Wonderland Ranch Wall Street Mill – Joshua Tree National Park

Wonderland Ranch is a very easy hike to do, although there is little to no shade. The main trail is one way in and one way out on a flat, sandy surface so it isn’t strenuous. Along the way, you will see an old homestead, car, windmill and then at the trail end, Wall Street Mill. 

On the left, about 50 yards, you will come across the ruins of the pink Wonderland Ranch aka the Ohlson House or Uncle Willie’s Health Food Store!  The history of this building is in a shroud of mystery.  No one seems to know who or why it was built, only that a family by the name of Ohlson owned it for a time, apparently arriving in the early 1900s in search for gold.

Wonderland ranch photo Gallery

Possibly named Wonderland Ranch due to its location near the Wonderland of Rocks formation and nicknamed Uncle Willie’s by rock climbers.

Things to see along the trail photo gallery

Worth Bagley Stone

Continuing along the sandy trail, we came across the Worth Bagley Stone. Bill Keys himself erected this stone after serving five years in San Quentin State Prison for the murder of Worth Bagley following a shootout over land ownership and water rights. Keys maintained that it was self-defence, saying that Bagley ambushed him and he was eventually given a full pardon.

Unfortunately, the original stone was a victim of vandals and is now in storage to prevent further damage. A replica stands in its place in the exact location.

The inscription reads:

“Here is where Worth Bagly bit the dust At the hand of W.F.Keys May 11 1943”

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Wall Street stamp mill

Further down the wash is the Wall Street Stamp Mill which was in operation at intervals from 1930 until 1966 by Keys, who would process gold ore from his mines along with all the others in the area.

Bill Keys built the Wall Street Mill, which happens to be one of the best examples of gold stamp mills in Joshua Tree National Park. Once processing ore from Keys’ Desert Queen Mine.

Wall Street mill photo gallery

The name “Wall Street” was derived by two miners Oran Booth and Earle McInnes who built a cabin and filed a claim in 1928.  Only two years later they left.  In 1930 Keys filed a mining claim on the site. Then built a bunkhouse, outhouse and transported a two-stamp mill or crusher to the area.

This area was popular with Native Americans for centuries because it provided shelter and natural food sources. In the late 1800s, the area was also a watering hole for cattle. The original well was built by William McHaney.

REMNANTS OF OLD VEHICLES SLIDE SHOW

Just beyond the mill, we found a shaded area to stop and have a quick snack. The rock had formed natural rooms and we ended up exploring for a few hours. You can see why the Natives called this place “Home”. The rocks stay cool and provide shelter concealing them from any unwanted visitors or intruders.

On our way back, we returned to the Ohlson House and followed a different trail along an old wash and found this wonderful dam that you would never have known existed. That is part of our love affair with these places! The history and the mystery they possess.

In A Nutshell

• 3-mile out and back hike
• Easy – on a sandy trail -mainly washes – clearly marked
• Time – 1.5 hours – more time if you want to explore
• Trailhead – same parking lot as Barker Dam – signposted
• Pass a secondary parking area
• Take plenty of drinking water with you, wear suitable clothing and footwear
• Watch for snakes and other bities

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 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

• Ryan Ranch & Lost Horse Mine – 0.5-mile sandy trail

• Silver Bell Mine – 2-mile round trip