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Visit a historic old mine site with sweeping views of Death Valley.


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Map Key

1.5

Miles

2.5

KM

57%

Runnable

2,861' 872 m

High

1,319' 402 m

Low

1,542' 470 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

19%

Avg Grade (11°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

The mine site is located in Death Valley National Park and all park regulations apply. The area is open year-round, but the run is best done during the cooler months between October and April.

Need to Know

The site was re-opened in 2017 after stabilization and clean-up by the Park Service. You are advised to stay on the established trail, not climb on the old wooden structures, and stay away from any open mine tunnels or shafts (the Park Service gated the 50 most obvious ones but there are many more).

There are no amenities or water at the trailhead, only a large gravel parking area. Bring extra water, shade, sunscreen, and salty snacks along with you.

Description

Keane Wonder Mine was one of the few successful gold mines in Death Valley and remains as one of the best examples of a historical gold mining operation in the park. The old mill site is a short, easy runl from the parking area but to see the upper tramway terminal and the old mine, you have to do a steep 1.5 mile, 1,500-foot run up the mountain. The neatest thing about this run—beyond the amazing views of the Valley it offers—is the well-preserved tramway, with most of its towers intact, some cables still attached, and one ore bucket hanging in space.

There is an information board at the old mill site and the trail—the old mine service road—to the mine itself goes left (north) uphill from here. The trail climbs steeply—sometimes very steeply—up the ridge, past several of the old tramway towers, for a mile to an old mine adit with a wooden door. Past that, the trail levels off a bit and contours for 0.5 miles to the ore bin and upper tramway terminal. The trail continues on up for 0.3 miles or so to the mine itself. Enjoy the history here and take in the expansive views out over Death Valley, then retrace your steps.

Contacts

Shared By:

BK Hope

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 4 votes

#7086

Overall
  4.8 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#48

in California

#7,086

Overall
7 Views Last Month
840 Since Oct 3, 2018
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Photos

The Path Glitters
Mar 16, 2019 near Badwater, CA
The old tramway towers are still intact
Oct 3, 2018 near Badwater, CA
The upper tramway structure at the Keane Wonder Mine.
Oct 3, 2018 near Badwater, CA
The view of Death Valley from the old mine high in the Funeral Range.
Oct 3, 2018 near Badwater, CA
Starting the climb to the upper mine.
Oct 3, 2018 near Badwater, CA
Remains of the old mill at the bottom of the mountain.
Oct 3, 2018 near Badwater, CA

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