Awesome scenic hike that is not to be missed by any respectable hiker. Take a hike in Joshua Tree National Park – the Mastodon Mine Loop Trail!
Which Hiker Do I Write For
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Mastodon Mine Loop Trail
- Trail Name : Mastodon Mine Loop Trail
- Location : Joshua Tree National Park in California USA
- Length : 2.5 miles
- Difficulty : 45 – I would call this hike moderate due to the stairs
- Duration : 1.5 – 2 hours
- Elevation Gain : 410
- Type of Trail : loop
- Who I Recommend this to : most hikers, some may find the stairs a challenge
- What season did I go : Winter / February
- Gear Recommendations : cool clothing that cover skin, hat, small spray bottle of water
- Special Requirements : Joshua Tree NP does charge an entrance fee
- Must see feature : rock formations and views
Location of Ampersand Mastodon Mine Loop Trail Joshua Tree
Click here –> Google Maps Mastodon Loop Trail
My Experience Hiking Mastodon Mine Loop Trail
I love desert hiking. The terrain is warm, the plants feel alien and you can see for miles!
Hitting the trail early morning, because even in February things can get hot around here, parking was plentiful. I grabbed my daypack filled with water, snacks and binoculars and set out for what I was hoping would be a great desert hike!
Immediately hitting the trail you’re greeting by a grove of California Fan Palms, which I note is pretty cool since they can provide much needed shade in a place where that is rare.
Walking further along the trail alternates between sandy and hard pack, one wonders how the Ocotillo and Joshua Trees thrive out here.
Soon the trail become stairs. As you climb be sure to look south to the Salton Sea (see image at bottom of this post), which has a very interesting story behind it. Did you bring water? Right about now it’s getting hotter and you’re getting thirsty.
The climb to the top is simple and moderate until the part where you must scramble Mastodon Peak, which I didn’t do because of my acrophobia. But talking to anyone that went up there it’s a treat and should be done.
The strange rock formations and scenic view make for a perfect place to have a snack or lunch. This is about the half way point and you still haven’t experienced the mines!!
If you enter the south entrance to Joshua Tree NP or you’re a bit adventurous with your drive, be sure to take this hike!
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- For quick access to this trail enter Joshua Tree NP through the south entrance
- Fill your water and go to the restroom at the Cottonwood Visitor Center
- Bring binoculars – the views at the top are great
- Avoid this trail in the summer months. The weather in Joshua Tree NP can be extremely hot during the summer months of June – September.
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- Mastodon Peak Trail info on Nat’l Park Website
- Joshua Tree National Park website
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Bring lunch. There are picnic tables in the park to enjoy a lunch after your hike
- Visit the Cottonwood Visitor Center
- Explore more of the park. Go on a Ranger lead program, stay to star gaze or do another hike.
- Get yummy Mexican food at Lorena’s in the city of 29 Palms
FAQ About Mastodon Loop Mine Loop Trail
Early miners thought this monzogranite rock formation looked like a mastodon head.
No. Dogs are rarely allowed on National Park trails, this trail is in Joshua Tree National Park
October through April. this is the coolest time and temps in the region can be very hot!
In Joshua Tree National Park in California.
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
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