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Desert Queen Mine

California > Joshua Tree NP > Queen Valley Area
Warning Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures DetailsDrop down

Description

Located north of the Queen Valley Road, somewhat midway between Jumbo Rocks and Sheep Pass CG, is this fairly accessible area with a remote and somewhat wild feel. Depending upon your motivation or proclivity you might climb close to the car, or venture out into one of the Park's lesser-visited areas and possibly discover some relics from the area's rich mining past. This is an area to visit if seeking solitude and quality engaging routes, of which there are many.

Getting There

Driving east from Sheep Pass CG, there is a right turn towards the signed Geology Tour Road; more or less directly across from this is the dirt road to the Desert Queen Mine area. Drive the dirt road, staying right when necessary, to a parking area one and a quarter miles from the paved Queen Valley Road. The trail to the various rocks lies at the east end of the parking area and winds downhill to the base of a large hillside with several sealed mineshafts. Climbing back up to a large plateau behind the mineshafts leads to a rough landscape of valleys and hills with scattered rock formations. Scattered throughout this landscape are many enticing routes. Plan on thirty to forty-five minutes to Fraggle Rock, the furthest crag from the parking area.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

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[Hide Photo] Desert Queen Dome
Miner's cabin ruin near the Desert Queen Mine parking area, Joshua Tree NP
[Hide Photo] Miner's cabin ruin near the Desert Queen Mine parking area, Joshua Tree NP
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[Hide Photo] Mother Lode Wall
Mining relics near the Desert Queen Mine, Joshua Tree NP
[Hide Photo] Mining relics near the Desert Queen Mine, Joshua Tree NP
One of the many closed adits in the area, Joshua Tree NP
[Hide Photo] One of the many closed adits in the area, Joshua Tree NP
The wash below Desert Queen Mine, Joshua Tree NP
[Hide Photo] The wash below Desert Queen Mine, Joshua Tree NP
Great views are common in the Desert Queen Mine area, Joshua Tree NP
[Hide Photo] Great views are common in the Desert Queen Mine area, Joshua Tree NP
Desert Queen Mine area.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.
[Hide Photo] Desert Queen Mine area. Photo by Blitzo.
Help preserve America's past, Desert Queen Mine Area
[Hide Photo] Help preserve America's past, Desert Queen Mine Area
[[106046754]].  Note hikers in the lower portion for scale.
[Hide Photo] The Gold Nuggets. Note hikers in the lower portion for scale.
One of the many mines in the area.  This one is very very deep.
[Hide Photo] One of the many mines in the area. This one is very very deep.
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[Hide Photo] Scary Tree Pinnacles