This well-preserved mine located in Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most successful mines dug in the area. Out of more than 300 mines dug, the Lost Horse Mine produced a whopping 10,000 ounces of gold and 16,000 ounces of silver in its 37 years of operation. That’s about $5 million in today’s currency! This historical place can be experienced when visitors embark on the easy hike that starts off at Keys View Road. If you are feeling adventurous, why not take on the longer Lost Horse Loop Trail, which goes around the Lost Horse Mountain, and will also take you to the mine.

Visitors will get to see the remarkable wooden stamp mill, which was used to crush ores to obtain gold, and remains in good shape. There are also several fenced-off mine shafts here, and these give a closer look at how mines were run back in the day. Eagle-eyed visitors will also notice the sparse vegetation here; a result of large amounts of lumber being used to power the steam powered pumps, as well as mining equipment. If you’ve always wanted to learn more about the Gold Rush, then look no further than the Lost Horse Mine.