Barker Dam and Wall Street Mill in Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Hike Barker Dam and Wall Street Mill Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Class 1 4.2 miles Minimal gain 1-2 hr Out + Back Jun 29, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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This hike tours some of the rich history of Joshua Tree National Park, visiting Barker Dam, petroglyphs, and the Wall Street Mill ruins.

I started out from the popular trailhead and made my way north through the Wonderland of Rocks to Barker Dam, a well-maintained trail the whole way. Each time I've visited Barker Dam I've only seen a small amount of water, but depending on rain you might get more lucky. Barker Dam was built for irrigation years ago, and what remains is a cool feature for hikers to check out. I continued along the loop and came across some petroglyphs before heading back to the car.

Next up was a long, flat desert walk to the Wall Street Mill ruins. This old gold mill has been preserved really well and there's a lot of cool old history to enjoy. I returned the way I came after checking it out.

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Starting out toward Barker Dam.
Starting out toward Barker Dam.
Well-maintained trail to Barker Dam.
Well-maintained trail to Barker Dam.
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Really pretty scenery in the Wonderland of Rocks.
Really pretty scenery in the Wonderland of Rocks.
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Approaching Barker Dam.
Approaching Barker Dam.
Barker Dam.
Barker Dam.
Barker Dam
Barker Dam
Continuing the loop past Barker Dam, onward to find the petroglyphs.
Continuing the loop past Barker Dam, onward to find the petroglyphs.
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The trail is sandy and flat.
The trail is sandy and flat.
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Petroglyphs side trail along the way back.
Petroglyphs side trail along the way back.
Petroglyphs.
Petroglyphs.
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Finishing the Barker Dam loop.
Finishing the Barker Dam loop.
Onward to the Wall Street Mill ruins, a flat trail leading from the trailhead through the open desert.
Onward to the Wall Street Mill ruins, a flat trail leading from the trailhead through the open desert.
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Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!