Trail Overview

Venture deep into the the history of Joshua Tree on Brooklyn Mine Trail. Explore the abandoned mining camps in the old mining district, where you will follow a deep sandy and rocky wash deep into the mountains. Nestled deep within this trail is the Brooklyn Mine where, if you dare, you can venture deep into the mine itself and experience what it was like to be a miner back in the day. There are awesome places to camp and enjoy the night sky but be careful, the mice come out at night and they're always a curious bunch. Also, please note that the pink mud hills are said to contain traces of Cyanide so try not to disturb the foundation or breathe in the dust too much if you hike on it.

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Difficulty

75% of this trail takes place on a sandy wash where you will carefully navigate through rocks larger than 12" and climb rutted hills with loose rocks and sand.

Technical Rating

Nilda Whitehill

Dec 20, 2025

Open

Ryan C

Nov 16, 2025

Open

Caution if getting close to Rose of Peru Mine, on the trail branch off when heading south leaving Brooklyn mine. The shaft cover has collapsed into the mine, and the edges of the shaft are pretty sketch, like a whole chunk of earth will give out and you will go with it if too close to

Ryan C

Nov 02, 2025

Open

Don’t mess around on Brooklyn Mine Trail in a full size pickup unless you have 4x4 / locker, and the will to take some pin stripes. Made it through in my Raptor, but narrowly made it through a few points. Couple mines at the top that have cages (to prevent falling and access). Was about 92 degrees, but over all a fun trail. Jeeps and Tacomas should be fine with width. Deflated to 25 psi on Old Dale Rd South to North. No issues with traction.

Danielle Blakeman

Apr 01, 2025

Open

Really fun trail with lots of rock obstacles.

Francis m

Jan 04, 2025

Open

Overall it was a pretty fun trail. It was relatively short but the drive up is really beautiful. Trail was really dry and dusty and the hardest parts are some boulders to climb but nothing too severe. I think all 4x4 can do it and maybe an AWD with some driver skills, good spotting, and a good set of tires.

Brad B

Oct 22, 2024

Open

Took the “short route” by taking the Brooklyn mine road off old dale road took about 30 minutes of pretty rocky terrain to get to the loop. Seemed liked clockwise is the easier route but the full loop is fun and challenging and you get to see both mines(Brooklyn/gold standard). It took us about 30 minutes to find the entrance to the Brooklyn mine by missing the entrance by a few feet, but it’s a little past the mine shaft and definitely worth the time it takes you to get out there. All together I would definitely come back to explore more of the area