Desert Queen Mine

Gold was discovered here in 1894 by Frank L James. In those times, it was easy to get the ownership transferred. In the case of the Desert Queen Mine, it was with murder, robbery, other illegal tactics and payment for back wages amongst other things.

Frank James worked for the Lang family at Lost Horse Mine and would prospect on his days off. After discovering the strike, a group of cattle rustlers and claim jumpers, known as the McHaney gang, shot James dead, enabling them to take ownership. It was then known as the McHaney Mine. There were rumours at the time that they made over two million dollars, although this is unsubstantiated.

Black and white photo of gentleman holding a hat and cane wearing a long coat c 1905 standing outside a wooden miners cabin Desert Queen Mine — Bill McHaney. The cabin is c1905 at Music Valley. Courtesy of 29 Palms Library collection

James’ remains apparently are buried in a plot in a small cemetery on the Ryan Ranch.

Even Bill Keys had the mining title in 1917. He took ownership as back payment for wages along with the homestead known at Desert Queen Ranch aka Key’s Ranch.

The ore was then hauled to the Wall Street Mill for processing, along with the lead ore from Eagle Cliff.

AND ONTO THE TRAIL

We parked in the parking lot and got on our way. The trail we needed is to the right of the loos. The one to the left is for Pine City.

The trail itself was pretty easy with a slight incline. Heading up, we passed a path to the right with no signpost.

Desert Queen Mine walking trail following old wagon route in the mountains of Joshua Tree

STONE CABIN

Before turning onto that trail, we continued up the hill and came across one of those old miners cabins, complete with an iron bed frame.

Ruins of a stone mining building in the mountains near Desert Queen Mine

From inside the ruins of the stone miners building looking out of the doorway scenic shot of shrub and rocky surroundings near Desert Queen Mine — Looking out from miners cabin

Continuing further up the stony mining road we came to the lookout and an old cyanide tank.

An old cyanide tank in mountain desert shrub at Desert Queen Mine — An old cyanide tank

There is an excellent view of the wash, Gold Dust Gulch, and the remains of Desert Queen Mine.

Looking out onto the ruins of the mine in the Rocky Mountains — From the lookout, you can see the trail to Desert Queen Mine

Sandy gentle uphill hiking trail with desert shrubs and large rock formation to the right at Desert Queen Mine — The trail bears to the right

Retracing our steps, we went back down the trail and turned onto the offshoot trail which we had passed earlier (this is now on the left).

Wide trail once the wagon route for the mine in the desert mountains — Further along trail

Trail leading from the wash up the mountain to the remains of a mine. Tailings are visible and a couple of mine entrances — The trail from the wash to the mine

Zig-zagging along the trail, it eventually descended into the wash. We decided to explore before continuing along the steep path the other side, which leads to the mine operation.

Sandy wash with a few large boulders within a canyon. There are desert plants growing spasmodically along the wash and up the mountain side — Once in the wash you will see this to the right – turn left and head up the trail the other side of the rocks

exploring the wash at desert queen mine

Washes are interesting places, especially around historic sites. You never know what you may discover. “Desert Gold” as my blogging friend Elliot (Cali49) says.

Close up picture of sandy wash with large boulders and trees

There are remains of mining artefacts scattered here and there.

We even found this huge rock with some scrawlings on the side. I believe they are claim markings.

Large boulder in the wash of Desert Queen Mine. Some sort of graffiti. Meaning unknown. It reads BO + .6585 D.Q.COR.1 A — Not your usual sort of graffiti – possibly a miner’s claim

Another cyanide tank is perched precariously on the side of the rocky hill along with some mining machinery.

Desert Queen Mine cyanide tank and mining equipment balancing on rocks on the side of the mountain — Mining equip on the side of the wash

And additional mines shafts which appear to go horizontally into the rock. We managed to scramble up to take a peek in one. Even though pretty much all mine shafts look the same, something is fascinating to us which makes us want to explore.

Man in cowboy hat punched on the rocks at the side of the wash — Steve on the rocks of the wash.

Obviously, mines are incredibly dangerous. What with the chances of cave-ins, lose and rotten timbers. Not to mention the possibility of getting tetanus if you happen to catch yourself on rusting metal. But also toxic gasses and unstable explosives!

The wash – slide show

Ore fragment

No wonder the Park Services do their utmost to gate the entrances.

We could have spent several hours exploring, but our objective today was to hike up to the abandoned miner’s cabin at Eagle Cliff.

back to the trail of desert queen mine

We made our way back along the wash and continued the steep ascent to the remains of the Desert Queen Mine.

Massive boulder in the wash with a tree growing in front and a dead tree void of bark and branches having been washed down by a flash flood

During operation of the mine – 1895 to 1961, it happened to be the most profitable mine in the area — a total production of 3,845 ounces of gold.

An air compressor and reservoir now rusting away on the side of the mountain trail leading to the mine operation — An air compressor and reservoir

Having countless shafts, a stamp mill, housing and office amenities, Desert Queen Mine was one of the largest gold quarries within Joshua Tree. Although the mine was worked at irregular intervals from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, the final production report was in 1941.

Deep mine shaft with mesh on the ground which once prevented entry into the tunnel. Remains of ore cart tracks are visible

There’s no actual buildings or structures at Desert Queen Mine, but still, lots to see. Deep mine shafts are secured, preventing people from falling in, and there are many artefacts interspersed along the way.

A trail, barely visible, leading away from the mine and into the rocky mountains — You can see a trail leading down into the wash on the other side

options

Option 1. Retrace your steps back to the car park

Option 2. Continue on an unmarked trail to Eagle Cliff Mine.