SA Report: Very beautiful, but very dry
Trip Date: 1/20/2014
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Permit/Pass: 7 Day Permit ($15), JT Annual Pass ($30) or National Parks Pass
Trails: NPS Joshua Tree Map, NPS Ryan Mountain map
Directions: From Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) in Yucca Valley follow the signs to JTNP (south on Park Blvd - Quail Springs Rd - National Park Dr) to the kiosk at the Northwest entrance. Drive 11.1 miles on Park Boulevard (be sure to stay left at the junction with Keys View Rd.) to a turnout on the right side of the road. There is parking parallel to the curb here. The trailhead is back a few yards along the road.
Trail sequence: Ryan Ranch trail
Type: Out and back
Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation: Min. - 4254’, Max. - 4434'
Rating: Easy (factors: heat)
Synopsis: Ryan Ranch is a former homestead that was built in the late nineteenth century. This short easy hike takes you to the remains of the mining support ranch. There are remnants of engines and adobe walls and spring pumping equipment. It's an interesting walk into some of the history of Joshua Tree. Please leave everything where you find it, and save the graffiti for adolescent fools.
Ryan Ranch - Joshua Tree National Park
Turn by turn:
-- At the trailhead, just to the west of the path, there is an interesting Yucca brevifolia specimen that has a fallen limb out of which several sprouts are growing. When back on the trail, head southeast for just under a half mile. Soon after the trail begins to circle to the east there it merges with a trail on the right coming from Ryan Campground. Note this junction, and be sure not to get waylaid on this trail on your way back to your car.
-- Shortly after a half mile you reach the site of the abandoned homestead. To the left (north) there are some adobe wall remain, to the east are some former facilities. This is a fun place to pole around for a while, take in the desert scenery, and imagine what such an endeavor would have demanded. Take care of the plants (both for your sake and theirs), and keep track of your wanderings so that you can easily locate the trail and head back to your car.
Photo Gallery: Flickr