Explore the Secret Mines of Joshua Tree

Eagle Cliff Mine is not on any guide map of Joshua Tree National Park, but conservationist and nature photographer Ian Shive explored this secret spot on a recent trip to this spot in Southern California.

September 13, 2021

By: Ian Shive

Show: Nature in Focus

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Photo By: Ian Shive

The hike out to the Eagle Cliff Mine passes countless rock formations and features, which are especially dramatic in the evening light. I recommend this hike after the heat of day has subsided.

Though as many as 20 to 30 people a day may hike to the Eagle Cliff Mine, you need to be sure you have a good map, lots of water, and be prepared to go quite a bit uphill if you hope to find it. The trail can be hard to find and often crosses with other trails...and this location isn't marked on the national park services map!

Detail of historic replica bottles that once lined the window of the Eagle Cliff Mine in Joshua Tree National Park, California

Detail of shelves and relics from the mining era, Eagle Cliff Mine, Joshua Tree National Park, California

The view looking back towards the doorway of the Eagle Cliff Mine. There are many places like this in America's National Parks that are not marked on a map, but with a little extra effort, can reveal the tremendous and fascinating history that is also protected along with the natural features.

We think of the desert as being a hot dry place (and it certainly was the day I came!), but this is the high desert, almost a mile up at about 4500 feet in elevation, which means in the winter months it can get quite cold and possibly even snow. This fireplace was surely heavily used on those cold, desert nights.

Personal details really add to the experience, though it's accepted that many of these items are replicas of the originals, which were sadly stolen by other hikers in the past. Please preserve what you find and take only photos!

Tucked behind a giant boulder and trees, the entrance to the Eagle Cliff Mine is easy to miss. On my first trip to find the mine I was only 50 feet in front, but never actually found it. Using a more detailed map I finally had success! Dating from the late 1800s, this structure is one of the most well-preserved, though the area was popular with gold prospectors, as well as other types of mining.

I love the addition of the window, as it shows the depth the builders were willing to go to make the space enjoyable. The combined natural light of the cave opening, as well as the window, helps add a dramatic look to photos, too.

Exterior of Eagle Cliff Mine in Joshua Tree National Park. This was once a dwelling in the late 1800s, though little information is readily available.