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Contact Mine Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Running trail in Twentynine Palms, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Contact Mine Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with a well-maintained trail leading up a mountain for scenic views.
What runners say about Contact Mine Trail
“The trail isn't very well maintained, however it's got a large amount of Barrel Cactus up to the mine.”
“Beautiful trail that highlights the wonderful desert landscape.”
“Easy to follow until the end when there are many social trails leading to the mine.”
“Easy trail on the outskirts of Joshua Tree NP.”
Get away from the crowds and be king of the mountain. Great trail, easy 3 mile hike up and excellent views. To get get the best views, once you get to the mine, head up a little further to the top of the mountain (off the trail). You won't be disappointed.
Great views. Cool mine at the end. Some people say they cannot find the mine. But when the mapped trail ends it is right across the small valley plain as day. Just follow the old beat up miner trail right there.
Easy trail on the outskirts of Joshua Tree NP. Did an early morning hike in April. The hike was in shade most of outbound, and then sun inbound. Took about 1.75 hours to complete the trip.
Contact Mine Trail is a pretty enduring hike, this took us about 3-4 hours with resting and taking in the scenery. The trail isn't very well maintained, however it's got a large amount of Barrel Cactus up to the mine.
Trail conditions & character
“Do follow the trail a little farther up to get some different views.”
“It is a bit sandy in the beginning but there are trail markers along the way that make it easier to navigate.”
“This is a 7 mile total, in and out trip.”
“Majority of it is gradual uphill with gravel footing.”
Plan your run at Contact Mine Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance7 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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