Old Dale Road

Old Dale Road is a historic route that served as the central corridor for the Old Dale Mining District in what is now the northeast corner of Joshua Tree National Park. Numerous side trails branch off from Old Dale Road and lead to the remains of old mining sites and ruins to explore. The road is also a fun and challenging off-road trail, with steep climbs into the Pinto Mountains on a narrow, rocky path. Old Dale is a popular destination for overlanders. You can easily plan a multi-day trip traveling Old Dale and its connecting trails, exploring the remains of mining operations, and enjoying the rich geography of the area. This area also makes a great day trip from Joshua Tree National Park — just get an early start as the trail is long and there's much to see. Old Dale Road traverses the two great deserts of Southern California, which meet within the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park. The trail begins in the Sonoran Desert, which is the hotter and drier ecosystem and features vegetation consisting mostly of cholla cacti, ocotillos, and ironwood trees. As you travel north on Old Dale Road you’ll notice the landscape change to yucca, creosote, and the famous Joshua trees, marking the transition to the Mojave Desert.