The air is a few degrees cooler, there is shade, traces of water and palm trees in this natural oasis. Cottonwood Springs was the only reliable water source making it a favoured spot for all desert travellers and miners. It is also the beginning of the Mastodon Mine Loop Trail.
Once you pass this miraculous setting you head up to the more common dusty rocky trail into the hills towards the Mastodon Peak trailhead marker.
Walking uphill and down a little valley then uphill again towards nothing at all we began to wonder if we missed the sign. It seemed to go on and on forever, the sun was beating down and both of us were already feeling hot and tired. It’s amazing how much the heat takes it out of you and this was our third hike of the day!
As we plodded along drinking as much water as possible to keep hydrated we came across this little guy (or gal) tucked away. We didn’t want to get too close so I used the zoom to these pics. Tortoises will urinate if they get scarred which can dehydrate them and we wouldn’t want that to happen.
desert tortoise
Please REMEMBER, These beautiful Desert Tortoise’s are an endangered species. The only time you should ever pick one up is if it is crossing the road and could be hit by a car. All other circumstances, please LEAVE THEM ALONE, give them a wide birth and enjoy them in their natural habitat.
back to the on Mastodon Mine Loop trail
Finally we reached it and saw a rocky stair case to the left, heading even further into the hills.
The scenery started to change and become more rock driven formation hill tops, leading one to drift back to the times when finding the proper hiding place for valuables was key. It is really spectacular and just a little further is the climb to Mastodon Peak, a look out point that made all the effort worth it.
The clouds and vapour trails seemed as though you could thrust your hand through them and alter their trajectory.
We even saw this huge lizard basking in the sun, balancing precariously on some vegetation before scrambling onto more stable ground.
Returning to the trail, just a few yards away is another portal to a time not so long ago. Remnants of a mine are scattered amongst the bushes and edges of the trail.
The Mastodon Mine operated from the 1930’s until 1971 and was owned by the Hulsey family who operated it on an off during that time. Although finding gold, there was a fault in the main vein, and the remainder of gold was never found.
Mastodon Mine photo gallery
Please remember, that all mines are potentially dangerous, with uneven surfaces, debris, and toxic gases. So it’s wise to stay out.
After capturing a few images from around the mine and its traces, we continued on the path back down the hillside. It leads you down into a wash that weaves its way through boulders. At the fork, you need to go right.
You do have to climb back up one small hillside before making your final decent towards the parking lot.
on Mastodon Mine Loop Trail – In a Nutshell
- Park at Cottonwood Springs Oasis – walk through the palm trees and across the spring.
- Approximately a 3-mile loop
- At the sign turn left
- 3,400 ft summit
- Lots of stone steps
- No shade – wear suitable clothing and take plenty of water with you
- Watch for snakes and other bities
- Moderate hike
Remember: Take only photos, and leave only footprints. Pack it in, pack it out. Preserve this site for others to enjoy.
location map
other short hikes in joshua tree
- Barker Dam 1.3-mile loop (easy)
- Cholla Cactus Gardens – 0.25-mile easy loop hike wheelchair accessible
- Desert Queen Ranch/Keys Ranch – only accessible with a guided tour
- Hidden Valley – 1-mile loop trail
- Ryan Ranch & Lost Horse Mine – 0.5-mile sandy trail
- Silver Bell Mine – 2-mile round trip
- Wonderland Ranch & Wall Street Mill – 3-mile out and back hike
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