Cottonwood Canyon holds an interesting site on its western slopes, a site known as the Moorten Mill. There's not much left there to see, and the historical information available for snoopers like me is even scantier. But I'll share what I was able to find, along with some speculation and questions.

I was heading south on Pinto Basin Road (through Wilson Canyon), where the Hexie Mountains close in on both sides of the road for a short time. It's almost like they don't want you to go through. The Hexies are rugged and unforgiving, and they give up their riches grudgingly. As I was nearing my destination, I caught a quick glimpse of some tailings high up on a ridge; as I passed the rocky arm grazing the highway, I spotted another. Hmmm, I will have to check this out on my way back.

This is the tragic tale of a grueling hike that led not to glory, but to madness and despair.... Oooops, that's a different hike. This two-mile roundtrip hike was a great way to spend a couple hours on a beautiful spring morning. There were mines, desert gold, wildflowers and rocks to photograph, explore and contemplate. A perfect start to any day in J Tree.