Hike to the Mastodon Peak and Mine in Joshua Tree National Park

ABOUT THE HIKE: A hike on the Mastodon Peak Trail loop is a fun way to explore the rugged southern part of Joshua Tree National Park without a huge effort. You'll hike on sandy trails that are more Sonoran than most trails in Joshua Tree, then hike up stairs carved in the stone to the base of Mastodon Peak. It's an easy scramble to the top of Mastodon Peak where you are treated to panoramic views of the desert and mountains. After that, the hike passes the abandoned Mastodon Mine on a long easy downhill back to the finish. This is an advanced beginner, 2 plus hour, 3 mile hike, with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain.

Dogs are not allowed on this national park trail.

Find the trail map and video here:
https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/joshua-tree-hikes/hike-mastodon-peak-trail/

ABOUT JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK: Designated a national monument in 1936, Joshua Tree became a national park in 1994. It includes parts of two deserts, each an ecosystem whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation: the higher Mojave Desert above 3,000 feet and the lower Colorado Desert. The park contains some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California and of course forests of the the native Joshua Tre

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From the 10 Freeway, exit Cottonwood Spring Road (approximately 20 miles past Indio).... travel north seven miles.... turn right into the Cottonwood Visitor Center with restrooms available. The use fee for the Joshua Tree National Park is $30. Although there is no toll gate at the southern entry, the entry fee can be purchased at the Visitor Center. Proceed approximately one mile from the Visitor Center past the campground entry to our meetup location at road end at the Cottonwood Springs Oasis trailhead.

DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Joshua Tree National Park, Meetups in Joshua Tree National Park.