuff to explore:)