Pros & cons
PROS
- A one-of-a-kind Old West marker with a blunt inscription
- Easy add-on stop along the Wall Street Mill Trail near other relics
CONS
- Original stone was vandalized and is now in a museum; a replica stands here
- Braided paths can make it easy to miss and there are no on-site services
Overview
A stark slice of desert lore, the Worth Bagley Stone marks the spot where Bill Keys shot Worth Bagley during a 1943 land dispute. Keys later chiseled the inscription himself. The original granite marker was vandalized in 2014 and moved to the park museum; today a to-scale metal replica stands at the site to preserve the story while protecting the artifact.
What You'll See
- A modest, headstone-like marker with Keys’ terse inscription, sitting in open desert scrub and sandy wash.
- Nearby historic sights on the same walk include the Wall Street Mill ruins, Desert Queen Well windmill, and even an old car body—so the stone fits into a compact loop of frontier history.
Getting There
The stone sits just off the Wall Street Mill Trail, roughly 0.3 miles from the trailhead off Queen Valley Road. Trails and washes braid here, so follow the main path and signed spurs. If you’re hiking the loop, take the right fork to reach the marker before the mill.
Why It’s Unique
It’s rare to see a monument erected by the man involved in the killing it commemorates. That blunt, hand-hewn message—and the exact spot it marks—make this one of the park’s most memorable cultural artifacts.
Know Before You Go
There are no amenities at the marker or along this stretch—no water, restrooms, or tables. Expect soft sand in places and full sun. The replica is intentionally realistic; look, photograph, and leave everything as you found it.
Wildlife
This is classic Joshua tree and wash habitat. Keep an eye out for lizards and desert birds like quail along the trail.
Best Time to Visit
Aim for early morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and softer light on the inscription. Weekdays are quieter; weekends and holidays see more foot traffic on the Wall Street Mill route. Midday heat makes the sandy stretches feel longer and harsher.
Where it is
34.0340, -116.1330Tips for Worth Bagley stone
- 01Take the right fork on the loop to see it before the mill.
- 02Look for the metal replica—the original stone is kept in the park museum.
- 03Stay on the main path; braided washes can make the marker easy to miss.
- 04Carry extra water and sun protection—there are no services on this trail.
Near Worth Bagley stone
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayWall Street MillEasy walk to the best-preserved historic gold millTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayBarker DamShort loop to a rare desert reservoir, history, and rock artTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayPetroglyphsFilm-brightened rock art in a shaded alcove off Barker DamTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayWall Street Mill TrailEasy desert walk to Joshua Tree’s best‑preserved gold millEasy · 2 mi · 1.5 hr
0.8 mi awayBarker Dam Nature TrailShort loop mixing boulders, petroglyphs, and a rare desert pond.Easy · 1.1 mi · 45 min
0.9 mi awayAstro DomeRemote twin domes with legendary climbs and big Wonderland viewsScenic Viewpoint
2.2 mi awayRyan Mountain TrailShort, steep climb to a signature 360-degree summit panoramaChallenging · 3 mi · 1.9 hr
2.5 mi awayHall of Horrors LoopShort loop with fun slot squeezes and classic Joshua treesEasy · 0.6 mi · 1 hr
