Desert Queen Mine

Desert Queen Mine is a historic gold extraction site in Joshua Tree National Park, featuring multiple shafts and tunnels dug into the desert terrain. The ruins contain old mining equipment and structures scattered across the landscape, revealing how miners worked this claim over many decades.

The mine was established in the 1890s and changed hands several times during its operation, with disputes between early operators. Production continued across many decades, shaping the mining story of this part of the desert.

The mining site represents the determination of early California settlers who worked in extreme conditions to extract precious metals from the earth.

The site is reachable via marked hiking trails within Joshua Tree National Park that lead to different areas of the mine. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and bring plenty of water, as the desert environment can be hot and dry.

The mine operated for over 70 years, making it one of the longest-running gold extraction operations in the high desert of Southern California. This extended operation is remarkable given the harsh conditions and remote location of the site.

Location: Riverside County

GPS coordinates: 34.02413,-116.07140

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07