Ryan Ranch and Lost Horse Well – Joshua Tree National Park

The late afternoon sun was really beginning to cause the slightly reddened skin on my arms and legs to sting, that uncomfortable way.  We had already walked, hiked, and seen more than we had anticipated for the day here at Joshua Tree.  I was ready for a nice glass of wine in the shade behind the large rock formation in our campsite, when we passed an exhibit sign for Ryan Ranch and Lost Horse Well. 

It was the ruins of a homestead and was only a half-mile round trip on a very easy surface. So topping up our water we started walking along the sandy trail.

trail to ryan ranch slide show

The History of Ryan Ranch and Lost horse mine

Establish in 1896, this adobe-style homestead and bunkhouse were built in this location because of a natural spring and gold!  Jepp and Tom Ryan were the homesteaders, supplying water to Lost Horse Mine three miles south by pipeline. Which were part-owned with brother Matt and Johnny Lang, a prospector.

There are reports that say in addition to the main house there was an assaying cabin, bunkhouse, underground cellar, horse barn and corral, pump houses, windmill and small stamp mill. Unfortunately, most of the buildings have gone.

ryan ranch slide show

Approximately 60 people lived at this site during the mining boom comprising of miners/ranchers and their families.

 In 1908 the mine ceased to operate since cattle ranching was becoming the new “gold”.

There’s a small cemetery near the ranch with about 10 graves although we didn’t know this at the time of our adventure. These photos are courtesy of Cali49.com

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Mrs Ryan had been really proud of her beautiful cactus gardens.  You can still see why and imagine how immaculate she must have kept grounds.  

The area and view are breathtaking from the main house. 

Have to ask, why?

All three structures were still sound in 1977, however, in August of 1978, the main house was destroyed by arson, leaving the main walls intact but severely damaged.  Vandals then again attacked the remains in 2008 with extensive graffiti and broke a hole into a wall of the main house.  Due to vandalism, the ranch is decaying more quickly with only two of the structures surviving but are in absolute ruins.

Ryan ranch slide show

One has to ask the question “Why?”  Why is it, the so-called sophisticated human race is so ignorant and self-destructive.  It is senseless and needless to ruin something that should be cherished and marvelled for generations.  We need preservation, not destruction!

more pics of ryan ranch

Ryan Ranch and lost horse well – In A Nutshell

• 0.5-mile easy trail
• Sandy trail
• Wear suitable clothing and sunscreen
• Take plenty of water with you – even for short hikes
• Watch for snakes and other bities

REMEMBER: Take only photos, leave only footprints. Pack it in, pack it out. Preserve this site for others to enjoy.

Thank you, Elliot, of cali49.com, for allowing us to use some of your photos for this blog. Elliot has hiked and adventured extensively throughout Joshua Tree National Park and has a great blog which is definitely worth checking out.

Location Map

other easy 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

• Mastodon Mine & Cottonwood Springs – approximately 3-mile loop moderate hike

• Silver Bell Mine– 2-mile round trip 

• Wonderland Ranch & Wall Street Mill – 3-mile out and back hike