PLEASE NOTE: THIS HIKE REPLACES THE EARLIER-POSTED MASTODON PEAK AND LOST PALMS OASIS HIKE WHICH WAS CANCELLED DUE TO STORM-RELATED TRAIL CLOSURES

Meeting up at the Ryan Mountain trailhead on Park Boulevard, we will follow the trail about 1.5 miles up to the summit of Ryan Mtn itself.  From the summit, we can have a seat on one of the ancient boulders and have a view across the majority of the national park and beyond.  We'll then follow the same path back to the trailhead and. . . .

. . .hop in our cars and drive down to the Lost Horse Mine trailhead off Keys View Road.  On this trail, we'll get the whole California desert experience, finished off with a visit to the abandoned Lost Horse gold mine.  Once past the mine, we can continue another .3 miels to the top of Lost Horse Mountain where again we should have a fine view of the surrounding areas.   From the summit, we can either continue with the loop trail around and back to the trailhead or retrace our steps back the way we came.

Total distance is about 9.2 miles roundtrip or approximately 5 hours of hiking.

Participants should check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly, wearing boots or sturdy shoes for the hike, and bring water, lunch, and whatever snacks you desire during the hike. 

From LA, take take I-10 East to the Hwy 62 exit and take Hwy 62 to Park Boulevard in the town of Joshua Tree.  From Palm Springs, take Indian Ave to Hwy 62 to Park Blvd.  Take Park Blvd into Joshua Tree National Park , turn left at Cap Rock Junction, and continue 2.5 miles to the Ryan Mountain trailhead.  We will meet here at 10am. There is a fee to enter Joshua Tree NP.  Maps and additional info are available at the JTNP website maintained by the Park Service.  Contact hike organizer about carpooling from Palm Springs.