Mastodon Mine

Mastodon Mine is a small historic mine site on the Mastodon Peak Loop near Cottonwood Spring. Its weathered machinery and timber remains make it a good stop if you’re interested in the park’s mining past; this is a hike-in visit, not a roadside pullout.

The loop is about 3 miles with 375 feet of elevation gain and takes roughly 2–3 hours. Expect dirt, sand and rock, including steep rocky stretches. There’s no shade or cell service. The park recommends winter, spring and fall; in summer, start before 9 a.m. and bring plenty of water.

The mine remains sit right beside the route. Look for a timbered shaft structure and, across the trail, an ore bin and equipment from the crushing operation. Collapsed office timbers and corrugated metal are nearby. The compact layout rewards a slower look at the old machinery and timberwork. Mine shafts and adits are closed to public entry, so stay on the path and view the remains from outside. For a useful photo, take the timbered shaft and the ore bin/crushing remains as separate close views; they sit across the trail from each other.

George W. Hulsey of Indio worked the claim in the 1930s. It covered about 25 acres, and the Hulsey family continued working it until the park acquired the property in 1971. The ore was crushed with a ball mill. A historical account describes two shafts, about 75 and 20 feet deep; the second one was not located by the account’s author.