Black Eagle Mine Road

The route described here is a 31.1-mile out-and-back trail along Black Eagle Mine Road, a scenic, backcountry dirt road in Joshua Tree National Park. From Cottonwood Springs Road, the route crosses the Pinto Basin, leaves the national park, enters Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, and reaches the historic Black Eagle Mining Area. Throughout a vast Colorado Desert landscape dotted with green creosote, the trail crosses dry washes and traverses canyons in the Eagle Mountains. Suitable for running, hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking, this route provides solitude, exploration, and camping under a peaceful desert sky.CAMPING AND PERMITSBackcountry camping in Joshua Tree National Park is permitted as long as you are at least one mile from any road, 500 feet from trails and water sources, outside of a day-use only area, and have registered at one of the park's backcountry boards. The nearest registration location to Black Eagle Mine Road is Porcupine Wash.Joshua Tree National Park charges a fee to enter the park. For information about passes and permits please visit https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/fees.htm. WHEN TO HIKEIt is an ideal winter getaway and is not recommended during the summer months. WATERThe route has little shade and no water. Make sure you bring all the water you need. GETTING TO THE TRAILHEADBlack Eagle Mine Road is located about 6.7 miles north of the Cottonwood Springs Visitor Center off of Cottonwood Springs Road. It is located closest to the southern entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, which is accessible via Interstate 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONJoshua Tree National Park