Carey's Castle

The abandoned shelter of a desert squatter deep lies within the Joshua Tree Wilderness. Also known as Cary's Castle after Arthur Lloyd Cary who had originally staked out the nearby "Welcome Stranger Mine" in 1938, the tiny homestead is located in the crux between two massive rocks. 

If you can find the shelter hidden in the rocks, you will be met with a remarkable sight. Walk through a small wooden door into the shelter to find a rudimentary bed, kitchen, and window. Flat stones were mudded together to create the walls, while the ceiling is a boulder. The air inside the shelter is incredibly cool, shaded from the hot desert sun outside. Old cans and metal wash bins are among the artifacts. Inside an ammo can is a log book for visitors to sign. 

Located near Desert Center, California, the entrance of the trail is near the park boundary, off Exit I-10 at Chiriaco Summit. This 8.2-mile out-and-back trail, with an elevation gain of 1400 feet, takes you through sandy washes and snaking rock canyons. This off-trail adventure is worth the trek, but it is a completely self-supported wilderness hike without water sources. Be sure to pack accordingly and travel early in the day to minimize the risk of heatstroke. 

Generally considered a challenging route, it is unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while out exploring. The best time to visit is October through March. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as a printed out topo map of the area, or have a good GPS app with a downloaded map as the trail can be difficult to follow at times. Unfortunately no dogs are allowed on this trail.