Wild Death Valley

Ibex Mine in Death Valley

The Ibex Mine is a former Cu-Ag-Zn-Pb mine located in sections 21 & 29, T20N, R5E, SBM in the Black Mountains across Buckwheat Wash from the Ibex Hills. The local geology is Precambrian rocks, undivided, “unit 1 Death Valley”. There were numerous foundations and retaining walls typical of these operations.

The Gunsight or maybe Apex Consolidated Mine, Inyo County, California

Nestled near the town of Tecopa, California, the Gunsight Lead-Silver Mine, also known as the Apex Consolidated Mine, sits within the rugged Kingston-Resting Springs Mining District. This historic site, now part of the Kingston Range Wilderness, played a modest but vital role in the region’s early 20th-century mining boom,

From the Archives: The Truth About Death Valley

💡"The Truth About Death Valley" from the Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), August 2, 1931 (Please be patient as the images load, they are very high resolution to make it easy to read when you zoom in)

Black Peak and Rainbow Mountain, Beatty, Nevada

On this hike, we hit Black Peak and Rainbow Mountain which overlook the ghost town of Rhyolite, Nevada. Rhyolite, located near the eastern edge of Death Valley, emerged as one of Nevada's most famous ghost towns during the early 20th century. Founded in 1904, Rhyolite quickly grew during

Carrara and Lee, Nevada

It was a cool day today, only 100F in the Amargosa, so decided to go out and visit a few spots south of Betty. First Stop: Carrara, Nevada The discovery of a fine white marble outcropping in the mountains southeast of the gold town of Rhyolite, Nevada, near Death Valley,

Further afield: The Quest for the Lost Cement Mine

The Sierra Nevada mountains are rich with legends, but few are as captivating as the tale of the Lost Cement Mine. For over 150 years, this elusive gold-rich vein has sparked the imaginations of treasure hunters, adventurers, and history buffs alike. With its origins steeped in the Gold Rush era

Monsoon season in the Mojave

Went out for a drive to watch some of the afternoon monsoon storms roll through the eastern Death Valley region between Death Valley Junction and Shoshone.

Stirling (Sterling) Mine, Spring Mountains, Nye County Nevada

The Stirling Mine (also spelled Sterling), nestled in the northern Spring Mountains just over the Clark County line in Nye County at 36.48976N, -115.95803W (PLSS Mount Diablo Meridian, Township 017S, Range 054E, Section 07, Quarter Section SWNW) at an elevation of 5,901 ft. It was a significant

Lucky Group, Lathrop Wells, Nevada

The Lucky Group mine (also known as Looney Copper and the Lucky Claim), is a minor occurrence of copper located in Nye County, Nevada approximately 5 miles southeast of Lathrop Wells in the Striped Hills. Positioned at geographic coordinates -116.34754, 36.64386 (PLSS Mount Diablo Meridian, Township 15S, Range

Mining in Long John Canyon, Inyo Mountains

Mining in Long John Canyon, located in the Inyo Mountains of California, has a rich history that reflects the broader trends in mining across the Western United States, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Inyo Mountains were part of the larger mining booms that occurred in

Ashford Mine, Black Mountains, Death Valley

❗This trip was taken in January 2021 and there was major flooding in the region during 2023 so I cannot comment on current conditions. The Ashford Mine and Mill's history is a tale of ambition, persistence, and the harsh realities of gold mining in Death Valley. Discovered by

Further Afield

Divide Mining District, Nye County, Nevada

The Divide district, originally known as Gold Mountain, is situated about 5 miles south of Tonopah in the Klondyke Hills. Renamed Divide after new discoveries in 1917, it is centered on the divide along the Tonopah-Goldfield road, west of Gold Mountain (6,647'). Nearby, the Gold Reef district lies

Mining

From the Archives: Another Big Smelter in Greenwater District.

Rainy day at the Queen of Sheba Mine

The history of the Carbonate and Queen of Sheba Mines in Death Valley provides a compelling narrative of the mining industry's evolution in one of the most challenging environments in the United States. Situated in the Panamint Range, the Carbonate Mine was initially located by Clarence E. Eddy

American Mine, Ibex Hills

The Ibex Hills are a rugged and relatively isolated mountain range located in the southeastern part of California, situated on National Park Service wilderness land (Death Valley National Park/Death Valley Wilderness). This area is part of the Mojave Desert and is known for its dramatic landscapes and ecological diversity.

Desolation Canyon, Death Valley

Desolation Canyon in Death Valley National Park offers a unique and relatively less-traveled hiking experience, showcasing the park's dramatic desert landscapes. This canyon is named for its remote, rugged beauty, providing a sense of solitude and desolation that can be profoundly moving. Here are more details about the

Scotty's Castle Flood Recovery Tour

The Death Valley Natural History Association offer an amazing opportunity to see Scotty's Castle during the flood recovery work. Stella and I recently had to opportunity to go on one so posting some of my favorite photos from it. Scotty's Castle, also known as Death Valley

Gerstley Mine Shoshone, California

⌛This is a writeup for a trip on Dec. 31, 2022. The Gerstley Mine, nestled near Shoshone, California, adds a unique chapter to the extensive mining history of Death Valley and its environs, marking its significance in the mining narrative of the Western United States. Discovered in 1922 by Johnny

From the Archives: EIGHT DIE OF SUNSTROKE: Terrible Heat in Inyo Gold Fields Overcomes the Miners. Thermometer at Ballarat Registers 135 at Noon, Falling to 114 at Midnight.

Thermometers back in the day were not all that reliable it's unlikely the temperatures measured in this article are correct. Unfortunately, at the extreme heat levels of the Death Valley region, that distinction doesn't leave one any less dead.

Talc City Hills (and a bonus trip to the Boraxo Mine)

The Talc City Hills, located in the eastern part of California, are a notable geological and historical region known for their rich deposits of talc, a mineral used in various industrial and cosmetic products. This area has been of interest for both geologists and miners for many years, contributing significantly

Death Valley

The Death Valley Railroad (Northern Section)

We explore the northern 4 miles of the Death Valley Railroad and find an early 1900s cemetery.

Death Valley

The Baby Gauge Railroad

On this adventure, we explored the northern end of the Greenwater Range and the old "Baby Gauge" extension of the Death Valley Railroad. The "Baby Gage" Railroad was a 24-inch narrow gauge branch of the 36-inch narrow gauge Death Valley Railroad, which itself was a branch

Wreck of N7304P, northern Greenwater Range

‼️Exploring wreck sites can be a fascinating adventure, offering a unique glimpse into the past. However, it's important to approach these visits with respect and mindfulness. Please remember, these sites are not attractions—they're part of our heritage and often serve as final resting places. We